Why older and younger people need to talk to each other
Did you know older people speak a different language to younger?
The same words, and the same order to them, but often with completely different meanings.
I have a friend, in her 80’s, who used to be a teacher, and is a firm believer in saying exactly what one means, and meaning exactly what one says. As do most older people I know.
That’s not to say younger people don’t. The problem comes when modern language rules meets older language simplicity. And how this can lead to distress on all parts.
My friend hired a professional arborist, to take care of some problem trees, vines and bushes on her property.
My friend explained that the offending plants needed removing, because they had become so overgrown as to be out of anyone’s ability to control them and it was a constant recurring issue.
Through face to face, txt and email, with photos, they agreed that the problems would be removed. And that’s where the communication fell down.
My friend left the arborist to remove the plants, and carried on about her day. When it came time to pick up her grandchild from school, she passed the arborist, packing up. Finished. My friend glanced over to the part of the garden where one of the problems was, saw nothing there and agreed to pay the invoice.
When she came home and went to show her granddaughter the clearing she could now run around in, she discovered the arborist had only chopped the overgrowth off and left the stumps and trunks to regrow.
This was not what my friend asked for. She asked for the problem plants to be removed.
When queried the arborist said “that’s what I did”.
I have asked other younger people and they agree with her. I asked older people and they disagree with her. As do I.
Why? Simple. If I go to a doctor who tells me I have a tumour that must be removed, I really don’t want the visible part cut off and the root left to regrow. Would you?
Younger people, talk, and listen to older people. Don’t filter their words through your dictionary. And older, people you have to learn to clarify what you say. Ask for feedback, don’t just assume what you said has the same meaning for the young person you are talking to, as it would for your elderly friends.
It wouldn’t hurt you to learn a few new colloquialisms.
Perhaps we need an evolving “Then to Now” dictionary/thesaurus. After all, language is a living thing, and all living things evolve.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.5% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.4% Hmm, maybe?
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11.1% Yes!
Electrician needed
Hi. Does anyone know of a good electrician who does not charge the earth. We need a security light disconnected and blocked off.
Thanks
Barbara
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
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