Cock Speak, Duck Talk?

The topic of the day is a done to death topic. (And I think a sensitive topic online)

Multi-racial society.

It never fail to amaze me how well we can blend ourselves together unlike other countries where the distinctions are so visible.
Language is never an issue for us. Body language though non-verbal is good enuff to express ourselves.
Of course, the two parties must have the same patience and understanding.
That's what we learn in the old old theory of communication model.
To be able to communicate, we must have some shared values or elements.

Here is one example.

If you are in the affected area, you will know that at some point in October, there are a new kind of lava or mosquitoes (Not Aedes, thanks god!) that are manifesting in the neighbourhoods.
That kind of lava where lizards love the best.
(Best meals for them I hope.
They must have their fill, otherwise you wun see lizard droppings on the corridor)
But we humans are complaining. Though their bites are harmless, their presence is certainly irritating.
One nite, our doorbell rang.
Mum being the usual person to do PR, went to open the door.
Turn out to be the Indian neighbour from the other side of the block.
My dad was not at home so mum has to handle herself.
I was on my way out to help but halfway I stopped myself.
The neighbour was speaking in english, pointing out to the lavas and showing my mum.
Mum with her bad spoken english, managed to give a short reply.
I think mum can handle it so I went back to my room.

Later, I asked my mum, do you know what he said?

She gave me a positive reply in mandarin.
"Yeah, I know. He was telling me about the mosquitoes lah. He got a lot over at his side. He tried to call the town council but they din come. So he wants your father to call again to complain. he got very itchy and irritated by their bites."

I was baffled. I asked how she figure out and how she communicate with him.

She said," He was pointing at the lavas mah. Then I can understand but I duno how to speak enuff english to express myself. I used Hokkien and chinese lor together with body language. Point point here, point point there lah. I am surprise that I can communicate to him on my own."

She continued. "You know wat? I actually can understand his english which was lilted with Indian accent. There are some that I cant even figure out."

I would know why. I think that becoz of our society, we are exposed to the different kinds of people. Somewhat when we live together, the native accent that those immigrants brought with them changes as more cultural interactions take place here. The accents also changes so that everyone can understand each other.
That is the beauty of communication and shared elements.
Becoz we can understand each other.
Language is an important tool but not realli essential in communication.
At least in this case.