Now that we've discussed adapting to new cultures, let's talk about language barriers and ease of communication. It's one thing to order coffee; it's another to discuss life's complexities. Today, we're comparing Finland and Israel.
You called it a "linguistic arena," Mira. I envision a gladiatorial match with dictionaries instead of swords. Let's start with Finland. Finnish seems composed entirely of consonants playing hide-and-seek with vowels. I've tried saying "Hyvää päivää" ("good day"), and my tongue tied itself in knots.
Finnish is unique, belonging to the Finno-Ugric family, distinct from most European languages. No articles, complex noun cases—it's like learning math from scratch. But most Finns, especially younger generations, have excellent English skills. Asking for directions to the nearest sauna will likely get an English response.
"Perfect English," you say? I picture them with a deadpan expression, delivering Shakespearean prose. Finnish people are comfortable with silence. A pause isn't awkward; it's "thinking time." I once waited so long for a reply in a Helsinki café, I thought the barista had turned to stone. Then, calmly, "Your coffee is ready."
Perhaps he was appreciating the quiet moment. Their communication style is direct, without small talk. It's refreshing. It's like, "Here's the information, let's move on." I once pointed at bread in a bakery, and the baker nodded—no questions asked.
Let's move to Israel, where directness has a different flavor. Hebrew is spoken with...enthusiasm. People interrupt, talk loudly, use hand gestures. It's not rude; it's their communication style. I saw vendors haggling so passionately, I thought they were debating the meaning of life, not the price of a tomato. Then they high-fived.
Israel is a cultural melting pot, influencing communication. Besides Hebrew, Arabic is official; you'll hear Russian, Amharic, and English. If you don't speak Hebrew, you'll likely find someone who speaks one of those languages. English is widely spoken, especially in major cities and the tourism sector.
While English is common, especially among younger Israelis, their Hebrew communication is incredibly direct, sometimes feeling like an interrogation. They might ask very personal questions—not out of nosiness, but as a way to connect. "How much did you pay for that shirt?" I'm thinking, "Is this a fashion critique or a financial audit?"
That directness can be surprising, but it also shows genuine openness. For our listeners, learn "Shalom" (peace, hello, goodbye) and "Todah" (thank you). You can find language learning articles on jetoff.ai.
In both countries, you might struggle with the language, but they'll switch to English. In Israel, you might say "Shalom," and they'll respond in a mix of Hebrew, English, and a family story. Finland's quiet efficiency versus Israel's energetic directness—fascinating.
Whether you prefer Finland's calm communication or Israel's lively exchanges, both countries bridge the language gap with English. For a long-term stay, learning Finnish or Hebrew opens up a new world. Like this video and comment below with your experiences.
If you think we got anything wrong, correct us in the comments. I'm always looking for new material.