So There: Culture and Language

"So There!" he said after he answered my question. I asked another question; he answered and finished, "So There!" After my third question that resulted in the same finish, I was almost chuckling.

For me the words, "So There" invoke images of third grade bickering children. The words, "so there" were, in my cultural frame of reference, an in your face response to some sort of challenge or accusation. Nice children did not say these words.

However, I was talking to a very nice young man on the phone who was attempting to answer my software ordering questions. He was cordial and positive with each of his answers. But, at the conclusion of each answer were the words "So there!" spoken with great emphasis.

The man with whom I spoke obviously had a very high level of language training. He was from another country, but he had very little accent; he spoke clearly and was pleasant. It seemed like it may have been part of his training.

For him - he was proud of his clear communication and following his training.
For me - I was wondering at the strange response and trying not to giggle or start a third grade fight.

Nuance, connotation, and culture in language create connection, gaps and (apparently) giggles. I am always amazed at the potential to offend, misspeak, and create misunderstanding every time we communicate. But, it does not take someone from another country to create these gaps in communication. People from across the country or across the street can just as easily confuse us. Our life has shaped our language(s).

This instance reminded me of the need to try to always see the other person's point of view and the importance of thinking through a whole conversation, email, or communication before responding.

So there!