Ohlstadt

I joined my mother and aunts in Bavaria this weekend. They are going to see the Passion Play in Oberammergau, performed every ten years for the past four centuries. Only villagers of Oberammergau can participate in the reenactment of Christ's life, death and resurrection. Of the 5,000 people that attend the play, there are only enough accommodations in Oberammergau for around 1,200. Therefore, it was arranged for us to stay in a small nearby village called Ohlstadt. It was so small there was no need for public transportation or taxis, so we walked 15 minutes from the train station to the hotel, all the while admiring the vast green landscape.

At the hotel we were greeted by a “kein English, no English” manager who refused to work with us until it was in German. It was a very good thing I came because I my mom and aunts were not getting anywhere. Plus, my mom was expecting check in and pick up her vouchers and tickets there, but he could not find her reservation. As we sorted it all out, the man asked me, "how will they watch the play if they do not speak German?" They are given the text in English and must follow along, which he claims would make them unable to watch if they must constantly be reading. After discussing it, I decided that he stubbornly believes that speaking is the same as understanding.

I agree that speaking the language increases one’s understanding, but through gestures, body language, tone and context two people can communicate. My mother and her sisters are very familiar with the story of Christ and therefore may not even need to follow the text to grasp the meaning. My father always talked so fondly of playing card games on trains with Europeans or sharing a meal, even though they did not share a common language. If there is a desire to understand each other, it will work. We are paying customers coming from halfway around the world with hopes of learning of a new culture despite language barriers. The least this man could do is try to communicate.