I snorted. ‘For a great sultan who is lord and ruler of…
““I snorted. ‘For a great sultan who is lord and ruler of all that he surveys, his English is lamentably poor. He can’t even spell England properly.’ Still holding the note, Mr Ascham looked up at me. ‘Is that so? Tell me, Bess, do you speak his language? Any Arabic or Turkish-Arabic?’ ‘You know that I do not.’ ‘Then however lamentable his English may be, he still speaks your language while you cannot speak his. To me, this gives him a considerable advantage over you. Always pause before you criticise, and never unduly criticise one who has made an effort at something you yourself have not even attempted.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage highlights the advantage of attempting another’s language, urging restraint before criticizing those who try.
In simple terms: Trying to speak another’s language gives you an edge; don’t criticize without trying.
Key Takeaway
Learn basic communication before judging others.
Themes
communication
empathy
humility
Mood
thoughtful
empathetic
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- travel
- international business
- multicultural teams
Key Concepts
linguistic effort
cultural respect
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we practice humility in critique?
- What steps help learn another’s language?
A Different Perspective
May overlook structural power imbalances beyond language.