Asking Quote by Kató Lomb
“Solely in the world of languages is the amateur of value. Well-intentioned sentences full of mistakes can still build bridges between people. Asking in broken Italian which train we are supposed to board at the Venice railway station is far from useless. Indeed, it is better to do that than to remain uncertain and silent and end up back in Budapest rather than in Milan.”
About This Quote
Even imperfect language attempts can bridge cultural gaps; effort and humility in communication are more valuable than flawless grammar.
In simple terms: Broken language still builds bridges.
Key Takeaway
Communicate despite mistakes.
Themes
communication
humility
cross‑cultural
Mood
hopeful
encouraging
Type
practical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- travel
- business negotiations
- online forums
- education
- friendship
Key Concepts
language learning
empathy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you clarify when language fails?
- What benefits arise from risking imperfect speech?
A Different Perspective
Misunderstandings can still occur.
![“[R]epetition is as an essential element of language learning as a knife is to a lathe or fuel is to an internal combustion engine.” quote by Kató Lomb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b5/kat-lomb-24867_education_r-epetition-is-as-an-essential-element-o_424544.jpg)
![“[S]tudy has never been a burden for me but always an inexhaustible source of joy.” quote by Kató Lomb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e3c/kat-lomb-24867_happiness_s-tudy-has-never-been-a-burden-for-me-bu_487292.jpg)
![“[T]he time spent on language learning is lost unless it reaches a certain—daily and weekly—concentration.” quote by Kató Lomb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5b5/kat-lomb-24867_language_t-he-time-spent-on-language-learning-is_1791226.jpg)
![“[S]elf-assurance, motivation, and a good method play a much more important role in language learning than the vague concept of innate ability, and that dealing with languages is not only an effective and joyful means of developing human relationships, but also of preserving one's mental capacity…” quote by Kató Lomb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/876/kat-lomb-24867_human-relationship_s-elf-assurance-motivation-and-a-good-me_2151878.jpg)
![“[B]ooks, which can be consulted at any time, questioned again and again, and read into scraps, cannot be rivaled as a language-learning tool.” quote by Kató Lomb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a12/kat-lomb-24867_language_b-ooks-which-can-be-consulted-at-any-tim_2622404.jpg)
