How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph.Page)
Quote #7
Hearing what seemed to be the near certainty in Mujaddid's statement, the strong implication that Reliant's grip on the IT sale was unshakeable, gave Alan a burst of confidence. (XXV.38.219)
Alan's unrelenting optimism leads him to grasp at any indication of Reliant's success. Even Mujaddid's slightly encouraging tone gives Alan everything he needs to hang in there for just one more day. But communication in this part of the world is slippery and uncertain, even if these two are speaking the same language. Alan doesn't yet grasp that Mujaddid must play a game with him in order to keep Reliant on the sidelines, just in case.
Quote #8
"All these pictures. You work for the CIA or something?"
The man's smile seemed more genuine now, and it must have loosened something within Alan.
"Just some freelance work," Alan joked. "Nothing full-time."
The man's head snapped back an inch, as if he'd smelled something disagreeable, something unnatural. (XXVII.20-23.257).
Alan's unfortunate banter with Yousef's slightly paranoid neighbor shows that he's just not good at a) interpersonal communication and b) cultural context. He relies on his old method of joking to force a temporary relationship with this man, but it's clearly not appreciated. Alan's lack of sensitivity and social perception nearly ends in tragedy on this trip, but even more, it drags down any chance of success from this Saudi Arabian venture.
Quote #9
The work was slow, and the language barrier made it frustrating on both sides, but Alan felt good being outside, using his arms and legs, sweating through his shirt and khakis, and by the end of the day, they'd completed about eighteen feet of the wall. It was far better than the one he'd build in his own yard. (XXVII.82.264-265)
Interestingly, Alan only gets things done when he can't speak with his co-workers. He's stopped to help a group of Saudi workers build a wall, just so he can do something with his hands. When he can keep his brain and his words to himself, he seems to do all right despite the frustration.