Think it's tough to talk to that cutie in your English class? Just be glad you speak the same language. In The Spirit Catches You, we witness a bona fide communication breakdown after Nao Kao and Foua Lee—two Hmong refugees who can't speak English—bring their daughter Lia to a hospital to treat her epilepsy. Nothing like medical problems and totally opposite cultures to show you how messed up things can get when everyone's not on the same page. Which goes to show that there are no heroes or villains in this book—just a bunch of good-hearted people whose misunderstandings have devastating consequences.
Questions About Language and Communication
- What are the benefits for the younger Hmong who can speak English? What are the downsides?
- How does the language gap affect Americans' views of the Hmong?
- Would Lia's medical care have gone better if Nao Kao and Foua spoke English? In what way?
- Which is wider—the cultural gap or the language gap between the Lees and their doctors?
Chew on This
The cultural differences between the Lees and Lia's doctors are a bigger problem than the language barrier, especially because Neil and Peggy know nothing of Hmong culture.
Although the cultural barrier is a big one, being able to speak English might've helped Nao Kao and Foua better discuss their concerns with Lia's doctors.