Communication without Communicating: The Peril of Unintended Interpretation
By Ishola, N. Ayodele “miscommunication or misinterpretations in critical situations can have profound and sometimes irreversible implications” The Yoruba proverb goes, "A i soro yanran lo pa elenpe akoko, to ni gba wuwo ju awo lo," which translates to "Lack of clarity in communication causes the death of Alenpe the first." The tale unfolds with Alenpe, the esteemed village chief known for his vast knowledge and experience, engaged in a heated argument with the elders of his community. The dispute revolved around the weight of the calabash compared to the ceramic plate. Chief Alenpe staunchly asserted that the calabash was heavier, a notion considered absurd by everyone, even children who recognized the calabash as very light. In his unwavering confidence, Chief Alenpe went as far as wagering his life, proclaiming that his head should be cut off if the calabash was not heavier. Perceivi...