Aina Mannor

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation, pleasantly surprised by how attuned and creative you were in your use of language? This is often a manifestation of what’s known as “the state of social engagement”, a serene and harmonious condition where we feel safe, relaxed, and deeply connected to ourselves and, importantly, to others. In this state, our ability to communicate reaches its zenith, transforming us from mere speakers to empathetic communicators, adept in the subtle dance of language and rich in emotional intelligence.

This concept isn’t just a theoretical framework for me; it’s a lived reality. In my quest to master three additional languages beyond my native tongue, I’ve navigated the spectrum of feeling linguistically empowered to grappling with the challenge of expressing complex thoughts in a new language. I remember a moment when, after months of struggle, I found myself effortlessly conversing with a native speaker, fully immersed and connected. It was a clear demonstration of how developing our language and communication skills can summon the state of social engagement, paving the way for open, honest, and compassionate dialogue. It’s about more than just speaking and listening; it’s about truly connecting.

Through my experiences at Talkindeed and my personal language learning journey, I’ve come to realize the transformative power of fostering this state of social engagement. It’s not merely about using language and non-verbal cues for communication; it’s about building bridges of empathy and understanding. Reflect on your own experiences – when have you felt this connection? This, in my view, is the essence of true communication and the core of what I strive to achieve.