By Then I Realize That The Real Problem is...I am Not American
By ppruel, 16th Jun 2011 | Follow this author
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Posted in WikinutWritingPersonal Experiences
That very moment, I raised my voice as my reactions said, “My friend, why I should have to affix my signature in the document when I could not understand what was written there. I don’t affix my signature to any document if the language used is not clear to me.”
- June 11, 2011 at Ten AM
- The Licenses are Conjoined Into One Document
- I Had Nothing to Show Off to Him
- My Friend Has Translated What The Guy Has Suggested
- I Had No Intention to Object
- I Raised My Voice as My Reactions
- The Baladiyah Guy Left Without My Signature
- Language Variations Make People Different
June 11, 2011 at Ten AM
It was around ten in the morning on June 11, 2011 when one of Baladiyah personnel (a Saudi national) arrived at my place – a showroom of home decors and other home accessories where I am working with. I am managing this showroom for more than three years now since it started on March 23, 2008.
The Licenses are Conjoined Into One Document
The building we are occupying is divided into two showrooms which are separated by some concrete and gypsum board walls. Each showroom is selling differently of stuff. The showroom I am working is all about home antique decors and other home accessories. The other showroom is selling building instruments and other measuring tools.
The owners of these showrooms are relatives and they are Saudi nationals. The licenses for these showrooms are conjoined into one document with each specification and were approved by Baladiyah Department. This department is responsible for issuance of licenses like business license, building construction license and other licenses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
I Had Nothing to Show Off to Him
When the Baladiyah guy asked me about the license of the showroom where I am working, I had nothing to show off to him instead, I had explained that the person who is keeping it is at the other side - so he asked me to call the person.
So I called my friend who was also a salesman of the other showroom and asked him to speak to the Baladiyah representative in Arabic as the guy could not speak English. Following my request, my friend started the conversation with the Baladiyah guy.
My Friend Has Translated What The Guy Has Suggested
After a while my friend explained to me what the Baladiyah representative has suggested that said, “The showroom where I am working should have its own license because this is a different showroom.”
In addition to it, the Balladiah guy started writing a document in Arabic language using their Baladiyah letterhead. After he has done it, he requested me to affix my signature on the document.
I Had No Intention to Object
Of course, I had no intention to object what he wanted me to do. Although when I asked him to translate to me in English language what he has written on the document, he quickly replied in his Arabic language in which my friend translated to me in English that said, "You’re not American to request such English translations for this Arabic Writings.”
I Raised My Voice as My Reactions
That very moment, I raised my voice as my reactions said, “My friend, why I should have to affix my signature in the document when I could not understand what was written there. I asked you to explain to me but you can’t. I don’t affix my signature to any document if the language used is not clear to me.”
I further said, “It is better to refer you to our office here in Riyadh or leave the document to me and I would send it off immediately to my boss for his decision and action.” And let my friend to translate them to him.
The Baladiyah Guy Left Without My Signature
After a while, the Baladiyah guy decided to leave the place and our conversation ended up but leaving the document to me without my signature.
Immediately I photographed the document and sent it off through attaching it with the email I wrote to my boss with some explanations about what the Baladiyah guy has suggested.
Language Variations Make People Different
When I got home that night, what the guy said was popping up into my head the whole night and I realized that language variations make people different and cause headaches too. But the real problem I saw was - I am not American!
To refresh my previous articles visit the following links:
- Education and Learning Can Also Be Achieved Outside School
- Natural Alternative 4111 Formula to Boost Libido
About the author – I am a father of 3 for 24+years, OFW for 16 years +, A Blogger, Sometimes a Poet, A Writer, Self-motivated. I am friendly animal but can kick you off when it is needed. LOL. I have no specific areas where my writing will focus on. I write any subject under the merciless sun. I am a writer/contributor of Wikinut, Triond, Bukisa, Hubpage and Allvoices.
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Comments
16th Jun 2011 (#)
Tough life.. no other comments will suit this!
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16th Jun 2011 (#)
Got your point dude Prasul and as usual thank you.
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16th Jun 2011 (#)
A good share, and well explained.
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17th Jun 2011 (#)
Thank you Ms. Carol. It was my first I had encountered an inelegant host.
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17th Jun 2011 (#)
What a difficult situation to put you in, ppruel. Good on you for standing up for your rights! Well done on your Star status ...
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22nd Jun 2011 (#)
Thank you Ms. Songbird for your support and understanding. It was my normal reaction though without any intention to annoy the guy.
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20th Jun 2011 (#)
Perhaps the guy meant that you are not an american to ask for an English translation.
Don't think a lot about it dude. ;)
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22nd Jun 2011 (#)
Maybe that was he thought at that time dude Saurik. What had happened suggest an idea - I realize that I would have to learn their langauge, if possible. Thanks.
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21st Jun 2011 (#)
Good for you for standing on your principles, ppruel.
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22nd Jun 2011 (#)
As always dude Steve that is always my stand. Thank you for your precious time and commenting.
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19th Aug 2011 (#)
Well done ppruel. Some people would feel pressured to sign a document whether they could understand or not. What you did was exactly right.
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