But wait…wait…What has this got to do with language?  I’m coming to it…

…Almost before the other driver passed me in a flash, out of the corner of my eye I saw his hand go up in apology, and saw him mouth “sorry.” So…there’s where language comes into this. In a potentially disastrous situation the other driver sorted his road positioning and had the time, and manners, to apologise to me in two ways: both visual, but both using different forms of language.

Everyone appreciates an apology, or should do anyway. It costs nothing and mends broken bonds.

So, what did I take from this? There are many forms of language, not just written. Sometimes a simple gesture can speak volumes and make a bad situation that little bit better. It’s knowing what to say and when to say it that’s important.

“See it all, till tomorrow”