osakarob's blog
Matches without communication?
I'm curious to know about experiences folks have had wrestling opponents when there was no shared language.
Obviously, competitive clubs and tournaments exist where athletes compete without a common language. And for most matches, one could argue that communication is irrelevant. But those kinds of meets are usually organized and managed.
But setting up a match on a site like this usually requires at least some basic level of shared communication, right? Certainly to establish some safety expectations, rules or preferences.
Since many nations around the world speak English as a second language, I presume many matches are set up and conducted in that "lingua franca". But I do wonder if anyone has been successful without much language proficiency between opponents.
Has anyone had any experiences battling with someone without a common shared language?
ScrimmageJock (37)
27/11/2018 0:48I’ve chatted with several where we could use google translator to help us communicate online but I’ve wondered the same thing about a live meeting?
Personally, I think verbal communications during the match are really important. And many mobile apps now do simultaneous audio translations but not sure that would work in the heat of battle? While I was in Munich and Barcelona this year I chose to wrestle guys who also spoke english...but anxious to hear what others say - good question!
matworker (95 )
28/11/2018 16:28I'm an event organiser in the UK.
We often have had visitors from various countries with differing levels of command of the English language.
Most can say at least a few words and that's been enough.
Tapping out is as effective as saying I submit.
Screams of agony can be understood in any language.
(Ok. Mostly it was me tapping or screaming lol)
I fondly remember a match with a young Romanian who had very little English.
We had a pro style match rather than competitive and it was great fun.
I know from his English speaking friends that he enjoyed it too. The smile on his face afterwards did give me a clue.
It can be a bit weird with the language barrier but as I have found out, it's not a barrier to a good match.