Whilebrowsing aroundon the BBC Sounds app, Icame acrossan interesting programme called ‘Word of Mouth’. It is a series that explores ‘the world of words and the way in which we use them.’ I chose to listen to an episode called 'Talking to Strangers’ in which the presenter interviewed a psychologist, Gillian Sandstrom and an author, Joe Keohane who are both experts in the matter. They discussed the fact that although many people avoid engaging with strangers, it can be very beneficial for ourwell-being.

They talked about theetymologyand explained that the latin word for guest is ‘hostis', which means both stranger and enemy and is the root of both the English words, ‘hostility' and ‘hospitality. There is an interestingparadoxhere around the idea that meeting strangers has both positive and negative aspects, likea double-edged sword. Joe says that it ‘speaks to what is the central problem when dealing with strangers, which isreconcilingthe threat or uncertainty that they may produce with the opportunity that they present'.

Gillian talks about the importance of ‘weak ties’, who she describes as people in our local community that we recognise or sometimes haverandomchats with. Although these acquaintances aren’t what we would call ‘friends’, theyrootus and make us feel like we belong in a place. I like the way Tanya describes this when she she says that they ‘make upthebackdropof an area and keep us grounded.'.

So why do many people struggle withstriking upconversations with strangers? Why is there so muchreluctance? It can bedauntingand there’s often a fear of being rejected or not knowing what to say. There’sa social normagainst it and in the 80s, which I remember, there was a lot ofpropagandaabout Stranger Danger that made peoplewaryand is still felt today.

I feel I could go on and on but this piece is already quitelengthy so I’lldraw to a closehere. I really recommend listening to the whole programme as they have some fascinatinginsightsand tips about how toovercomeour shyness and benefit from the wonderful world of talking to strangers. It can be a particularly good way to improve language skills although in my experience it’sdoublyhard in another language. Despite this, I think it’s a great skill to work on and by doing so regularly, you will reallyreapthe benefits.