The language of game-playing

I watched the group shooting baskets. They ranged in age from around 17 to around 28. Earlier they had been struggling to communicate across language barriers.

They had exchanged names and then faltered as they tried to talk about more complicated topics. They wanted to build relationship, but language created more of a barrier than a bridge. Although they continued to smile at each other, frustration showed in body language.

Then someone bounced a basketball in the adjacent courtyard. First one drifted over to see what might be going on, then another moved that direction, hesitant to abandon the effort to talk.

Soon they were organized into teams, shooting baskets, laughing and enjoying each other's company. All signs of frustration melted away. They were connecting through a completely different language -- the universal language of game playing.

Over the week, the sound of a basketball in the courtyard was a frequent and joyous sound. They called each other's names in celebration of good shots, in teasing about bad shots, and in encouragement to fellow team members.

The same sort of camaraderie developed over an Uno game in the open air dining room, where otherwise shy members of the group were drawn into growing relationships within the familiarity of drawing cards, playing cards, and shouting Uno.

Having grown up in a game-playing family, I am aware of the relationship-building that results from playing together, sharing a game. Time spent over cards, dominoes, board games and so on creates opportunities for understanding each other and valuing each other.

Seeing the principle at work, however, in a situation where language connections did not exist made me wonder . . . what would happen at international summit meetings and other diplomatic/political gatherings if the various members played Uno or 42?