Unexpected Complication

What is an Unexpected Complication?

When you are first learning a new language, you practice using it in realistic situations. However, those situations are usually simple. When you practice with your classmate and teacher, the conversations are clear and easy. As you begin using English more frequently in real-life situations, you are likely to find that communication becomes more complicated.

It is important to note here that when we are talking about a communication complication, we are not talking about language misunderstandings. You have likely had experiences since the beginning of your language learning experience when someone did not understand what you were trying to say or you did not understand the person you were talking to. Comprehension issues are a different concern, but sometimes they can lead to an unexpected complication.

An unexpected complication means that a problem occurs and is not easily solved. In these situations, the speaker needs to work a little harder to fix the problem. Sometimes these problems come from a change in the situation, a misunderstanding (comprehension issue), or a mistake.

How do I Respond to a Complication?

There are a few important things to consider when you are in an unexpected complication:

Find a Solution

The problem is often not easily solved. You may have to suggest a few different solutions before you and the other(s) in the conversation are satisfied.

For example:

Imagine that you forgot to take a test before the deadline. The simplest solutions would be (1) accept a 0 grade because it was your mistake or (2) ask the professor to let you take it later. If you think about both of these solutions, they are not ideal for either person. You would want to find a different solution together. In your conversation with your professor, you could offer excuses for why you missed the test. The professor might explain how giving you extra time to take the test is unfair to your classmates.

How would you compromise with the professor to find a solution that would be best for both of you?

Most of your suggestions in these unexpected complication will require you to use conditional statements using if:

If I can find the receipt, can I return and get a full refund?

What if I offer to pay for the damages?

Would it be ok if I take the test at a later time?

If my luggage arrives late, can I receive some of my money back for the inconvenience?

Be Polite

In situations like the conversation with your professor, it is easy to remember to be polite with the other person. The power difference between student and professor is usually very clear to both people. Additionally, it is clear that it was your mistake and that you are asking for a favor in this situation.

However, there are many unexpected complications that could be very frustrating to the speaker and make it harder to stay polite.

For example:

Imagine you are flying to visit your family for the holidays. You are waiting to board the plane, but they say the flight is delayed. You realize that if you do not leave soon, you will miss your connecting flight.

It is common in a situation like this to express anger. Another issue is that if you use direct language to resolve the problem, it can be interpreted as anger.

To soften our language, we use hedging words and phrases.

Here are some examples of softening language:

MODALS

Could I change my flight? vs Change my flight.

ADVERBS

Is the flight likely to leave soon? vs When will the plane leave?

Can I possibly change my flight? vs I need to change my flight.

QUESTION PHRASING

Do you think...

Would it be possible...