Lot of great insights there.
It's entirely possible to function without a shared language, and not be an asshole.
I worked in a kitchen in Prague, when I spoke some functional Czech--and my staff were Czech, American, British, Ukranian, Polish, German, and Ghanian.
The Ghanian and the Pole spoke less Czech than I did, and often spoke in Russian to the Czech and the Ukranian.
But if you pay attention to people, and put away your ego, it's amazing how much you can communicate.
@tyghebright
Wholeheartedly agree!
There are so many ways to exist well together. It's a shame we downplay all the wonder that can grow in the gaps between different spoken tongues.
Also - it sounds like you had a great crew, and experience, in that kitchen. Thank you so much for sharing.