Interesting... --- I think this is an excellent point and I hope we can have some further discussion about it. If not strictly part of "the context" it certainly can impact the way a person perceives the world and, therefore, some messages and/or signals from speakers. In Mexico we have a saying "La burra no era arisca, los golpes la hicieron". A very rough translation would be "the donkey was not aggressive, she became so after many beatings." So yes, how do previous experiences (even trauma?) can condition a conversation? And, if so, can we extrapolate it to the international/diplomatic level? Do countries or political leaders have "traumas" we need to consider when delivering a message?

Source author: Desirée Colomé Menéndez dcolome@sre.gob.mx