New Delhi, July 31 -- There is a peculiar confidence that comes from not understanding a word of what is being said to you, the confidence of the gloriously ignorant. I seem to have travelled much of the world sustained entirely by it.

My command of foreign languages has always been spectacularly inadequate. Beyond "hello", "thank you" and the occasional enthusiastic mispronunciation, I rely on pointing, smiling, nodding and an unwavering belief that things will somehow work out.

Surprisingly often, it does.

The curious thing is that while a common language makes life easier, it isn't essential-people have an extraordinary ability to understand one another without sharing words: a raised eyebrow, an animated nod, an encouraging smile o...