Is it possible to interpersonally communicate in different languages?

As I mentioned in the previous post, we take speaking and understanding our native language(s) for granted, but the possibility of triggering communication with someone who does not speak the same language(s) as us is there. There are plenty of instances where it’s more often the case (travel, study abroad, work abroad, conducting business, etc.), but also consider our online presence and opportunities to do so. 

Also, in the previous post, I stated: language is just the vehicle driving your message. The communication model is still valid under a cross-cultural context. Whatever message the sender is trying to communicate, it still attempts to fulfill a need that every human can identify with. While it cannot be verbally communicated, there are still nonverbal cues and gestures that can illustrate the message. For written communication, there are pictures and photos that aid the message transmission. While this seems like a stretch, it’s not! 

The best example is international marketing. Aside from written and spoken translation, companies needed to figure out ways to promote and sell their products in the global market. Think about soda: how do you communicate that a beverage is refreshing? You can certainly translate the word “refreshing” OR you can use images of a person who is in the desert and needs a cool beverage. The sounds of snapping a soda can tab, gulping and exhaling in relief. Every human can relate to these things; no language required. 

Do you think it’s possible to interpersonally communicate in different languages? Are there other examples? Let me know in the comments!