Latest news with #dialogue
Bloomberg
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Bloomberg
South Africa No. 2 Party Stays in Coalition, to Boycott Dialogue
South Africa's fractious coalition survived after the second-largest party opted to stay in the government following its ultimatum to President Cyril Ramaphosa for firing one of its members as a deputy minister this week, while announcing it won't take part in a national dialogue. Ramaphosa set up the panel that includes business leaders, actors and the captain of its national rugby team to guide a dialogue on the country's future development path. The Democratic Alliance made the decision after accusing the president of double standards because he fired one of its members as a deputy minister for traveling abroad without permission while members of his African National Congress who were implicated in corruption retained their cabinet posts.
South China Morning Post
16 hours ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
South Korea tries a different tack to sway its nuclear-armed neighbour: an olive branch
On a day heavy with memory, South Korea 's President Lee Jae-myung invoked the language of peace, urging restraint and dialogue even as the nuclear-armed North forges deeper ties with Russia and the Korean peninsula bristles with tension. 'The surest way to secure our safety is to build peace – peace so strong that there is no need to fight,' Lee said in a solemn social media post, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the onset of the Korean war. The conflict from 1950–53 left millions dead and ended with an armistice, but no peace treaty. 'The era of relying solely on military strength to defend the country is over,' Lee wrote in his post. 'It is better to win without war than to win through war.' His message was more than just rhetoric. In recent weeks, Lee's newly formed government has moved to recalibrate the peninsula's dangerous status quo, seeking to nudge North Korea from confrontation to conversation, even as the spectre of conflict looms larger than at any time in recent memory. A North Korean soldier stands guard in a watchtower next to a giant loudspeaker (right) near the demilitarised zone dividing the two Koreas on June 12. Photo: AFP In a gesture laden with symbolism, Seoul this month halted its loudspeaker propaganda broadcasts along the border – the first such move in a year. Within hours, Pyongyang reciprocated, silencing its own speakers.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
13 Phrases To Wipe From Your Vocabulary—They Come Off As Arrogant
It's often the subtlest phrases that can derail conversations and even relationships, those little verbal tics that slip in unnoticed but pack a wallop of unintended arrogance. They may masquerade as confidence or intelligence, but they often come across as self-important or dismissive. The truth is, our words can quietly mold the atmosphere of our interactions, often determining whether we're seen as approachable or aloof. Here's a look at 13 phrases you might want to retire from your vocabulary if you want to foster genuine connection without the baggage of arrogance. It's tempting to frame your knowledge as a gift you're bestowing upon someone else, but starting with "Let me educate you" can land as patronizing. This phrase assumes a lack of knowledge on the other person's part, immediately creating an uneven playing field. The truth is, people are more receptive to new information when it's presented as a shared discovery. According to communication expert Deborah Tannen, language should invite collaboration, not competition. So rather than positioning yourself as an all-knowing oracle, consider framing your insights as part of a dialogue. Phrases like "Have you ever thought about..." or "It might be interesting to consider..." invite curiosity rather than resistance. The goal should be to engage in a mutually enriching conversation, not a one-sided lecture. When you approach exchanges with openness and humility, you'll find others are more eager to engage and contribute their own perspectives. When you declare something as "just common sense," you're essentially invalidating someone else's perspective. It implies that the information is so obvious that failing to recognize it is a flaw on their part. But here's the catch: what's common to one person is not necessarily common to another, shaped as we are by different experiences and backgrounds. Elevating your own view as the baseline for commonality is a subtle form of arrogance that stifles meaningful dialogue. Instead, try acknowledging the diversity of thought that exists in any given situation. A simple shift to saying, "From my perspective..." or "In my experience..." can transform the dynamic of a conversation. This not only makes your viewpoint clear but also leaves room for other voices to enter the discussion. After all, the most enlightening conversations often come from the blending of different perspectives. This phrase is a conversation-stopper, a verbal wall that shuts down any opportunity for growth or understanding. By stating someone "obviously" doesn't understand, you place yourself in a position of superior knowledge, which can come across as condescending. According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, such language diminishes the perceived credibility and warmth of the speaker. It's a fast track to alienating your conversational partner and leaving them feeling belittled. A more constructive approach is to frame your observations as questions or reflections. "Can we explore this a bit more?" or "What are your thoughts on this?" invites the other person to share their understanding and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. This approach not only enriches the conversation but also positions you as a partner in understanding, rather than an adversary. The goal is to build bridges, not barriers. Voicing the belief that you have all the answers can feel like a power move, but it often reads as arrogance. It suggests a closed mind, unwilling to entertain alternatives or explore new avenues of thought. The reality is, life is complex, and no one person holds the definitive guidebook. Claiming otherwise shuts the door on the serendipity of learning from others. Consider adopting a mindset of curiosity instead. Phrasing like, "Let's figure this out together" or "I'm open to other ideas" encourages a spirit of collaboration. It positions you as someone willing to learn as much as you teach. The conversations that emerge from this stance are often richer and more rewarding for all involved. Honesty is a virtue, but wielding it like a blunt instrument can come off as arrogance cloaked in transparency. The phrase "I'm just being honest" can often serve as a prelude to criticism or dismissiveness, making it a verbal weapon rather than a bridge. Research conducted by Robin Kowalski, a professor of psychology at Clemson University, suggests that brutal honesty often does more harm than good, eroding trust and intimacy. Before leaning on this phrase, consider the impact of your words and whether they contribute to or detract from the conversation. Opt for thoughtful honesty, which values both truth and tact. Saying "I feel differently about this" or "Here's how I see it" can open up space for an honest exchange without the collateral damage. The aim should be to foster understanding, not to assert dominance. This phrase carries a distinct whiff of condescension, implying that someone lacks the wisdom or experience to grasp the situation at hand. It discounts their current understanding and places you as the gatekeeper of maturity and insight. While it might be true that experience shapes perspective, dismissing someone else's viewpoint in this way is a conversational dead end. A more inclusive approach is to share your experiences while inviting their input. Phrasing like, "From my own experiences, I've found..." or "What's your take on it?" allows for a two-way exchange of insights. This respects the other person's perspective while also sharing your own. Conversations rooted in mutual respect tend to bloom into the most meaningful relationships. Labeling yourself as a "perfectionist" might be intended to convey a dedication to high standards, but it often reads as a humblebrag with an edge of superiority. It suggests that your pursuit of excellence somehow sets you apart from mere mortals who settle for less. According to psychologist Thomas Curran, perfectionism often masks insecurity rather than signaling superiority, creating barriers rather than bridges. Rather than using "perfectionist" as a badge, consider discussing your commitment to growth and learning. Phrases like "I always strive to improve" or "I'm dedicated to learning" can communicate your values without implying judgment on others. This not only makes you more relatable but also opens the door to shared journeys of improvement. After all, growth is a collaborative process, not a solo endeavor. Declaring that someone is overreacting minimizes their feelings and invalidates their experience, suggesting that their emotional response is unjustified. It positions you as the arbiter of appropriate reactions, often escalating rather than defusing tension. Emotions are complex and deeply personal, and dismissing them can damage trust and intimacy. Instead, strive to validate the other person's emotions, even if you don't fully understand them. Phrases like "I see that this is important to you" or "Help me understand how you're feeling" can go a long way in creating a supportive atmosphere. This approach fosters empathy, paving the way for a more productive dialogue. In the end, acknowledging emotions is the first step toward resolving them. Few phrases are as infamous for their smugness as "I told you so." It's a declaration of your own foresight, often at the expense of someone else's misstep. While it might momentarily boost your ego, it does so by diminishing the other person, sowing seeds of resentment. Winning the momentary battle of egos often costs far more than it gains. Instead of focusing on being right, center the conversation on what can be learned moving forward. Phrases like "How can we tackle this together?" or "What did we learn from this?" redirect the focus from past errors to future solutions. This not only preserves relationships but also strengthens them through shared challenges. After all, the best teams are forged in the fires of collaboration, not competition. The phrase "that's impossible" not only limits your own thinking but also douses the creativity and optimism of those around you. It declares an end to possibilities, often before they've even been explored. While skepticism has its place, dismissing ideas outright stifles innovation and growth. Visionaries and problem-solvers thrive on possibility, not impossibility. Consider adopting a mindset of possibility instead. Phrases like "What would it take to achieve this?" or "How can we approach this differently?" open the door to creativity and collaboration. By focusing on potential solutions rather than immediate limitations, you not only inspire others but also uncover new pathways forward. The best ideas often spring from the fertile ground of open-mindedness. Declaring that you don't have time for something often comes across as dismissive, implying that your schedule and priorities are more important than someone else's. It can make others feel undervalued or unworthy of your attention. In truth, we all navigate busy lives, but the choice of words can make a significant difference. Rather than dismissing the situation outright, consider acknowledging the other person's concern while expressing your constraints. Phrases like "I'd love to discuss this further, but I'm tied up right now" or "Can we revisit this when I have more bandwidth?" offer respect while maintaining your boundaries. This not only preserves relationships but also fosters mutual understanding and respect. This phrase is a quick way to shut down a conversation and make someone feel excluded or belittled. It presumes a gap in understanding that's insurmountable, positioning you as the keeper of elusive knowledge. Such language creates distance, often fostering resentment instead of resolution. A more inclusive approach is to invite questions and encourage dialogue. Phrases like "Let's dive into this together" or "Here's how I see it—what's your perspective?" invite others into the conversation. This not only enriches the exchange but also fosters a sense of belonging and collaboration. The most rewarding conversations are those where everyone feels welcome and valued. While the intention behind "If I were you" might be to offer perspective or guidance, it often lands as presumptuous. It suggests that you know better than the person experiencing the situation firsthand, which can feel patronizing. This phrase often overlooks the unique complexities and nuances that only the individual facing the challenge truly understands. Instead, offer your support and insights without assuming superiority. Phrases like "Based on my experiences..." or "Here's what I might consider..." allow for sharing without overshadowing. This not only respects the other person's autonomy but also opens the door to mutual problem-solving. In the end, the most effective support is that which empowers rather than prescribes.
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Politics
- Times of Oman
HM The Sultan receives phone call from Austrian Chancellor
Muscat - His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik today received a phone call from Christian Stocker, Chancellor of the Republic of Austria. During the telephonic conversation, His Majesty the Sultan and the Austrian Chancellor reviewed the sound relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Austria. They discussed ways to develop areas of cooperation and partnership in various sectors in a manner that achieves the aspirations of the peoples of the two countries. His Majesty the Sultan and the Austrian Chancellor also commended the decision of ceasefire between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Israel, deemed a measure to protect the security and stability of the region. They also stressed the importance of consolidating dialogue, resolving disputes through peaceful means and wisdom, and according priority to the supreme interests of countries and peoples.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Henry Jackson Society hosts talks with secretary-general of the Muslim World League in London
RIYADH: The Henry Jackson Society hosted a dialogue with Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general and chairman of the Muslim World League, at its headquarters in London. The meeting touched on Islam's message of dialogue, promoting understanding and coexistence among countries and peoples, particularly among the diverse communities in multicultural societies. Al-Issa commended the British Muslim community for its respect for the law, its commitment to social cohesion, and its active engagement in the United Kingdom. He said that this positive impact has been well documented in reports issued by the Muslim World League and affirmed by senior British officials during official meetings. He noted that the British Muslim community ranks among the four largest in Europe and, more recently, the most prominent among Muslim minorities in Western countries, distinguished not only by its population size but also by its growing presence in senior government positions. The discussion underscored the important influence of a mindful family, quality education, and accountable media in cultivating awareness, reinforcing sound thinking, and combating harmful, misleading, and extremist ideologies. He noted that during a meeting with King Charles at Buckingham Palace, he conveyed the greetings and appreciation of Muslim scholars and intellectuals affiliated with the Muslim World League. Al-Issa commended the British monarch's thoughtful and sincere perspective on Islam, particularly in light of increasing Islamophobia and hostile campaigns driven by ideological extremism. Al-Issa said that Islam is best represented through its message of moderation, conveyed by its leading official institutions. The Muslim World League is the voice of Muslim communities worldwide and was the sponsor of the historic 'Makkah Document' — a pivotal contemporary Islamic charter endorsed by more than 1,200 leading muftis and scholars. At a March 2023 conference in London, British Muslims described the document as a foundational religious charter, reflecting the scholarly consensus of the Islamic world under the MWL umbrella, and carrying profound significance because it was issued from Makkah, the spiritual heart of Islam and home of the Kaaba. The secretary-general of the MWL said in a statement that 'the Organization of Islamic Cooperation serves as a voice for Islam from the standpoint of the Islamic nations.'
