I’ve added another entry to my list of good-listening words from six years ago. It’s in the post “Conversation: noun, ‘a turning with.'” Here’s the addition:
acknowledge: “to admit understanding or knowing”
from Old English on, “into,” and cnawan, “recognize,” blended with Middle English knowlechen “admit”
How wonderful it is when someone hears honesty from your heart and acknowledges—with words or with the lack of words—the reality, the truth, the significance of what you are feeling.
[For a reminder on the importance of listening for those who cross cultures, go here to connect the dots.]
[photo: “Listen,” by Britt Reints, used under a Creative Commons license]
Clearing Customs 