International Communication in the Age of Manual Telephone Operations

In the golden age of manual telephone exchanges, international operators were the linguistic pillars that connected distant lands through telephonic and telegraphy services. Their ability to bridge linguistic barriers was crucial, and their proficiency in various working languages was a necessity.

Language Proficiency: A Beacon of Global Connectivity

The international telephone services of the past relied heavily on the linguistic prowess of their operators. To handle calls and maintain efficiency across borders, operators had to be versed in the major languages of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Primarily, English, French, and Spanish were the languages that every international operator must command. These languages were the bedrock of global communication, connecting different cultures and ensuring that messages were conveyed accurately.

French, being the international postal language, was particularly valued. It wasn't just an additional skill but often the difference between a successful conversation and a brief collaboration. Knowledge of French was seen as an asset that not only smoothed the path of international exchanges but also enhanced the operator's value in a global workplace.

Education and Preparation for International Exchanges

Those destined to handle international exchanges required a higher level of education and language proficiency. In countries like Sweden, operators were expected to have a Grammar School education, equipping them with at least three languages: typically, English, German, and French. This curriculum ensured that operators were well-prepared to handle the multifaceted demands of their roles. However, many operators supplemented their education with additional languages like Spanish, Finnish, and Russian, further strengthening their linguistic versatility.

The story of neighboring countries sharing similar languages, such as Spain and Portugal or Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, illustrates the role that shared linguistic roots played in facilitating communication. However, in countries with completely unrelated languages, the role of senior operators and supervisors was crucial. They often started with a knowledge of French, which was then followed by English. This dual-language approach fostered better understanding and smoother communication even in challenging linguistic environments.

A Personal Testimonial from the Mid-80s: Unlikely Conversations and Cultural Curiosity

A memorable incident from the mid-1980s highlights the cultural and linguistic richness of these exchanges. At that time, I was supervising the operation of the Stockholm-Hanoi HF radiotelegraph circuit. In the office, I had access to the engineering order-wire teletype machine, which was usually silent but occasionally communicated the initial set-up details.

One evening, the machine came to life at an unexpected time. The circuit set-up information was exchanged, followed by a query: "NILS HOLGERSSON PAR SELMA LAGERLOEF." This summons triggered a brief exchange in short-hand French between the Stockholm operator and the Hanoi one. The Stockholm operator responded with a French question: "OUI, QUE VEUX-VOUS SAVOIR," which engaged in a short, clear dialogue about the book and its author.

The Hanoi operator's curiosity about the literature, and perhaps a deeper interest in it, demonstrated how these exchanges could transcend the practical aspects of communication and delve into the world of culture and literature. This story underscores the personal connections that could form between the operators, despite the technological barriers of the time.

Conclusion

Manual telephone operations were far more than just technical tasks—they were cultural bridges. The linguistic abilities and educational backgrounds of international operators were the key to building and maintaining these bridges. From the shared language of the ITU to the personal knowledge of French or English, each aspect played a vital role in the seamless and meaningful exchange of information across borders. Today, while technology has advanced, the importance of clear and effective communication remains as critical as ever.