For many sexaholics English is a second language. I am not a language expert. However, I have noticed that issues arise for SAs using English in readings and discussion. A person’s mother tongue is their heart and gut language. When talking about childhood issues, family of origin issues, in my opinion, this is the language that needs to be used.

In my travels outside North America for SA I meet people trying to work our program in English. They are working with translations, though often they do not have copies available to all. They may have out of country sponsors because there is not much sobriety locally. The sponsors may be second language English speakers also. Thus, we end up with people trying to explain their gut level problems in their head language and their sponsors trying to explain the heart level solutions in head language.

When I am doing workshops in other countries, I suggest that someone, even though they have a good command of English, explain their problem or question in their mother tongue. I have someone standing there that translates for them. The questioner can correct or say that was not exactly what I was asking and get it corrected. I respond in English and the response is translated to them even though they just heard it and think they know what I just said. It is amazing how much this helps in communication.

How might this play out in the SA recovery program?

First, I think we must give them a way to have a working copy in all their hands. Something like two columns on a page with one the English version and the other column same content translated into their language. Even Google Translate would be a start. They can then compare the two and get a better look at what it is trying to say. This could also take time after a meeting to suggest changes. Even a bad translation gets them to look at their gut/heart language feelings and ideas. Maybe SA could look at ways to help pay for initial translations. New groups do not have the treasury or often the skills to take on this task.

Second, I believe we should discuss having people at the local level sponsor each other, especially for a newcomer or slipper. Often the newcomer or slipper think that a foreign sponsor will have all the answers. A local person can see their resistance, such as arriving late, and hear their shares. A local person can speak gut to gut, heart to heart. Maybe that sponsorship is better than having someone who has completed all their Steps. I think that remote sponsors are very necessary.* And, it might be best they are reserved for members who have longer term sobriety.

These are just some of my thoughts.

*Maybe a word to the English speaking sponsors for whom it is either native or a second language. When accepting sponsorship or working with current sponsees, suggest that you could be a more sober sounding board or Consultant Sponsor and they could have a stand in local co-sponsor.