Language Barriers is something I encounter daily. Because I am half Anglo and half Filipino, people mistake me for being Hispanic. I had never lived in the southern states before so I never had to learn the language. When I moved to San Antonio, I worked in retail (optics) for 13 years, and I could earn commission for my sales. You better believe I tried my hardest to communicate. I could communicate enough to confidently make the sale. I am still not fluent in Spanish but I can get the gist of it.
I believe Captain Dathon's sacrifice was worth it because rather than beginning a war due to miscommunication, only Captain Dathon dies. Maybe it could have been done without him dying, but for entertainment purposes it had a greater impact. As he lay wounded, Captain Picard took the time to understand the language of metaphors. In turn Picard was able to complete the alliance with the alien culture, the Tamarians.
The experience caused Captain Picard to gain an understanding of how important communication is. He knows now that he can not insinuate that another culture, that they can't communicate with, is going to be defensive and want to harm them. Where we might think a gesture or tone of voice is threatening, to the other it is an act of connection or reaching out for friendship. (This is a common thing between my husband and myself, I should have him watch this episode of Star Trek:)
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