Cultural Lesson #1
by sharethewell
When you compliment someone in America on their clothes or their hair or something of the sort, they normally say “Thank you” and move on.
Here, they try to give you the clothing item. And instead of saying “Thank you,” they will tell you, “No, your eyes are ones that see beauty.”
Since I’m learning the language and all I can pick out is “eye’ and “beautiful,” I normally think they’re just telling me I have nice eyes. And say thanks back. Whoops.
Before coming here, the best advice we received about learning a new language was “Don’t be afraid to look like an idiot.” Hm. Accomplished. For the idiotic moments in the past and the many more that are in my near future, I’m thankful for laughter.
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HAHA! Keep at it, sis. A good thing about being a foreigner is that you are often entertaining to those around you.
So good to hear all these true stories–or events–not sure how to spell antedotes ?
When all else fails, just say “me not know” … it really makes a good impression. Go, Audrey, Go!
Audge,
I couldn’t help but think about how hilarious it would’ve been if you had tried to give them your eyes in response to their misunderstood compliment. …ehh too much maybe.
Thank you so much for your frequent updates. Love to you!
Love it (and I know the feeling)! During our small group the other night I was writing down words as I would hear them. Afterward, some of the group was helping me translate them… and laughing at all of the mistakes I had made. Haha!