Because I was traveling I was unable to keep up my photo blog, but now that I am back in China I have more free time. I did take a few pictures from each of the places I visited; however, not all of them turned out really nice. I will only post the USA photos that I find visually pleasing, then back to photos from China.One thing that I noticed while being back in the states was the amount of gratitude and verbal thanks everyone was giving. It made me uncomfortable because I wasn't sure if I was saying thank you enough. In China, Americans tend to say xie xie (thank you) way too much and we make our friends and host families uncomfortable. In China, it is unnecessary to say thank you especially to friends and family. It is implied that everyone is grateful for helping each other because you have a close relationship and there is no need to say thank you. To strangers I think saying xie xie is polite. (I am not 100% sure if what I have written is correct. I'll have to ask my students to explain the culture around xie xie. If you know the answer, leave a comment.)
1 comment:
What about duibuqi? I say it WAY too much, because I say it all the time in France. It's kind of imbedded in me somehow? If someone bumps into me, my reflex will be to say "pardon" (I even instinctly do it here which is INSANE when people I seriously pushing you to get in the bus...) if I smash playing ping pong and win the point, I'll say "duibuqi". No one does that here and people have been telling me "why do you say duibuqi when you play ping pong? You won the point, that's good, don't apologize!" I just can't help it, it's so weird!
I think you're right for xie xie. But I still say it. Education is a strong strong thing that stays strong wherever you are isn't it?
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