Chit-Chat Culture
Sometimes I wonder if I should have taken a longer holiday! Forgive me for being somewhat unPC about this, but what is so easy about living in such a multi-cultural community? If English is supposedly widely understood, it certainly isn't in my daily life.
Occasionally frustrating are instances of "chit-chat" cross-culture. It was obvious a place I visited had a malfunctioning AC. I commented to the female personnel, "Oh, no AC today, right?" She replied, "Maybe it is hot outside and you have been walking long time". All I could do was mentally sigh.
Later, I concluded a formal conversation with a professional I'd just met. He says, "You from?" The whole cycle starts again...
I suppose the funniest form of chit-chat is the flirtation that goes on between supermarket cashiers when you're standing in line. There are smiles all around, but no matter how hard I try, I still have no idea what they're talking about! Hehe...does anybody understand me here...?
7 comments:
I often understand all the words being said but I have no idea what the person is trying to say. It's difficult sometimes but it's all part of living in such a multi-national city.
The supermarket checkout thing that annoys me is that so many of the Filipinas chat endlessly in Tagalog to Filipina customers, keeping the rest of the queue waiting.
It's part of it but it can become a mental strain. I think I'll come up with a term for it...
Actually the supermarket checkout thing is DAMN annoying...it's SO unprofessional to be chatting a colleague up, not facing your customer while shortchanging them with chiclets.
Can't say I've experience rude cashiers in Abu Dhabi, just unhappy looking ones.
I always laugh at the phone conversation I have with the laundry guy
Me - Hello I'm phoning J Building
Him - Yes madam
Me - My ironing ready?
Him - Yes
Me - You bring?
Him - Yes
Same-same English. Same-same-different meaning.
At times. When I am having a bad day and I chose not to comprehend the nonsense, its only makes it worse for me.
Because the one across who spoke in tongues , seems to be oblivious to my frustration at trying to make him/her understand that I want a burger with no onions and no mayo.
How difficult can that get?
I am afraid the new crisis will mean another swarming influx of workers in the services sector, who dont speak proper English or Arabic.
Even many who speak English have trouble comprehending any question more complex than "How Much?"
Hey anon - I think this is the first comment you've left on my blog? It's very welcome. Btw I'm a very good spy :P
You should read and comment on one of the "culture/identity" posts on the Community Blog. The one with ca. 59 comments.
Am curious - do you have a blog?
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