Language Differences...
By diutay
@diutay (1327)
Philippines
August 11, 2008 1:46pm CST
A word may have several definitions but at the same time it may also be used in a different context in another culture. Take for example the word "like". For me like is ,well, like. I didn't know that it might mean differently until such time when I made that mistake. 
I was with several women from six different countries. We were having a noodle party in our cabin when suddenly one asked in halting English, "Who Japanese boys you like?" Since most of the Japanese men who are also participating in the same program are quite nice, I rattled off the names of several of them when another girl told me to keep my hands off when I mentioned this certain guy who's pretty popular. It was only then that I realized that the word like for them is interchangeable with love or desire
. No wonder, they were looking at me strangely. Have you had any misunderstandings because of language differences? Do share.
I was with several women from six different countries. We were having a noodle party in our cabin when suddenly one asked in halting English, "Who Japanese boys you like?" Since most of the Japanese men who are also participating in the same program are quite nice, I rattled off the names of several of them when another girl told me to keep my hands off when I mentioned this certain guy who's pretty popular. It was only then that I realized that the word like for them is interchangeable with love or desire. No wonder, they were looking at me strangely. Have you had any misunderstandings because of language differences? Do share.2 responses
@pink_maven (265)
• Philippines
12 Aug 08
I too encounter similar situation like you had. But not on the foreign language but more on the dialect of my husband. We came from different region in the country. Most of the time he utter words I'm unfamiliar of. There are funny words when I hear them but it's something serious for him. That's why I really have to be very careful. The best thing to do is to ask questions.
1 person likes this
@diutay (1327)
• Philippines
12 Aug 08
Not only are some words funny sounding but the translation might also floor you. One time I asked for a pepper when suddenly a friend told me not to say it again.
I found out that the term that I used meant a man's organ in their dialect. Just imagine if I did that in a restaurant.
I found out that the term that I used meant a man's organ in their dialect. Just imagine if I did that in a restaurant.
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
11 Aug 08
Hi diutay,
Oh you poor thing, yes its funny how they take it the wrong way these days, I don't have that kind of problem everyone understands the meaning of the word like I say that to my friend husband and I know my friend won't take it the wrond way, very strang.
Tamara
1 person likes this
