I love hearing about other countries...and I love sharing my stories as well. Not that I have a whole lot. I have yet to travel the world, but China and Rwanda are exciting conquests. One of the things I love to hear are stories about cultural faux pas people have made.
My co-worker Matt told me stories from Australia today. The best one was when he and some fellow Americans were sitting around the supper table and one of them mentioned, "I'm stuffed." Immediately the small children of the family clapped their hands over their ears, and the family went silent. The parents merely responded, "So, um, that's how you say it?" Then Matt and his friends were explained that "I'm stuffed" means a certain four-letter-word in English. Matt and his fellow countryment then assured them that they actually meant they were full and the meal was delicious.
Delightful! What a wonderful world we live in where we are able to experience awkwardness with other cultures that are so different from our very own. I love it!
I wish we all experienced culturality more often.
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1 comment:
funny that I didn't come across that one. think the regions differ? and I enjoyed your use of the word culturality. Can I use it?
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