Some time ago, I went on a trip to China and I thought that since we were of the same race, I should not face any difficulties fitting in. However, I soon realized that a difference in culture does exist even though we were all of Chinese descent.
When we are trying to get the waitress's attention in Singapore, we normally call out ‘小姐’ (xiao jie) which means 'Miss' and is considered pretty polite. And might even receive a smile if the lady serving you is much older than the age group the term is supposed to be used for.
However, when I tried to attract the attention of a waitress in China by calling out ‘小姐’, I received hostile stares. Little did I know that this term is actually used to address prostitutes in China! No wonder I did not get my cup of water in the end, I guess I should be thankful I did not have some thrown towards me. The correct term to address a waiter or waitress in China is ‘服务员’ (fu wu yuan).
Through this little episode, I came to realize that to assume something really does make an 'ass' out of 'u' and 'me'. Well, in this case, more of me. I think that in order to communication effectively, one should try to read up and understand the culture of the country you are traveling to or the people you will be communicating with. They would definitely appreciative of your effort! And let's not forget the importance of non-verbal communication. I think the cartoon below brings across the very fundamental point that your actions might mean one thing in your country and something totally different in another.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteOver the course of this year, I have started reading on various handsigns used in different culture. It is surprising and yet interesting to know that a sign acceptable in one culture may not be acceptable in another. Nonetheless, interesting information regarding the waitress in china!
Hey ally!
ReplyDeleteI had the same experience too! This happened several years ago when my family and I first visited China. They ignored our call, of course. However, due to the reason that we had to visit my father as he is working permanently in China, we had multiple visits thereafter, and we begin to adapt to their behaviours, culture and way of speaking. In fact, not only do we need to address them as 'Fu wu yuan', we actually have to double our volume in order to catch their attention! This is because noise levels in restaurants and cafe are so high! This is yet another difference between Singaporeans and the Chinese - way of communication.
hey ally,
ReplyDeleteNice post! It really surprises one on how much a seemingly unintentional act may irk others in a different country. With no intention of harm of any kind, a simple act may actually cause a large misunderstanding, showing how important the understanding of other cultures actually are.
I noticed something similar in Malaysia, whereby you call out to a waiter on the KTM railway train by squeezing your lips and making a kissing sound. It really surprised me when I saw the locals doing it and the staff responding!
Hi kenneth! Yes it surprises me too! I guess it really shows how important non-verbal communication is doesn't it? Haha glad you found it useful, take note if you go there! XD
ReplyDeleteHi Cat! So I'm not the only one! It's easy to assume we've got the same culture as them due to our common race! And thanks for the headsup, will raise my voice next time too!
Hi Calvin! I've seen that practised in Sg too! But how can one tell if the kissy noise is meant for him is what puzzles me haha.