Westerners' Euphemistic Tactics

Westerners' Euphemistic Tactics
Feb 19, 2008 02:20
guest1840	Westerners pay much attention to conversational tactics. The well-educated westerners bear “coutesy” in their mind. In Asian people’s eyes, westerners might be too poilite and they are not direct. The subsequent is some expressions of western coutesy: 1． “Compliment first” then “ but “ “But” is frequently used by westerners. Westerners seldom reply to others’ advices and suggestions immediately after the suggestions are put forward. If they don’t want to adopt the advice, they still respond to you very politely: “You have a wonderful idea，but have you thought of it another way﹖” 2. Euphemistically decline invitation Thank you for asking，but I have to do something else tonight． /Let me think about it． Resolve embarrassment in a phlegmatic manner When westerners confront an embarrassment, they dispel the embarrassment calmly. 1.If their superiors grumbles: you did not finish the work when you were supposed to, the subordinates will answer: Yes，I forgot． I need to make sure I remember it next time． 2. When westerners make mistakes, they would say:” I goofed it”. 3. When westerners are clumsy at some things, they will utter: “Gracious，I seem to be having a hard time”. 4. While a student was late and was interrogated by his teacher, he answers: you are right． I need to allow myself more time next time．” 5. If a student talks in his teacher’s class without permission, he would excuse:I will remember next time when I have something to say. 6. When others make mistakes, the usual comforting words: Don't worry，this happens sometimes．” Other euphemism: Homely (ugly) heavy-set ( Fat) homemaker (housewife) Some of the expressions are somewhat “hypocritical” in Chinese understanding. Anyhow, they are western ways of being polite.

Feb 19, 2008 02:20

guest1840

Westerners pay much attention to conversational tactics. The well-educated westerners bear “coutesy” in their mind. In Asian people’s eyes, westerners might be too poilite and they are not direct. The subsequent is some expressions of western coutesy:
1． “Compliment first” then “ but “
“But” is frequently used by westerners. Westerners seldom reply to others’ advices and suggestions immediately after the suggestions are put forward. If they don’t want to adopt the advice, they still respond to you very politely: “You have a wonderful idea，but have you thought of it another way﹖”
2. Euphemistically decline invitation
Thank you for asking，but I have to do something else tonight． /Let me think about it．
Resolve embarrassment in a phlegmatic manner
When westerners confront an embarrassment, they dispel the embarrassment calmly.
1.If their superiors grumbles: you did not finish the work when you were supposed to, the subordinates will answer: Yes，I forgot． I need to make sure I remember it next time．
2. When westerners make mistakes, they would say:” I goofed it”.
3. When westerners are clumsy at some things, they will utter: “Gracious，I seem to be having a hard time”.
4. While a student was late and was interrogated by his teacher, he answers: you are right． I need to allow myself more time next time．”
5. If a student talks in his teacher’s class without permission, he would excuse:I will remember next time when I have something to say.
6. When others make mistakes, the usual comforting words: Don't worry，this happens sometimes．”
Other euphemism:
Homely (ugly)
heavy-set ( Fat)
homemaker (housewife)
Some of the expressions are somewhat “hypocritical” in Chinese understanding. Anyhow, they are western ways of being polite.

Feb 19, 2008 19:18

SHESGOTTOBE
Points:
Join Date: Nov 23, 2007
Status: Offline

In my experience, Westerners are not any more polite or direct than Asians, just different ways of expressing. For example, in Asian countries, it is considered impolite if you maintain eye contact with another person. It is intrusive and sometimes seen as a sign of aggression or even asking for a fight. It is directly opposite in the West, where it is a sign of respect, confidence, interest and that the person making the eye contact is paying full attention to you. It is also considered if the person is being honest and sincere because a person who is lying can’t seem to maintain eye contact.

In every culture, people have their own ways of avoiding confrontations and offending people. I don’t think anyone would appreciate a rude and condescending individual especially if it would cause a loss of face for the other party. In the West, you’d be called a jerk if you do that. A person can air his/her opinion in a civil way.

In some cultures, it is “impolite” to say NO, so people use other gestures or body language to say NO. If people are direct and say what they really feel, there would be less misunderstanding. Personally, I like direct people because I hate mind games whether with family or friends. And it is not going to be the end of the world for me if the other person says NO. But it will be a tragedy for me if I learn that the person is a liar all along. Although I value courtesy, I am very wary of people who are “too nice”. We all know nobody is perfect. It takes time but I like to know the individual’s character and not to rely too much on first impressions. Many people who are “too nice” actually stab you behind your back and many people who seem too bold and saucy are actually just being honest.

Feb 20, 2008 20:43	#2
ICEBLUE Points: Join Date: Aug 30, 2007 Status: Offline	Every culture has its own euphemistic tactics. We all want to hear not too harsh words. "Many people who are “too nice” actually stab you behind your back and many people who seem too bold and saucy are actually just being honest." Shestobe, I totally agree. They are the so-called hypocrites. Honesty is a valued integrity.

Feb 22, 2008 14:40

SETH
Points:
Join Date: Feb 22, 2008
Status: Offline

I agree 100% with SHESGOTTOBE and ICEBLUE in that different cultures have different ways in dealing with sticky interpersonal issues. In reading the posts here and other parts of the community, I have gained a huge insight into different cultures. I wonder how many internatinal problems have been caused by good intentions but just "reading" each other wrong.

For ICEBLUE, "Honesty is a valued integrity" is true. But over something insignificant, isn't "kindness a valued integrity" if it is used to avoid hurting another person's feelings?

Feb 27, 2008 20:30	#4
FRANKENSTEIN Points: Join Date: Nov 29, 2004 Status: Offline	To say something in a soft and pleasant way is a good communication skill. No one wants to be offended. Euphemism will make things easier.

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