and for so or but

[keannu]

Can "and" be interprted as "so, there" or "but"? This sentence has such an intepretation in Korean. So I wonder if native speakers sometimes interprete so.

ma27)There are many people in Kenya who are very sick and poor, and they cannot take care of their children. Because of this, Kenyan orphanages always need volunteers...

[Barb_D]

Perhaps "so" or "and therefore." Most certainly NOT "but." There is not surprising opposing idea in those statements.

[keannu]

Thanks, but I mean in other sentences like "I like her and he hates her." Can this "and" be interpreted as "but"?

[Barb_D]

If the writer wanted to draw a contrast, the writer would have used "but." By using "and," the writer is simple producing two parallel pieces of information.