tzfujimino
Key Member
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2007
- Member Type
- English Teacher
- Native Language
- Japanese
- Home Country
- Japan
- Current Location
- Japan
Re: "Where! Where!" - the Chinese self-effacing word that misleads native English spe
If I'd been asked "Where? Where?" in English in that situation, I'd have responded in the same way as the American in #1.
(Yes, I now know it's not really a question.)
Since Western Culture has profoundly influenced today's youth in China.
Well, I don't think it's a bad thing. We live in an increasingly globalized world, so it's virtually impossible to be independent of outside influence, in my opinion.
Traditionally, well-educated Chinese would respond to "哪里?哪里?" with "过谦了" ("Too modest (you are)". Responding with "谢谢” in the link you offered is completely a result of the Western Culture's influence.
I understand the message you're trying to convey with those phrases. It's probably because we're geographically close to each other. We (Japanese people) have actually borrowed many things from your country.
I personally like the response "Too modest you are."
If I'd been asked "Where? Where?" in English in that situation, I'd have responded in the same way as the American in #1.
(Yes, I now know it's not really a question.)
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