[General] Long time no see

[Joe Wen]

Our English teachers from America often use"Long time no see" to greet people.Would you please tell me whether this expression is commonly used in America?

 

[TheParser]

Our English teachers from America often use"Long time no see" to greet people.Would you please tell me whether this expression is commonly used in America?

********** NOT a teacher **********

Helo, Mr. Wen.

(1) This is only my opinion. It is not a generalization.

(2) I do not think that this expression is used too often nowadays

in the United States -- especially by the youth.

(3) I personally think that it would be insulting to say this to an

Asian person -- since long time no see is a direct word-for-word

translation of the Mandarin Chinese expression. It would imply that

the Asian person does not understand standard English.

(4) I am shocked (shocked!!!) that, according to you, American

teachers in China say this to their students. In my opinion, it shows

a lack of sensitivity on the part of those teachers -- who should conduct

themselves as role models and ambassadors of good will for my country.

THANK YOU

 

[Joe Wen]

Hello.
TheParser.Thanks very much indeed for ur useful posts. I think u must be a Chinese expert and know much Asian things. I really appreciate that.Thanks a bunch again.

 

[Abstract Idea]

Some word from South America (no Chinese known)

It is good to know the origin of this expression.

This expression is also taught here in South America and it is easy to find it in many ESL books which claim to follow AmE. In fact, personally, I consider that many of these ESL books have good examples of standard AmE. I never knew it came from Chinese (do average Americans know?)

I have also seen the expression "long time no see" in American movies.

Your point of view, both as a typical American and as a person who analyzes language deeply (and also studies Chinese) is very important for all of us TheParser. Thank you very much.

 

[Joe Wen]

Dear ymnisky,
Glad to meet here through the Long time no see post.I'm hoping I can know more about your country because it is sooooo far away from China and it is sooo mysterious.So the first question is that what's your first impression of China ?

Thanks million!

 

[Abstract Idea]

Dear ymnisky,
Glad to meet here through the Long time no see post.I'm hoping I can know more about your country because it is sooooo far away from China and it is sooo mysterious.So the first question is that what's your first impression of China ?

Thanks million!

Hi Joe Wen!

That is an interesting question, but it is off topic.
If you wish you can start a new thread on the general members discussions, or fun,
or other languages, depending on the specificities. And of course you are welcome to PM me.

Thanks for the interest in my country.