For example, when entering a convenience store in the UK, you may ask the clerk "where can I find some cookies?" and they say "cookies?... cookies?"
And then you are forced to say, "Yes, cookies." before they will defign their misunderstanding and then they say, "You mean cakes."
This happens on more than one ocasion and with other products as well. So, I'm wondering why they have to pretend to be so polite about it when all they have to do is be blunt and to the point.
Is this a cultural difference that Americans are so blunt and the British have to be so bloody sickeningly sarcasticaly polite and waist precious minutes of everyone's time? Give me your answer on this.
2006-12-10 10:49:11 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
it don't matter
2006-12-10 10:53:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Well Laura if I was in America and asks for a packet of fags? lol what the looks on their faces lol. Irish here the word cookies is not use here or in the UK. It true the American are straight to the point. The British are polite but with a sharp edge to it. Having worked in London as a student doing different jobs and coming in contact with American tourist, have to say there is a huge different. For example clicking ones fingers for service is rude and waving money as if saying hey you come here and serve me now. And another thing to adress someone as "hey" is rude. It might be the norm in the USA but both here and the UK it a sign of rudenness.
2006-12-10 19:02:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
There are many different terms for common objects that are used in other parts of the English-speaking world. When we travel to those areas, we do our best to learn the new terminology. Occasionally, there will be mistakes, but it's best to treat the whole thing with good humor. I have many friends from other English-speaking nations who've come here to the US, and there are sometimes rather amusing linguistic misunderstandings. But everyone learns something, has a good laugh, and then moves on. It's not that big a deal--unless you choose to behave like a jerk and make it one.
2006-12-10 18:54:51 · answer #3 · answered by solarius 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
People are going to speak different formats of language around the world. You might as well be complaining at the French and telling them they're stupid because they say "Bonjour".
2006-12-10 21:38:20 · answer #4 · answered by High-strung Guitarist 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Even for (Asian)Indians American English is very "odd" and it takes a little time to get adjusted.-In America they do not bother about Grammer-double negetive is very common here in USA
2006-12-10 19:44:49 · answer #5 · answered by ssrvj 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋