Assalam and hello! Agreed, such confusing words these are. Don't worry, though, we'll dive into this sea of lexicon through scenarios/examples. Let's be practical!
When someone is blinded by anger, at times, his word filter malfunctions.
The said message is the 'People often don't mean what they say,' while the translation is the 'People often don't say what they mean' part of the quote. We believe both can happen simultaneously.
After cooling off, the person usually regrets it and consequences (e.g. broken relationships) may follow. Hence, let's all try to control our tongue & composure even in the most unlikely situations. And if we are the insult receiver, just remember these lyrics, love.
After cooling off, the person usually regrets it and consequences (e.g. broken relationships) may follow. Hence, let's all try to control our tongue & composure even in the most unlikely situations. And if we are the insult receiver, just remember these lyrics, love.
That's just the general idea. But in relation to cultural practices, this quote by Scollon is evident during Eid vists in Malaysia. As a visitor, after feasting, have you ever attempted to wash your dishes?
Has the host ever said something along the lines of, "It's okay, just put the dishes there. You don't have to wash them..." with a polite smile? Possibly, yes.
Has the host ever said something along the lines of, "It's okay, just put the dishes there. You don't have to wash them..." with a polite smile? Possibly, yes.
And me, being the naive kid I was, I was over the moon (less work). Nonetheless, over the years, my Mum explained that that was only a form of politeness in Malay culture. The truth was, the hosts would really appreciate it if the visitor can help them with anything since the hosts are physically and mentally exhausted from preparing the food, cleaning the house, and entertaining so many people in so little time.
Even so, the rule of thumb is the closer you are with the host, the more help you should offer, and vice versa.The reason being going into other parts of the house not the dining room and living room may be seen as intruding the host's privacy. And you certainly don't want to give that sort of impression. (wink)
Hi Shai & Afia!
ReplyDeleteNice post guys! The title itself already makes me attracted to read it ;)
We usually heard people said something like "Humans ARE complicated", not the other way around. Well, to relate with the subject that we are taking right now, it actually makes us realise that "humans are not complicated" or "it is possible for us to understand human". It all relates with the values of patience, tolerance, and sacrifice in order to understand a certain people or culture isn't it? ;)
It is just the differences between our culture that we always tend to miscommunicate, but still, it can be solved with good understanding :)
Looking forward your new post!
<3 Nana & Shiffa ;)
Thank you for your comment, Nana & Shiffa! :)
ReplyDeleteWe agree with you wholeheartedly. Calling something complicated does not mean it cannot be solved. But, one mus have the right tools and guidance to do the decoding. Like you said, learning this sort of subject, having a big bag of values and a critical mind should do the trick! Gotta put that 'aql to use, aite? :D