Job Discussion Forums

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I am not sure that I necessarily have anything in common with someone just because we speak the same language. Certainly I notice huge generational diferences. I often have nothing at all to say to someone aged 20 and s/he has nothing to say to a "boring old f**t" like me.

Even with people from the same age group and a similat cultural background I sometime shave nothing to say. I think of some of my colleagues in Saudi Arabia whose sole topics of conversation are the English Football League and the price of illegal liquor.

So why should I acknowledge someone I do not know - just because he might speak the same language as I do ?

There was a question on the old forum about this (Brazil ?). The poster there expressed some surprise because some complete strangers ran away when he (she ?) approached them and offered to show them a "Good time " (Maybe the poster was just naive and had led a sheltered life in small-twon Kansas.)

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

Scott47, you may be surprised at the relationship you can ahve with a young person. I'm 28. One of my best freinds is 58. I'm not a typical friend for him as he is not for me, but surprisingly we think very much alike and have many similar interests and opinions. Our disagreements are even more interestinging. It was not a quickly established friendship, but it certainly became a very strong one.

johnslat · Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2003 3:11 pm Post subject: Youth is wasted on the young

Dear guest of Japan,
scot47 and I have a good " on-line " friendship - but what if he ever finds out I'm really only 26 years old? Let's keep this just between ourselves, OK?
Regards,
John

Sunpower · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 256 Location: Taipei, TAIWAN

I said hello to a White guy from South Africa in the gym tonight.

SueH · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Posts: 1022 Location: Northern Italy

West Brom · Joined: 20 May 2003 Posts: 28

I agree with Sunpower. It just doesn't seem natural to acknowledge total strangers just because of their race.

Not smiling or saying hello to other foreigners seems less like rudeness and more like minding my own business to me.

If a foreigner who was new to Japan approached me and asked me for directions or some other assistance, I would try to help. Otherwise I would probably just walk past them. I certainly wouldn't take offence at other foreigners doing that to me.

Sunpower · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 256 Location: Taipei, TAIWAN

Is it rude to ignore the foreigners you see on the street?

Lucy Snow · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 218 Location: US

Not necessarily, but I think it's rude if you refuse to acknowledge them if they nod or say hello.

Sunpower · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 256 Location: Taipei, TAIWAN

I agree with that Lucy Snow.

I always smile or nod back if acknowledged on the street by anyone.