Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[friendlyJPNG]

Hi. I'm from Japan and studying Englsih. Can I ask a question?

I have heard when people in UK, visit someone's house, and praise a stuff such as furniture in the house, the host would give it to the visitor.

It this true? I was very surprised at this custom.

Now, I'd like to introduce one of Japanese culture. In Japan, when people give a present, they say, "This present is unimportant." I'm not sure the translation is correct, but I can say they don't praise a present they are going to give. This imply that the people is modest and polite.

That's about it. Thank you for reading. :D

[Mark Chandler]

Actually what you heard about the British custom isn't true. Sometimes something like that happens to one person, and it is misunderstood to be a common thing!

If you want to find out more about Britain, have a look at my website UK Student Life:
http://www.ukstudentlife.com

[Honey]

Phew!
It's logical... What would happened if I said, "I like your house"?

Japanese people are very modest. That's great!
_________________
Sweet like Honey
http://honey.fun2learnmore.de

[advoca]

The question was:?

I have heard when people in UK, visit someone's house, and praise a stuff such as furniture in the house, the host would give it to the visitor.

As a Brit I can say , "No. Definitely not. This is certainly NOT a British custom and never has been."

There was a time, no longer practiced, when a Chinese host was obliged in honour to give an object to a vivitor who praised that object. There was a case where a young British Naval Officer was at the house of a very Senior Chinese Official and he prised the beauty of a statue. The Chines host gave it too him when he left. The Captain of the ship recognised the staue as being priceless, and it took a great deal of diplomacy by the British Ambassador to persualde the Chinese Official to take it back.

[friendlyJPNG]

Hi Mark, Honey, and advoca,

I'm glad to receive answers. All of answers are very helpful. Thank you very much. I'll learn more about Britain by the site!

Thank you.