Monday. 10.3.2014.
Rita invited Andras and I over for pizza. She and her friend
Alex made a bunch of small pizzas with different toppings. It was super good.
Once we were done, I took my dishes to the sink and started cleaning. Oops, it
turns out this is rude in German culture. Rita said I didn’t have to do that,
and I sensed a little something extra in her voice. I asked if my actions had
been rude, and she politely said, “Yes.” Oh, the things they DON’T teach us.
I learned another cultural No-No yesterday. “Ya Ya” when
used as a response to a question is essentially like saying “go screw
yourself.” As used as a subtle affirmative, or “I know, I know” kind of
response in English does NOT fly here in Germany. I must have done it a few
times to Rita without thinking anything of it. Then she finally told me its
connotation. I felt pretty bad so I apologized.
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