The Off Topic Topic

[Monoriu]

Why do westerners insist in learning how to say "Good morning" in Cantonese when they come to Hong Kong?  Every single one of them is like that.  We know how to say good morning in English, thank you very much. 

Polteness?

There is absolutely no expectation on our part for westerners to learn any Cantonese at all. 

[HisMajestyBOB]

It's our way of feeling smug and superior over those westerners who haven't learned how to say "Good morning".

"Yeah, I can speak Cantonese."

[jimmy olsen]

It's our way of feeling smug and superior over those westerners who haven't learned how to say "Good morning".

"Yeah, I can speak Cantonese."

Lol

Bob, take a look at this.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=100000342313378

[Eddie Teach]

One of these days I'm going to visit Hong Kong and learn a couple weeks worth of Cantonese before I go, which I will insist on reiterating to every Celestial I talk to. 

[Malthus]

Oh crap, I think the cat may be planning on giving birth under my bed.

What's the problem?  One of the coolest experiences of my life was when the cat gave birth *in* my bed, while I was in it.

eww....
Well I only have one set of sheets so that would be very nasty indeed.

How can you sleep with a cat anyway? They're damn annoying as soon as it gets light, they start licking your face and being friendly

Or biting and biting.

My cat certainy doesn't do that; if she did, she'd be swiftly booted off the bed.

[Malthus]

Why do westerners insist in learning how to say "Good morning" in Cantonese when they come to Hong Kong?  Every single one of them is like that.  We know how to say good morning in English, thank you very much.

In many Western cultures, making an effort to learn at least a bit of the local language (even if the locals speak perfect English) is considered polite - so much so that in some places, if you don't make the effort, some people may treat you rudely.

Doing so demonstrates you are making an effort.

[Josephus]

Why do westerners insist in learning how to say "Good morning" in Cantonese when they come to Hong Kong?  Every single one of them is like that.  We know how to say good morning in English, thank you very much.

Manners? I don't know. Whenever I travel I always learn to say "Good Morning", "Thank You" and "check out the blonde by the bar" in the language of the country I'm visiting.

[Neil]

Why do westerners insist in learning how to say "Good morning" in Cantonese when they come to Hong Kong?  Every single one of them is like that.  We know how to say good morning in English, thank you very much.

In many Western cultures, making an effort to learn at least a bit of the local language (even if the locals speak perfect English) is considered polite - so much so that in some places, if you don't make the effort, some people may treat you rudely.

Doing so demonstrates you are making an effort.

And, more importantly, we have discovered that non-English speakers are generally untrustworthy, and by demonstrating some proficiency with their languages, we hope to reduce the likelihood of being targeted for fraud.

[DontSayBanana]

My cat certainy doesn't do that; if she did, she'd be swiftly booted off the bed.

You'd swiftboot your own cat?

[Malthus]

My cat certainy doesn't do that; if she did, she'd be swiftly booted off the bed.

You'd swiftboot your own cat?

If she started biting me while I slept? I'd go positively Bushitler on her. 

[Zanza]

Those two guys make funny faces.

[HVC]

Those two guys make funny faces.

Maybe they're having a Dguller moment?

[Josquius]

Is that the Japanese navy (sorry, sorry, naval self defence force)? Sailor ship for peace, love!

[Josephus]

Any of you guys heared of Dan Carlin and his hardcore history pod casts??

http://www.dancarlin.com/disp.php/hh

[Zanza]

Is that the Japanese navy (sorry, sorry, naval self defence force)? Sailor ship for peace, love!

I think that's the People's Liberation Army Navy (great name). Look at the red star on their hats.