I would like for you to read it just like you speak in a normal speed.
Thank you, in advance.
I don't like to hear it when Japanese people say to my foreign friends, "Oh, you have lost weight," or even worse, " you have gained weight," as soon as they bump into each other.
The other day, I was with my American friend, when we ran into my mom, who was also with her friends, on the street. My mom was very happy to meet us, and said, "Ah, gaijin-san, long time no see" in Japanese. Then, she said, " Oh, you have lost weight, haven't you?" to my friend.
It's difficult to get across to my mom about the concept of "gaijin," because she has had no doubt that the word "gaijin-san" is a respectful word for a long time.
But, it's another story today.
I've noticed that lots of Japanese people have started to say that you have gotten thinner or fatter than before as an icebreaker. I have heard it so many times as if it was a greeting word. I don't mind being told that by my friends, because I am Japanese and I am used to it. However, I feel very awkward when it's directed towards my foreign friends. I feel that it's kind of bad manners.
A couple days ago, I read the article "How Language Defines Us." It says that linguistic differences affect social interaction between people of different cultures: "The Japanese appear to have no trouble approaching someone directly and matter-of-factly observing that they've become fat, while English speakers will tiptoe around the issue, use euphemisms, or avoid making the observation entirely."
According to the article, when English speakers hear this criticism, they see themselves as to blame. I am not sure why Japanese people can often say so like it's nothing. Is it because of our "let bygones be bygones" culture, in which we are less likely to assign blame or fault in many situations?
(^^)
