Under this title the English version of China's national news and TV network CNTV published an article on how to say no or express criticism in China. Aimed at foreigners who live and work in China as expats, it gives many examples of how to code your message so it will be understood by your Chinese peer without losing face. A very important social skill!
I have been in the situation where I had to say no to a request, and it was not easy to get away without social damage. Luckily, in my college environment people are not too sensitive about this, and their tolerance to foreigners' behaviour is maybe a bit higher than at the office. However, I do recall some cases where I have inadvertently stepped on the toes of a sweet fellow student when saying no to an offer.
Being Dutch, commonly known as one of the most direct and often perceived rude people in the world, well-behaving according to Chinese standards can be quite an effort.
Today is also my mum's birthday, so 生日快乐 once again!
I laughed out loud at the last two:
ReplyDeleteHe always puts work first.
(He’s so ugly no one will date him.)
他总是把工作放第一位。
(他丑得没有人约。)
He is great at networking.
(He can really hold his booze!)
他很擅长社交。
(他很能喝！)