Jaci's reflection on language barriers

Here is a joke we were sent that illustrates a bit about the language problems we are having:

> SAN FRANCISCO MAN BECOMES FIRST AMERICAN TO GRASP
> SIGNIFICANCE OF SARCASM
Chuck Fullmer, 38, yesterday became the first American to get to grips with the concept of sarcasm. "It was weird" Fullmer said. "I was in London and like, talking to this guy and it was raining and he pulled a face and said, "Great weather eh?" and I thought - "Wait a minute, no way is it great weather". Fullmer then realised that the other man's 'mistake' was in fact deliberate. Fullmer, who is 39 next month and married with two children, aged 8 and 3, plans to use sarcasm himself in future. "I'm, like, using it all the time" he said. "Last weekend I was grilling steaks and I burned them and I said "Hey, great weather."

It means we have to be careful cos people take us literally. They also don't understand when we insult them to be nice. Here are a few examples:

Jaci was listening to a woman tell her about something terrible that happened. Jaci's response was "No!" Which in Australian means 'That's terrible, I feel sorry for you.' In American it means 'I don't believe you, I think you are lying.' Such a simple word can get you in a bit of trouble.

We saw a woman twice in two days and she said "Wow, this is fantastic. Its like you are part of my family." Pete's response, "oh well, you'll soon be sick of us." Her shocked reply "No, I could never get sick of seeing you." (Vomit)

The science common room has VERY unattractive pictures of past great scientists. Jaci said "Hmm, I suppose they are there to inspire us." American's comment (without any trace of sarcasm, but some trace of confusion) "Yeah they're great aren't they?"

Pete has great fun stirring up the locals for his own amusement.

People seem to be a lot more aware of position and seniority which is often lost on us. When they talk they will speak in awe of someone just because they are in a more senior position and feel somewhat honoured to be in their presence. We don't respond appropriately and don't actually realise until later. I suppose this is the Australian lack of respect for authority. I think in Australia someone has to really earn your respect rather than just be in a more senior position. In fact in general if someone is more senior we are inclined to chop them down. (Imagine if we were actually respectful to Trevor!)

I wonder how many faux pas we've made and we don't even realise it?