Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

To: reed13k
>> “Ni” is you in chinese and I do tend to hear it a fair amount when I’m in Shanghai/Beijing <<

Sure, but it has seemed to me that if for example your surname is Reed, then your guide (your minder?) usually will ask something like,

"Would Mr. Reed like to visit the Great Wall today?"

(As opposed to, "Would you like to visit the GW today?")

Pretty much the same practice holds in Thailand, except that speakers of Thai will normally use your given name instead of your surname. So if your full name happens to be John Reed, they normally will ask, "Where would Mr. John like to visit today?"

54 posted on 09/13/2016 8:55:28 AM PDT by Hawthorn
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 46 | View Replies ]


To: Hawthorn

Well, that is true, but a lot of that is also dependent upon how well you know the person. If your working with them on a more frequent basis then they will start to use a more “normal” or familiar communication style. It is true in English as well - though the last 20-30 years have definitely seen a fast transition toward a much less formal style.


61 posted on 09/13/2016 9:22:52 AM PDT by reed13k
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 54 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson