Zhang Danhong was two weeks in the South of England and impressed by the British Politeness. The German and the Chinese could take quite a slice, writes the columnist.
A man stands in a crowded Bus accidentally on the foot of an elderly lady. After it has to endure a while brave, she says quietly and gently: “please Excuse the disorder. But could it be that my foot is just in the way?”
This anecdote I read many years ago in an English Textbook in China and as proof for the proverbial politeness of the British stuck in your memory. Similar scenes would be in Germany or in China is unimaginable. A cry of pain and a bad view is the least that the man would have to be expected.
The British are really so overly polite? Yes, you are. Because the bus driver would like to thank You that You have been his passenger. Is there such a thing? In Germany, he makes the door extra in front of Your nose and drives off (probably whistling). No, not all, but some.
Buses, the road image shape in the British capital London
Or try here, to keep the driver an address under his nose and asking him whether that was the right Bus and where they should disembark. In England, I have ventured several times. No trace of impatience, even if the journey was a little delayed. Once the driver accompanied me to even walk to my destination, as it was happened to be in the vicinity of his last Station. With so much willingness to help, I joined in after two days, quite unconsciously, the British and adopted me from the driver “Thank you” and “Have a nice day”.
A bit of small talk, a little bit of heat
At the bus stops, I was greeted – admittedly, mostly by older people – with a “Good morning”. Then we had a small talk, mostly – what else – the weather. That gave me a warm feeling, even if it was, some days it’s rainy and windy. On the first day in Germany I said to the first man I met, automatically “Good Morning”. He is downright scared.
No, I have no reason to complain about the Germans. My Chinese compatriots to go with the polite phrases still more economical than the people in this country. Once I lived in Beijing, a scene from the everyday life of a Boy what’s the occasion to say “Thank you” to his mom and immediately it was trimmed: “cut the bullshit, we’re a family!” Sometimes the Chinese can be even gruff. Elbows are used to get hold of a Ticket, or to gain access to the subway. In the process, it would be for all the faster, you would line up in a queue. But such a simple “Queue” as in the UK or Japan is suspicious of most of my countrymen.
DW-editor Zhang Danhong
In a slightly stepped Form, the Cutting is not also in this country very rarely. Preferably, this is, Pardon me, pensioners practiced. Probably the thought behind it: I have to waste my not abundant time, not even in a queue. Since I was educated in China to respect the age, I say mostly nothing. Only once, after I was during a day trip in the Eifel three times in a row the victim of a Dränglers, blurted me on the collar. I until today not: have I understood the German but otherwise so fanatical in matters of rules and order.
More courtesy cars
You could call the German in this respect also, perhaps, as the Chinese of Europe. Both, the Chinese, like German, sometimes have a rough shell, hide inside, but mostly a heart of gold, similar to a pineapple. It is peeled, she prepares the Opposite is often pure joy. But it’s not just from their best side. To Strangers one precaution at a distance. It is staring and stared right back. Unlike the British. In the past two weeks, I was felt more and more of the unknown English smiled in two years in Germany.
The subjunctive in English, all the questions and prompts such a smooth sound, the device in this country is out of fashion. And then that inimitable British Humor. Shortly before the return flight, I read on the door of a ladies toilet (see article image): “I’m sorry, I’m in the best shape. While people are working hard to fix me, please use the toilet in the vicinity of the self-catering kitchen. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.” Who can be mad? What you would get to read in Germany? Probably just “Broken”. Very efficient, but also bar any humor.
Meanwhile, it is also worked in this country in the direction of Humor. So I listened to yesterday in the announcement: “dear passengers in the light barrier: I have the time.” But this is more sarcasm. Me a few Alternatives went through my head, but she had them all fall back. The British sense of humour is just inimitable.
Zhang Danhong was born in Beijing and lives since over 20 years in Germany.
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