“Go douche” Instead of saying “Go Dutch” (The phrase "go Dutch" as in 'everybody pays for himself' is very common here and I hear students and adults use it all the time - it kind of drives me nuts since it is not that common of an idiom back home. I'm convinced it must have appeared in some textbook in China somewhere along the line)
“When you meet foreigners for the first time, someone might shank you” Instead of saying “ Someone might shake your hand”
“Certainly you can’t pass ass in
“In
“Do not spit in public places in
“When you see a cute kid don’t touch his/her head, it is very impolite to do this”
“Last but not least a girl who is curvy and sexy is always welcome in
*note from a student at end of test “I think writing an essay is a good way of examination, better than the paper examination in China. Also, perform skits is a good way. Actually you are a very good teacher. I like your smile and your class. Come on!”
“When you talk with an American, you had better look at her eyes which makes her think that you are sincere. It is very important. Remember it in your heart.”
“When eating, just try to taste different things and if you do not like it indeed, you can go to the Chinatown to have a meal.”
“If you drink alcohol in
“In the West, if you ask a waiter for chopsticks he will refuse to give them to you.”
“Please don’t ask Americans personal questions such as weight or salary or they may dislike you.”
“You may feel puzzled in
“Please remember to give tips. In the West, tips must be given for the waiters because their salary is very low. If you don’t give them tips they will surely not be able to buy a piece of bread.”
In addition to these comments there was lots of talk about homosexuality and the prevalence of gays and lesbians in America. Though we never talked about this sensitive issue in class, the students obviously hold a strong fascination with it as it is not as common or accepted in China. Last year the fascination was with "ladyboys" especially with those in Thailand. The most common idiom that was used over and over again was "When in Rome do as the Romans do" and many essays included drawings of hands/fingers making the peace sign and multiple drawn emoticons and smiley faces. Even simple tasks like grading essays can be a kind of cultural experience!
These were hysterical, thanks for sharing. I especially enjoyed the dating advice.
I had the same experience with my students telling me to "Come on!" "Come on!" to wish me a Merry Christmas, "Come on!" to give me suggestion for subjects, "Come on!" to even say goodbye. I always wondered where they learned the meaning behind it.
Oh, I've totally heard "Go Dutch," especially in Grand Rapids. I think it's because, in GR, the non-Dutch half uses it to make fun of the Dutch half. Also, I worked in a restaurant.
These are hysterical, by the way.
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