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Re: Article: "EXCLUSIVE: Help Wanted -- 'Arrogant Americans' Need Not Apply" AND THIS IS FOR A TECHWRITER
Subject:Re: Article: "EXCLUSIVE: Help Wanted -- 'Arrogant Americans' Need Not Apply" AND THIS IS FOR A TECHWRITER From:<neilson -at- windstream -dot- net> To:TECHWR-L <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:00:47 -0600
Those who have a bit of understanding of the Orient should be able to see exactly what the ad-writer intended, though. Standard American directness, common in American business, often fails in the Orient.
"So, Mr. Foo, may we sign you up for an order of 100,000 widgets?"
"I am thinking that might be a good idea." (This is a polite way to express "NO". No, itself, is impolite.)
Later, on the phone to the States, "Harry, Stan here. Tool up for 100,000 widgets. We got the order." (No, you did not. Not at all.)
We've only set the stage for Stan's eventual discussion with Mr. Foo, who will still try to remain polite while Stan calls him a liar.
The main problem with the ad is that arrogant Americans who are culturally unsuited to the Orient will not see themselves as members of the excluded class.
-Peter Neilson
---- Jon Leer <jleer -at- leertech -dot- net> wrote:
> Get a load at the fallout from this ad for a technical writer!!!!! Article
> was posted on FoxNews today.
>http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,586342,00.html
>
> Funny how picking your words makes a difference!
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