2012/7/13 Marja van Waes <[email protected]>: > On 13/07/2012 08:42, Wolfgang Bornath wrote: >> >> Marjy, if I'd ask you "Would it be ok when I come visiting next week?" >> I need a valid answer because if you say "yes" I will buy a ticket and >> hop on the train next monday. And I'd be very surprised if I will >> knock on your door and you are not there because you said "yes" just >> out of being polite. >> > > No fear. You're welcome, the guest room is free and the owner of this house > agrees.
You know that I can't visit in reality - this was meant as example how things can take a real bad turn if "yes" and "no" are not used in their true meaning. I have heard and can understand that "no" is circumvented in a culture where everybody tries to "keep his/her face", but I never heard about somebody say "yes" just because "no" would be rude behavior. This could even have dangerous consequences. So I assume this habit to avoid "no" is only a habit in social interaction. In real life situations where you need clear and unmisunderstanable words you can't start interpreting a "no" for what it could mean at that moment. -- wobo
