Cultural STRESS!



A beautiful country, for sure.

Be prepared to be entertained (a big claim to make.  No responsibility is taken for any unenjoyment.)

I have a few stories to tell about cultural stress that I have been fortunate to experience during the last 2 months of my time here in Thailand.  [And I say fortunate because I feel privileged to spend so much time with Thai friends, despite the difficulties that arise from language barriers]

#   Lost In Translation
Ever tried to explain the concept of something as simple as what a 'subject' is?  Example in action:  I wanted to ask some university students what subjects they were currently studying in this semester of university.  When the term 'subject' drew blank expressions, I turned to my trusty English-Thai dictionary - only to find that the word was not there.  Despite my best attempts to explain the term, using my extremely limited Thai vocabularly and even more stunted English vocabularly (the most useful words vanish when you actually need them), we failed to achieve a consensus on the definition of the word, and were forced to change topics.

Another example in action (oh, I have TONNES of these!): How does one say, 'keep it a secret?' in Thai?  I learnt the phrase, and used it happily in social company one evening.  Present at the table were some young Thai schoolgirls, who were practising their translating skills from Thai into English.  One girl turns to me confidently with her interpretation of the phrase: 'Stop your mouth'.  Perhaps not the best translation for polite company.

Evidence, surely! Of my love for Thai food - I've even
learnt to cook a few recipes.

#   Assumed Preferences
It seems that, no matter how many times you tell people what your preferences are (for example, liking very spicy food), their preconceived ideas of what 'your people' (foreigners) prefer will always deafen any vocal requests you make.  Which is OK; it just means you need to keep politely insisting, and quietly demonstrating, your preferences until they finally believe you.  (Even though every fibre of their being wants to resist believing the truth of your alternative style.)

#   Unwanted Friendships
Sometimes my desire to practice the language overrides my 'stranger danger' radar.  Before I know it, the conversation will have taken a turn towards more personal details - like who I live with, my phone number, my home address.  Usually, by the time the conversation gets to this point, it seems unfair and unbelievable to play stupid, but truly, if it comes down to saving face or saving privacy, I am going to opt for the latter option (this is very un-Thai of me, I know.  Which is why I'm Australian).  My understanding of their conversation then rapidly degenerates into big smiles and confused expressions, acccompanied by deliberate steps backwards.

#   Arranged Marriages

P Yu, one of my good friends.  She likes to set me up
with her young, unmarried relatives.  I like to set her
up with photos of male Australian friends.

When classed as single and young, you will also often be classed as partner-potential. 

'Do you have a boyfriend?'  Is usually one of the first questions shot your way, so as to ascertain your availability.  Initially, I was honest in reply - which then led to me being introduced to every young (or otherwise!), single, man in the local area.

[I have now learnt to respond with a laugh, and the reply of: 'Oh, I have MANY boyfriends!'  This normally diffuses the situation.]

Eventually, the awkwardness of it all subsides, and you start to realise it's a bit of a joke.  Just like their 'you're so fat' (for Westerners) or 'you're so dark' (for Thais) jokes - a roundabout way of expressing their acception of you. 

At least, I hope that's the case.  Because otherwise, I'm getting married on Sunday, hurrah!  And you're all invited to the ceremony.  Afterwards, the evening meal of dog and fern leaves will be served, followed by corn and pumpkin for dessert.  My husbands and I will live merrily in the countryside for the rest of our lives.

(Note jest.  I actually do enjoy the separate flavours of dog, corn and pumpkin.)

#   Transport solutions that feed your prayer life
Sometimes, there is no alternative option for one to get around the area, than to take one's life into one's own hands, and pray to God that you won't die.



Unrelated to transport, here's cool photo of us advocating
World AIDs Day on a bridge in Chiang Rai city



For example, the helmet law is rather negotiable here.  As in, if you're not where the police are on patrol, you don't need to wear a helmet.  Even if you are flying down the super highway at 100kms/h on the back of someone's motorbike.  Suddenly, you realise just how little there is between you and the bitumen.

Or in another example, some people drive with alarming nonchalance.  Cyclists and motorbike riders are considered fair game, and if they're in the way, you've every right to push past them.  (I really don't think this is sanctioned law, but more a general consensus amongst the citizens)  Many a time, as I peddle madly to my intended destination, I find myself wondering just how close a car thinks can get to me before they clip me.  Or if they've even noticed me on my little grey bike, shooting them glares of... Christian love?

Well, in amongst all of these hilarious episodes, God has given me a sense of humour and helped me to deepen relationships with people around me.  So I am grateful!  Still mostly confused, still feeling a bit like a deer caught in the headlights, but grateful.  Thanks God, for that.