The “A-OK”

Random picture that I found this interesting, didn't know that this gesture meant money in Japan and and insult in Brazil! Emphasizes the importance of being sensitive and aware of our actions when interacting with people of different cultures.
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Mainly used by scuba divers to mean “OK” (to prevent ambiguity with the thumbs-up sign, which means “ascend”), this hand gesture is generally called ‘A-OK’, and in America and the UK is often used to tell somebody that they’ve made a great meal, as talking with your mouth would just be impolite. Essentially the meaning comes out as “great”, or “absolutely fine”.

Not so, however, in a few countries in Europe, where the numerical interpretation gives the signal an insulting overtone – essentially you’re telling them that you think they’re a ‘zero’.

Far worse, however, is the meaning in Brazil, Germany and a few Mediterranean countries: the circular shape of the gesture gives it the meaning of “anus”, and is therefore used to call somebody an “asshole”, or, by extension, a homosexual. 

Picture from: http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/crosscuttings/cross-cultural_differences.html
Text from: http://www.languagetrainers.co.uk/blog/2007/09/24/top-10-hand-gestures/

#4: Evaluating Intercultural Behavior

 “J’arrive.” This was a phrase I heard many times while on exchange in France, most often by waiters when we were eating out. The phrase translates to “I’m coming.” While the phrase is not rude per se, the body language and tone often accompanying the phrase made it clear that they were not very pleased.  After a couple of such incidents, me and my friends realised the reason behind their ‘rude’ attitude.

They do not like to be hurried at all.  For the French, the enjoyment of food is very important and eating out in bistros or restaurants is treated as an experience.

The first few times when we ate out, we felt that the service was slow. Waiters took a long time to take our orders, serve the food, and one of our biggest pet peeve, to bring the bill when we asked for it. As a result, we kept hurrying the waiter for the bill, to take our orders etc and we would just be replied with a very curt “J’arrive.” We found this rude and compared this to Singapore, where we would not get such ‘poor’ service.

However after some time, I realised the importance of meals to the French and that they simply enjoy them. This does not include just the food but the entire dining experience with the company of friends and family.  This reveals the difference in eating culture between Singapore and France.  Singaporeans are usually in a hurry, and meals are often taken quickly when eating out, with the exceptions of dates on weekends.  We expect fast service and efficiency.  This contrasts to the French who can have meals that span a couple of hours, my longest being 3 hours.

Overtime, we learnt not to expect quick efficient service while eating out.  Hence whenever we did so, we tried to ensure that we were not on a tight schedule.  I also learnt the beauty of having slow unhurried meals. We enjoyed each other’s company more and could chat more.  I am glad to have had this insight during my exchange. Lastly, while I have a greater appreciation for leisurely meals and service when eating out, I have to say more often than not I prefer the quick efficient service in Singapore. :p