So Ticos are not the most "direct" of folks. As a cultural generalization, people here tend to shy away from conflict. So, if you ask someone to do something for you and they really cannot, it is unlikely to get a direct "no." Instead, they will talk in circles and let you know they "may" be able to and... "oh, by the way, how is your family?" Americans here are seen as overly direct. If Ticos speak in circles, then we speak in a straight line.
As a side-note, many Ticos get fired up about the use of the word "Americans" for people from the United States. Why? Because "we are all Americans," meaning people from South America, Central America, and North America are Americans. Unfortunately, it's part of the lexicon for those of us from the United States of AMERICA and not something that will easily go away. I get their argument. Truly, I do. In fact, when my students first expressed their discontent with my use (and CNN's use) of the term "Americans" to describe people from the US, I tried to tiptoe around their delicate sensitivity and adjust my vocabulary accordingly.
But, let's face it, there's no comparable term that rolls off the tongue like "American." There is no "United States-ian," and no one wants to say "someone from the United States" over and over. So, I'm sorry, but I will continue to say "American" for someone from the US. The important thing to consider here is the INTENT behind the usage. If I'm intending to offend, then that's no good. But if I'm using a common word I've grown up with to describe people from my country, then I'm fine.
Get over it. Pura vida, right?
No comments:
Post a Comment