The most sustained argument between me and a Japanese taxi driver in years: Her: “I am sure I missed the correct turn at Shibuya and so this overcharged you.” Me: “I was not paying attention but this feels appropriate.” “Is this what you usually pay?” “Approximately yes.” / 2
-
-
(As always, translation is a creative act, so there may be something introduced into this conversation by the format you’re perceiving it in. I believe as a professional that I got the essence right but third language while tired in an unexpectedly novel scenario.)
Show this threadThanks. Twitter will use this to make your timeline better. UndoUndo
-
-
-
This would be really hard for me to become accustomed to. There are a lot of mental and linguistic acrobatics you have to remember.
-
If it makes you feel any better, Japanese people would look at a lot of my conversations with Americans over e.g. who pays for a business dinner and think “Oh goodness what is this kabuki. There are *no rules* here; it’s a culture which is incomprehensible to normal minds.”
- 1 more reply
New conversation -
-
-
I am making my first trip to Japan next spring. You have illustrated how completely I am unprepared and unequipped to psychologically deal with this country. I am doomed. Thank you.
Thanks. Twitter will use this to make your timeline better. UndoUndo
-
-
-
Wow. Now I know why they talk so much but when they translate they just say, the fare was wrong.
Thanks. Twitter will use this to make your timeline better. UndoUndo
-
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.