Courtney Tenz, an American who has spent more than a decade living in Germany, describes her difficulty adjusting to German-speakers' approach to complimenting. She discusses how, in Germany, the absence of criticism is perceived as an implicit compliment, whereas in America, people may grow concerned if they aren't receiving regular compliments and praise. She analyzes the perception that complimenting in American English is superficial and based on flattery, and compares that with the perception that Germans are more truthful when they do give compliments. The resource compels learners of American English to ask themselves: In what ways is complimenting in my country of origin similar or different from complimenting in the U.S.? How do I know?
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
American English |