Although I have been living in Thailand for the past seven months, I came to a realization only today, which applies to the difference between the people in Thailand and the people in America and what they consider appropriate and inappropriate. Funny enough, the two cultures have switched views. The involve public displays of affections or promiscuity with bodily functions. The two cultures seem to have switched views.
For example, in America, many television shows, movies, and ads contains some aspect of sex, whether obvious or suggested. Think about it: popular HBO and Showtime shows, such as True Blood, Game of Thrones, and Masters of Sex splay full backsides, women's breasts, and even full frontal nudity, as well as the act of sexual intercourse. In the Thai media of entertainment, you will maybe see a kiss, but no nudity or partial nudity.
Now, when we talk about natural bodily functions, such as flatulence, hacking a lung, or cleaning the sinuses, that is more "hush, hush" in the culture of America, unless you have a person who is adamant about good health maintenance. If you have a booger, or an itch in the nose, you need to try to be discreet about it if you do not want to receive any dirty looks.In Thailand, if you have an itch you need to scratch, you don't go to the toilet to do it, because you need to work. Just address it quickly and continue. The subject of vomiting and diarrhea is not taboo. If you have it, you will probably explain that to, not only your doctor, but also friends. In the American culture, if you have diarrhea, you just say that you're sick, and try your best to avoid having to inform your colleagues that you have it. In fact, you try to "pretty it up" as much as possible so that you do not feel embarrassed or ashamed. We use phrases like "active bowels," maybe, or "Excuse me, I need to go to the bathroom/restroom/toilet," but nothing about the specifics. That is, again, if you are not discussing with someone is is familiar with the medical aspects and normal functions of the body. A good question to ask is
"Why do we need to feel so ashamed about something our body does naturally? We can't consciously control it, most often, so what is the big deal?"Another culture difference I have picked up on is the use of "holiday" in the Thai approach to English. When a Thai person does not have work for a day during the week, they call it a "holiday," whereas in America, we just say, "Day off," and while both terms mean the same thing (You aren't working that day), the connotation of the terms is different. "Holiday," in terms of American English, apply to taking a vacation, or that it is a special day in which many places are closed; it is highly valued. In contrast, to have a "day off," is not as highly regarded; yes, we can relax, and we are not working, but it also is known as something that happens more frequently than a holiday. For example, if I work Monday to Friday every week, Saturday and Sunday are my "Days off," BUT if I am on holiday, or taking a holiday, that means that I am planning a special trip to celebrate for a period of time. So, a picture to really help the imagination:
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| Day Off |
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| Holiday |
So, when you hear a Thai person say that someday is their holiday, just know, it means that is their day off, not a special holiday you may think about. If it is a special holiday, they normally just address the holiday itself. (I.E. "Songkran festival" <-Major holiday)
Until next time,
K.
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