Aside from the 'lost in translation' issues that occur at the meeting of east and west, there are other aspects of language and culture that just simply don't exist on the other side of the world. One thing I've noticed is the way something is implied by certain things. You know, when a simple thing is said, but it implies far more meaning. But sometimes people just don't get it...
A great example of this can be seen in some Chinese restuarants. You walk in, you sit down, and you place your order. But in some places there is an additional step before placing your order... you have to choose which standard of cleanliness you require for your plates and bowls. I know what you're thinking - there should only be one standard: CLEAN. Sadly, that's not the case. You can have the standard stuff, or you can choose the shiny new-looking stuff that is shrink-wrapped, gleaming under the overhead lights - at an additional cost of course. If you were faced with this choice what would you think? What does it imply? To me, it says that you shouldn't eat with the free stuff the restaurant offers you because it is dirty. Apparently the shiny new ones are not even new, but they have been properly cleaned and then sterilised. The question begs to be asked: Why on earth do plates and bowls need to be sterilised? What awful disease-causing bacteria are they destroying during the sterilisation process?
I've asked waitresses about this but the reply is always a blank, silent stare. It seems that offering a 'clean' option does not imply anything, or at least it doesn't in China anyway.
Actually, I think there is another side to the story: I think that both options are clean. But if you choose the extra-clean option it is a small show of status; that a person can afford to pointlessly waste a few renminbi on something in a restaurant, which might be a good way to impress someone and gain a little extra face.
Just for the record, I use the dirty stuff ^_^
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