I can relate: I'm not allowed to write thank-you notes any longer because my way is, "Dear **, Thank-you for sending us X; we really appreciate it. Sincerely, the Knights." Apparently, that way is anti-social and won't justify stationary.
I have the opposite problem (... as usual, lol). Whenever I write to a professor I first write like normal for me (German - short and direct), then expand - adding several times the original number of lines (full with useless words, lol, wasting my time and theirs) because I'm writing to a Japanese professor and that seems to be necessary for reasons I still cannot understand.
... btw, still reading every post - but usually as rss feed so I'm even less inclined to go to your blog to leave you some of them words, sorry! - Kerstin
Hi Kerstin, thanks for your comment! (And no need to apologize -- you're so Japanese!) You're absolutely right -- Japanese emails are the worst! We sure know how to fluff up a 5-sentence email into an essay by apologizing and yoroshiku onegaiitashimasu-ing profusely, eh! It still takes me ages to write emails in Japanese, sometimes even friendly ones!
I can relate: I'm not allowed to write thank-you notes any longer because my way is, "Dear **, Thank-you for sending us X; we really appreciate it. Sincerely, the Knights." Apparently, that way is anti-social and won't justify stationary.
ReplyDeleteHaha! From G's point of view, that would be the perfect thank you letter!!!
Delete"G" writes email like a German, direct and brief. You still write like a Japanese, Superfluous and apologetic. I'm with "G", and I'm American!
ReplyDeleteReally!?! I thought I learned the art of exaggeration and superfluousness from the Americans! (No, seriously!) hahaha!
Deletecheck! same here again.
ReplyDeleteand that extra bubble with the uber-sad face is genius!
Thanks P! And a belated thanks for your kind email! It put a big smile on my face. :)
DeleteI have the opposite problem (... as usual, lol). Whenever I write to a professor I first write like normal for me (German - short and direct), then expand - adding several times the original number of lines (full with useless words, lol, wasting my time and theirs) because I'm writing to a Japanese professor and that seems to be necessary for reasons I still cannot understand.
ReplyDelete... btw, still reading every post - but usually as rss feed so I'm even less inclined to go to your blog to leave you some of them words, sorry!
- Kerstin
Hi Kerstin, thanks for your comment! (And no need to apologize -- you're so Japanese!) You're absolutely right -- Japanese emails are the worst! We sure know how to fluff up a 5-sentence email into an essay by apologizing and yoroshiku onegaiitashimasu-ing profusely, eh! It still takes me ages to write emails in Japanese, sometimes even friendly ones!
Delete