Question of the day:
Should we, students, greet teachers respectfully (you know, like, we’re soldiers, they’re commanders. We bow low and say very respectfully(without smiling), good morning sir. (or mr/mrs so and so) or should we greet them sincerely and in a friendly manner. You know, like you’re greeting your old pal. Smiling, and saying, “Good morning” in a “how-ya doin’” tone.
If I’m a teacher, of course I’ll prefer the second one. It’s more genuine. That’s why I like some of the ang-mohs. You meet them on the street, and some of them will smile and say hello even though you’re a stranger. These group of people, from a nearby church, who can be identified by their white shirt, black pants/skirt. They pass you by, and smile. And they all look so nice, the girls are pretty, brown haired or blond. The guys are good-looking. Really. They all look so smart in their white shirt black pants. Sort of like school boys but they’re not school boys. Sadly, none of those boys has ever walked past me. So, it’s those friendly girls who greets me.
But we, will never greet a total stranger on the road. Why? I mean, to some people, when ang-mohs greet them, it seems quite normal. But when, just say, a Singaporean greets you on the street. You’ll either think “was he talking to me?” or “siao”
My friend in Finland will stand on the street and wave to drivers and they will wave back. (let’s hope their other hand is on the steering wheel). If we do it here, drivers will think “siao kia”
Maybe we should start a friendly movement. Everyone, smile and greet those around you. Who knows, we can start such a polite culture here.
PS: Yay for the Delifrance guy. He’s extraordinaire