Thursday, October 28, 2010

Courtesy in Singapore and Indonesia...

Some years ago an old British headmaster, frustrated at the behavior of local students, said to me that “Indonesian does not have a word for “courtesy’”.

I would translate courtesy as santun, a borrowed Javanese word implying its culture’s most admirable behavior — speaking and acting politely. Courtesy, however, covers other aspects not covered by the concept of santun — respect and consideration.

Indonesians love to think of themselves as a nation of polite and friendly people. We have helpful people who offer service with a smile. We speak politely and address all strangers as “sir”, “madam”, and “big brother/sister”. Schoolchildren are told that tourists love Indonesia because of its friendliness and politeness. More...

Don't miss:
  1. Familiar Singapore  behaviour at casino...
  2. Woman in Singapore goes berserk on the MRT!!!
  3. Singapore has a ... Complaints Choir???
  4. When Miss Indonesia speaks in English...
  5. Indonesian envoys go on sick leave ... to avoid speaking in English!!!

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