Culture: World Compliment Day: Different cultures - different expressions

"A nice compliment is like a sandwich: something special between two everyday things," the German-American actress Marlene Dietrich is said to have said.

Culture: World Compliment Day: Different cultures - different expressions

"A nice compliment is like a sandwich: something special between two everyday things," the German-American actress Marlene Dietrich is said to have said. But a well-intentioned compliment can be misinterpreted - and with it the good intentions behind it. Wednesday (March 1st) is World Compliment Day, so it's a good time to take a look at different types of compliments.

Misunderstandings arise particularly quickly between people from different cultures. This can start with a simple gesture: In Germany and large parts of Europe, the thumbs up means something positive like "Well done", "Super" or "Everything is fine". In Australia or Greece, for example, this finger pointing is an obscene gesture and is considered a vulgar insult. Giving the thumbs up several times even becomes a rude sexual affront.

restraint in Japan

There is a completely different culture of compliments in Japan than in Germany. The residents of the island nation are a very reserved people, so compliments are rarely given. "Recently an optician told me to my face that I would need a different nose pad for my flat nose," says cultural director Akiko Kawauchi from the Japanese-German Center in Berlin. She has lived in Germany her whole life, so she interprets the comment as an honest and neutral statement. "However, if I had come directly from Japan, I would have found his statement a rude and brusque insult."

Having a high nose is considered a beauty ideal in Japan. You wouldn't say the opposite to someone's face, explains Kawauchi. As is the comment of double creases that make the eyes look bigger. The noble pallor that is common in Japan is also considered a compliment, in contrast to a tanned complexion in summer, which women used to smile at as rural - but not so much today.

The art of metaphor

For example, metaphors can be used to express appreciation or love for someone. Same in Indonesia. Gray or white hair is an indication of aging, says editor Esie Hanstein from the Institute for Asian and African Studies (IAAW). But in the form of a metaphor it takes on a different meaning. To win someone's love, be willing to wait "until my hair turns white".

There are similar expressions of respect in Brazil, where someone with a lot of experience is called "macaco velho" - in English: old monkey. Metaphors of this kind can be found in many countries in South America, explains Emeritus Professor of Brazilian Literature, Flavio Wolf de Aguiar.

The expression goes back to a Brazilian proverb: "A wise old monkey doesn't put his hand in a pot." That means a person with experience can't get into trouble, Aguiar says. Because in Brazil, monkeys like to eat from the pot-like fruit of a tree. If a young monkey sticks his hand into the fruit pot, he gets stuck with his closed fist.

In Cameroon, people also like to use metaphors to express appreciation. So someone can be called an old pot (vieille marmite). This is not an insult, but rather the praised person is credited with great culinary skills. Because the Cameroonians think that you can cook the best food in old pots. And if you are called to the imposing Baobab tree, then you have done a good job and are considered a respected person at the same time.

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