Timeline for How to express important subjective nuances of language in a neutral way.
Current License: CC BY-SA 3.0
5 events
| when toggle format | what | by | license | comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 9, 2011 at 7:45 | comment | added | ladybug | Yes, it differs from region to region, this is true. Generally, in the North, people tend to be more direct. | |
| Jun 8, 2011 at 23:30 | comment | added | user unknown | Well - the austrians and a lot of swiss people, who talk german too, are commonly described as more nice and friendly. Livin in Berlin, I'm sometimes a little shocked about the habits, here, but on the other side I appreciate the direct, clear style. I don't know much about the culure of different regions, speaking english. | |
| Jun 8, 2011 at 23:02 | comment | added | ladybug | Of course it does, but being polite is not such an integral part of German language/culture as it is in English. However, I also think that the heavy usage of "undertones" in German also leads to a lot of misunderstandings online. A whole-hearted, good-natured "Das ist doch totaler Blödsinn!" can be less hurting than a sarcastic "Sollten Sie darüber nicht nochmal nachdenken...?". (My comparison is England where I found everyday undertones quite neutral, so the message wouldn't be transformed as much.) However, written language doesn't carry this, so you have to be more careful of the content. | |
| Jun 8, 2011 at 18:23 | comment | added | user unknown | I disagree. The german language allows to be polite. It's a matter of will, whether you do it or not. | |
| Jun 8, 2011 at 9:31 | history | answered | ladybug | CC BY-SA 3.0 |