#Person1#: Did you go to the bank to withdraw money?
#Person2#: Today is so hot, besides I had so much housework to do. My friend came for a visit and stayed for two hours. I didn't forget, but I had no time at all.
#Person1#: So you didn't. Is that right?
#Person2#: Yes. I'm sorry.
#Person1#: Why didn't you just answer my question directly? Why would Chinese answer questions this way? I simply asked if you did it or not. It's a very simple question. And Chinese often give the reason before they would give a direct answer.
#Person2#: Yes, I'm sorry. I know it bothers you very much. But I don't know why Chinese sometimes would do this.
#Person1#: You know, today I asked a student if he brought his dictionary with him. It's a rule I made for the class that everyone brings a bilingual dictionary with them because sometimes they don't understand me. The funniest thing is that this student gave me a lot of reasons and no direct answer.
#Person2#: But you know if he brought it or not, right?
#Person1#: Yeah, after all the explanations like, it's too heavy, I was in a hurry. . . whatever.
#Person1# asks #Person2# a question but #Person2# didn't answer directly. #Person1# complains about that. #Person2# is sorry about that but doesn't know why Chinese people sometimes would do this either.
communication habits