One of the other fun aspects of immersing oneself in another tongue is indulging in the feisty world of curse words. Almost every language has them, and they often elicit the same responses of shock, anger, or sometimes even humor from speakers of the languages that produce them. Last week, one of the Russian speakers in my class guffawed when our teacher said the Chinese word “hui,” which means “to return, to go back.” Apparently this word sounds very similar to a wordy dird in Russian (I’m not sure which one, but I’m guessing a pretty bad one based on his reaction). His response of shock at hearing a sound that is similar to one that is taboo in his language actually sent shock and confusion through our class. We were all amused to learn why this innocuous sound to my English ears elicited such a reaction from him.
Another similar instance occurred when one classmate was asked to try out new vocabulary about schedules and classes. The Chinese phrase “grammar class,” “yu fa ke,” sounds similar to, well, “yu fa ke.” One student about busted a gut when he heard this phrase, and after a couple moments, we figured out why he was laughing. It was quite entertaining to explain to the teacher why grammar class can be so shocking!
Lastly, we US English speakers have to catch ourselves the first time we hear Chinese speakers stuttering in speech with their version of “um, you know?” The Chinese version of “um, you know?” sounds like a very offensive word in English that begins with an “n.” This sound, which I only hear in the US when African-American guys are taunting each other, sounds quite strange coming from diminutive Asian girls chatting on the sidewalk!
Well, now I must “hui” to studying for “yu fa ke.” I’ll leave you with the Chinese phrase for goodbye, “zai jian,” which as far as I know, does not sound like a curse word in any language. So zai jian for now! :)