Even between cultures that are relatively similar, like those of the United States and Ecuador, there can be differences in what constitutes "polite behavior" that leave us scratching our heads. Read on for a few examples in the arena of food!
When we've asked what is in a dish or how it is prepared, the initial response we usually get is "¿No les gustó?" (You didn't like it?) The explanation for our asking is invariably the opposite - we want to know what we just ate and how it was cooked so we can duplicate it ourselves!
At first this practice was really annoying, as it felt like the person was fishing for compliments. Then we finally realized that maybe assuming someone doesn't like your cooking is a way of showing humility.
A few weeks ago I stopped for lunch at a restaurant in town. As it was mid-afternoon and Kirstie had already eaten, I was the only customer there and took the opportunity to strike up a conversation with the owner. We talked for about 15 minutes as I ate. Then, just as I was cleaning up the last grains of rice and finishing off my chicha de avena, the owner stood up and walked to the back. Since I was sure she knew I was finished, I assumed she would come right back so I could pay and be on my way. Five minutes passed and after five more, I decided to get up and holler "gracias" to indicate I was ready to go. Immediately she came around the corner as if she had been waiting there for me.
I guess she didn't want to pressure me to pay and go before I was ready, so she went off to hide in the back until I called.
Experiences like these can certainly be annoying at first, but it's nice to learn different ways to show humility and politeness. And just a heads up - if you come to visit us and ask how to cook an Ecuadorian dish, we're going to assume you hated it. :)
..Isaac and Kirstie..
This blog is part of the Language and Culture series.
When we've asked what is in a dish or how it is prepared, the initial response we usually get is "¿No les gustó?" (You didn't like it?) The explanation for our asking is invariably the opposite - we want to know what we just ate and how it was cooked so we can duplicate it ourselves!
At first this practice was really annoying, as it felt like the person was fishing for compliments. Then we finally realized that maybe assuming someone doesn't like your cooking is a way of showing humility.
Chicha de Avena
Boili for about 10 minutes:
1 cup oatmeal
3 medium fruits
pinch of salt
1/4 cup sugar
cinnamon and/or cloves
Blend, strain, chill and serve.
A few weeks ago I stopped for lunch at a restaurant in town. As it was mid-afternoon and Kirstie had already eaten, I was the only customer there and took the opportunity to strike up a conversation with the owner. We talked for about 15 minutes as I ate. Then, just as I was cleaning up the last grains of rice and finishing off my chicha de avena, the owner stood up and walked to the back. Since I was sure she knew I was finished, I assumed she would come right back so I could pay and be on my way. Five minutes passed and after five more, I decided to get up and holler "gracias" to indicate I was ready to go. Immediately she came around the corner as if she had been waiting there for me.
I guess she didn't want to pressure me to pay and go before I was ready, so she went off to hide in the back until I called.
Experiences like these can certainly be annoying at first, but it's nice to learn different ways to show humility and politeness. And just a heads up - if you come to visit us and ask how to cook an Ecuadorian dish, we're going to assume you hated it. :)
..Isaac and Kirstie..
I'm fairly certain we've said things like, "Oh, this food is really good! What's in it?" and still gotten the "¿No les gustó?" response. But we'll definitely say it next time we want the recipe for something. We'll let you know the responses we get!
ReplyDeleteSo if I say "Never teach me how to make this", you'll know I loved itand will show me how to cook it? ;)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'd say that's about right!
ReplyDelete..kirstie..