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I have a passion for languages, starting with my native tongue, German, which, by the way, can be quite challenging to grasp. I also enjoy immersing myself in new languages, particularly by listening to native speakers and then mimicking their speech like a parrot ๐ฆ, repeating everything they say. Playing with words is another favorite pastime of mine, especially in German, where a single word can carry multiple meanings.
Today's post idea and a recent encounter with a Manga character illustrate this linguistic playfulness. The Manga depicts a character selling bottled water, whom my husband and I fondly dubbed the "waterman," or "Wasserman" in German. However, "Wasserman" also carries another meaning when translated into English: Aquarius, like the Zodiac sign. This linguistic quirk adds layers of meaning to our interpretation. Whether the waterman's Zodiac sign is Aquarius remains a mystery, but in our minds, he embodies the spirit of the water bearer ๐.
Yet, this story isn't just about linguistic nuances. It all began with a simple act of purchasing water bottles. In Germany and even in Turkey, where we've lived previously, tap water is typically potable, negating the need for bottled water. However, Thailand presented a different scenario, where tap water isn't always drinkable. Thankfully, refillable large bottles were available, offering a more sustainable alternative to single-use plastic.
We first encountered the waterman while frequenting a restaurant known for its delicious Thai noodle soup ๐. Sitting outside our home one day, we flagged him down, using our limited Thai language skills to request three large bottles and inquire about the deposit. We assumed that we would receive a full refund upon returning the bottles, each requiring a 100 Baht deposit (nearly 3 โฌ).
For over three months, we faithfully patronized the waterman's business. However, upon our departure, we attempted to reclaim our deposits, only to be met with a surprising revelation ๐ฎ. The waterman insisted on refunding only 30 Baht per bottle, citing their extended use as justification. Despite our protests and attempts at communication through language barriers and Google Translate, we couldn't reach a resolution.
The situation left us pondering whether the waterman's actions were standard practice or an attempt to exploit us. Consulting our Thai friends yielded no clear answers. Ultimately, we decided to donate the bottles to an elderly woman who collects plastics with her bicycle, preferring to support her kindness over engaging further with the waterman.
Reflecting on the experience, it's not about the monetary loss but rather the principle at stake. Whether we misinterpreted the situation or the waterman sought to take advantage of us remains uncertain. However, it reminds us that living in diverse cultures entails navigating complexities beyond language barriers. Despite the challenges, there's beauty in exploring these differences and finding positivity amid adversity.
In the end, it's our choice how we interpret and respond to such situations.
I prefer to view it as an opportunity for growth and understanding, recognizing that even seemingly negative encounters can offer valuable insights into the intricacies of cultural exchange.
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