Xavio wrote:

Sorry but I don't know any Caucasien. ( I'm not sure that I know what Caucasien mean. Caucase = mountain near russia or in russia ? )

In America, a loose translation of Caucasian would be "white people" (ie, people of European ancestry).
-PCM

pcmodem wrote:

In America, a loose translation of Caucasian would be "white people" (ie, people of European ancestry). -PCM

Then I think I know some Caucasian girls
Well it's strange, for me it's the opposite .
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I have friends who don't like Asian because they say that they don't have breast -_-
What do you think of that ?

Xavio wrote:

Then I think I know some Caucasian girls

If you know French girls then you know Caucasian girls.

Xavio wrote:

Well it's strange, for me it's the opposite .

Personally, I think you're right. Asians are quiter than Caucasians in my experience...but it depends on whether you're talking about "traditional" (some might call FOB) Asian girls who are much more quiet, or whether you're talking about "Americanized/Westernized" Asian girls who are much more talkative IMHO.

I think it also depends on whether you're talking about Asian girls with a bunch of girls...or Asian girls in a potentially awkward/romantic situation with a guy. Among groups of girls...I think many Asian girls are pretty talkative. But around guys they tend to be more quiet. It's a cultural thing (at least for "traditional" Asian girls).

gregsan wrote:

Personally, I think you're right. Asians are quiter than Caucasians in my experience...but it depends on whether you're talking about "traditional" (some might call FOB) Asian girls who are much more quiet, or whether you're talking about "Americanized/Westernized" Asian girls who are much more talkative IMHO. I think it also depends on whether you're talking about Asian girls with a bunch of girls...or Asian girls in a potentially awkward/romantic situation with a guy. Among groups of girls...I think many Asian girls are pretty talkative. But around guys they tend to be more quiet. It's a cultural thing (at least for "traditional" Asian girls).

Are you kidding? The FOBs are noisier than the ABCs, etc.

Of course, they have to feel comfortable around you.

But yeah, your right in that those who come from Ultra Conservative (ie, traditional) families, the girls are taught to be more reticient. But that's largely out the windows in this modern, technological world.
-PCM

pcmodem wrote:

Are you kidding? The FOBs are noisier than the ABCs, etc. Of course, they have to feel comfortable around you. But yeah, your right in that those who come from Ultra Conservative (ie, traditional) families, the girls are taught to be more reticient. But that's largely out the windows in this modern, technological world. -PCM

My experience is that ABCs (though not just Chinese - can this term be used for other asians too?) are louder. I DEFINITELY agree though that regardless, if they're comfortable with you they're MUCH louder (thus my comment "among other girls" since they can oftentimes be more comfortable among other girls).

gregsan wrote:

My experience is that ABCs (though not just Chinese - can this term be used for other asians too?) are louder.

Really? Have you been in a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown? The din is incredible... *reaches for earplugs*

bmwracer wrote:

Really? Have you been in a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown? The din is incredible... *reaches for earplugs*

Oh yeah. That's a "comfortable" setting. BTW...not to get off topic...but it definitely seems like Chinese are MUCH louder than Japanese (especially Cantonese - though I think the language is naturally louder).

gregsan wrote:

but it definitely seems like Chinese are MUCH louder than Japanese (especially Cantonese - though I think the language is naturally louder).

Yes.

Naturally louder?? More like less polite.

bmwracer wrote:

Yes. Naturally louder?? More like less polite.

I think with the tones and stuff though it's a "loud" (harsh) language. Japanese, especially spoken by women - since women "traditionally" speak it different from men, is kind of quiet and tranquil.

gregsan wrote:

Japanese, especially spoken by women - since women "traditionally" speak it different from men, is kind of quiet and tranquil.

Nothing like nihon-go from a lilting, pleasant voice...

bmwracer wrote:

Nothing like nihon-go from a lilting, pleasant voice...

Sou desu ne!!!

bmwracer wrote:

Yes. Naturally louder?? More like less polite.

There's a much larger emphasis on politeness as part of the Nihonjin culture than in the Chugokujin, which has been a source of conflict with my Chugokujin GF.
-PCM

pcmodem wrote:

There's a much larger emphasis on politeness as part of the Nihonjin culture than in the Chugokujin

Like I said.

pcmodem wrote:

There's a much larger emphasis on politeness as part of the Nihonjin culture than in the Chugokujin, which has been a source of conflict with my Chugokujin GF. -PCM

That's true...bowing is a good example.

But regardless of politeness I think the characteristics of the language (especially Cantonese with it's many tones) is also louder and more harsh.

gregsan wrote:

That's true...bowing is a good example. But regardless of politeness I think the characteristics of the language (especially Cantonese with it's many tones) is also louder and more harsh.

Definitely.

I'm studying Cantonese now, not a pretty language.

Note that Mandarin sounds MUCH more flowing and prettier... just listen to some of the love songs from Sammi Cheng.
-PCM

pcmodem wrote:

Definitely. I'm studying Cantonese now, not a pretty language. Note that Mandarin sounds MUCH more flowing and prettier... just listen to some of the love songs from Sammi Cheng. -PCM

She sings both Cantonese and Mandarin songs!! That would make a good comparison.

Xavio wrote:

Sorry but I don't know any Caucasien. ( I'm not sure that I know what Caucasien mean. Caucase = mountain near russia or in russia ? )

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caucasian

bmwracer wrote:

Really? Have you been in a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown? The din is incredible... *reaches for earplugs*

Hahaha..Yeah..LoL.. Loud!!! I would do the same too..

I don't think Japanese are "more polite" than Chinese. Cantonese definitely sounds a lot harsher than lots of other languages (some have equated it to listening to two people constantly arguing). Mandarin is a lot softer, unless you're dealing with Beijing'ers, who have a very sharp accent.

I think the Japanese language is structured in a way that is meant to produce group harmony, and with a lot of humbleness. Still, I think it is a generational issue. Chinese and Taiwanese folks from 2-3 generations ago were very quiet and very humble (I don't say Cantonese people, because the ones you're thinking of are most likely from HK, and have had a different experience culturally under the rule of the British). I think the same thing of Japanese folks. The current generation Japanese (especially in Tokyo) seem to be a different breed of animal than previous generation Japanese. In fact, it is a downright problem where slang terms are now exclusively used and a lot of Japanese have forgotten keigo (polite/honorifics). Young Japanese are also damn loud (especially JHS/HS girls).

Who knows what will happen in the next 20 years...
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gregsan wrote:

bmwracer wrote: Nothing like nihon-go from a lilting, pleasant voice... Sou desu ne!!!

Be careful greg, your wife is behind you with a rolling pin! LOL!

But you all are right about canto. It sounds very harsh compared to the "shwa shwa shwa"-ness of mandarin. My other half is always wondering why when i talk to my family, it sounds like we are arguing...
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