Andrew Chen
Language and Personality
Transcript for Language and Personality
[A comic.]
A few years ago, when I first arrived in the US.
American A: I like your shirt.
Me: Oh…! Thanks!
American B: Nice shoes!
Me: Oh…! Thanks
Me: Woah- People here talk and act so differently! They even give compliments to strangers! I’m going to learn from this!
When I went back to China…
Me: You play the flute very well!
Chinese A: No, no! I’ve only learned for a few months
Me: Haha. People here are not so used to getting compliments like this.
And such openness is not appreciated by everyone.
My friend: My new job is quite demanding.
My friend: I might not come to the art studio anymore…
Me: But you draw so well…
Me: Why don’t you teach art?
My friend: It’s already draining to just make modification to other people’s art like this… Teaching will kill all of my passion for art.
Me: …Want a hug?
My friend: No!
Me thinking about what my friend said “I might not come to the art studio anymore…” It’s the same for me.
Someone in the art studio: He just came yesterday and said he’s not coming today. Me: Oh…
Me texting to my friend: Today might be my last time coming to the art studio. My friend texting: What?
Me texting: I told you, right? In 2 weeks, I’m going to the U.S. again.
Me: I will miss this place… And these works.. And especially…
Me (holding my friend’s work): How does someone even paint like this… My friend: Take it with you if you like it that much.
Me: ?! Didn’t they say he’s not coming today?
My friend: Want cigs?
Me: I don’t smoke. Wait, this painting is mine now?
We left the studio after a while -
My friend: Want cigs?
Me: Didn’t I just tell you I don’t smoke?
My friend: …Most of my friends smoke.
Me: …Is that why you always ask me if I want cigarettes?
The End
