Reading Log for "Yes and No"

"Yes and No" is about a Chinese girl named Amy Tan who seems to have a real chip on her shoulder. She doesn't like the way her language is misconceived as an overly polite and passive language. She revolves her essay around an article she found in the New York Times about there being no direct words for yes or no in the Chinese language. She admits later in the essay that it is true, but there are other ways to say it that get the point across with similar efficiency.

She also feels that the reason there are not as many Chinese people in high profile management positions is because of the language barrier and the way Chinese is misconceived. It is not a bad thing to be accused of being polite, but to hear it so often is apparently frustrating to Amy. Throughout the article and then very clearly at the end, she states her feelings about the American way. She seems to think it's particularly rude.

I personally have never been aware of this issue of yes and no until today, but I have had many situations where I could not understand what a Chinese person was saying. I find myself not even trying now because of my failed experiences in attempting to effectively communicate with them. If this is the reason they are not getting high profile management positions in America, then good. I have spoken to many Chinese people who speak good English, and if I moved to China I would not be fit to lead until I fully learned the customs and courtesies of the culture. That includes, but is not limited to it's language.

During my time in the military, I dealt with Filipino chiefs who could not be understood and therefore much time was wasted when their English speaking underlings had to explain it again. These chiefs were in their position because they had a tight knit Filipino family that promoted from within. So I sort of resent it when I hear about someone moving to America and blaming their difficulties on lack of understanding by the Americans.