Chinese "filler" word sounds like taboo English word, professor fired

monster · 09-13-2020, 11:09 AM

A Chinese hesitation word -like um or er- sounds like the N-word to the ears of English speakers, and a Californian professor has been forced to step back for using it -in context- in class. There have also been violent incidents between Chinese speakers and people overhearing them using this hesitation word.

This is a toughie. I think I'm leaning towards the side of the prof and Chinese speakers. But I'm probably missing something. Your thoughts?

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-54107329

09-13-2020, 11:09 AM	#1
monster I hear them call the tide Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Perpetual Chaos Posts: 30,852	Chinese "filler" word sounds like taboo English word, professor fired A Chinese hesitation word -like um or er- sounds like the N-word to the ears of English speakers, and a Californian professor has been forced to step back for using it -in context- in class. There have also been violent incidents between Chinese speakers and people overhearing them using this hesitation word. This is a toughie. I think I'm leaning towards the side of the prof and Chinese speakers. But I'm probably missing something. Your thoughts? https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-54107329 __________________ The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity Amelia Earhart

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