What and Huh?
English is a hard language to learn with variety of versions then add adoptive words from other countries. Then there is sarcasm, tone of voice, and body language to decipher.
Two triple meaning words are What and Huh. Not only are they open ended probing for more information, but also what exactly does the listener want? Did they not hear the speaker or not understand or a statement of astonishment?
Tidbit: Interrogation tactic training may interpret this as avoiding or misdirecting.
Growing up with a non-native English speaker, a traditional Korean housewife mother, I face challenges of culture clashes. Often times, when I asked ‘What?’ she simply repeats the same words or would say in chopped up English, “Yah, can you beweeb dat?” Translation: “Yah, can you believe that?” Her other half, a career military man, did not appreciate the rude ‘Huh?’. Moving on I took on Sign Language, Spanish, and Korean.
No one really likes to repeat himself or herself. If after repeating the same exact statement a couple of times, try a different approach. Use different words to express yourself. Use more details
Instead of using What when essentially you simply didn’t hear them:
- I’m sorry I didn’t hear you, can you say that again?
- You can blame distance, voice direction, and or phone connections.
If you did not understand the person try phrases such as:
- Can you give me more details, I didn’t quite understand.
- Tell me more of what you’re trying to say?
If the person seems to get frustrated and offended, offer reassurance:
- I’m truly interested in what you have to say please explain more..
Avoid using the word ‘Huh’ as this can be interpreted as immature, disrespectful and unprofessional in many cultures including American society.
Add comment September 1st, 2009
