Word analysis 101
For Filipinos, there are certain words in one dialect that has a different meaning in another dialect. Here’s an example of an overheard Visayan/Tagalog conversations at a kitchen sink in a recent Filipino gathering: “Paano ba ito ma si-ra?” “Ay di yan sira, high tech lang talaga.” Upon hearing their conversations, I couldn’t help but giggle in silence as I tried to avoid looking at their direction. Why was I secretly laughing? If their conversation was transliterated into English, their conversation would go like this: “How does this thing turns off?” “Oh that’s not broken, it’s just high tech.” Yes they sound funny. Still trying to constrain myself, I continued to listen. Nobody talked but there was a little commotion at the sink then the water stopped flowing. Finally, a little gesture helped solve the problem. I did not tell any one at the party about the incident nevertheless I thought of sharing it in my blog. Not because I want to make fun of them but I learned a lesson, too. Bo...