Culture clash: India and the west.

My opinion, based on the interaction I've had with Indians, who are almost always very polite, is that what you're seeing is the result of English not being the poster's first language.

Steve I all so enjoy the humor and find some of the responses very dry. I am sure there is a good amount that is due to differences in culture. There is all so the Language burier. Having befriend a few people from India now living in The USA. I all so find there are great gaps in life experiences which we apply to humor. These experiences go both ways.

Hi Steve - I am not an expert on Indian culture but have noticed some because of the number of Indians calling SA home.

First I think you should think in the plural - Cultures. (Their differences as slightly more than your 2 main parties)

The second drawback is that they were (or is) a colony of GB.

My first trip as a young marine engineer was to India, it was not very pleasant, because of the weather mostly, growing up in the UK it was very different. But as for the people I found them good mannered and friendly. But poverty was everywhere, at the end of the day they laid down where they where to sleep. They have a cast system, and the questioner my be reflecting that. So I think some of the questions are to do with life's struggle to get on, to stand out in a crowd? to survive. I remember going to the cinema to see Doris Day, and the second engineer on his knees the next day after two beers, often wonder about those beer?

Regards JD.

There were 4 students from India in my 1947 Civil Engineering Class at Univ. of Tenn., one of whom wore a turbin and heavy, bushy beard becaus of his culture and religion, he said. He dated a native Knoxvillian girl, but when he walked up to her home, her father met him with a shotgun. Next day, the Indian student showed up for class sans beard and turbin---------so much for culture.

Hey old f**t. I grew up in Middlesboro, Ky. That could happen with anyone including the next door neighbor. LOL. However, I agree with Steve S. they do seem to be demanding, in general and don't seem to want to look for themselves much. Maybe it is a cultural thing. I was always taught to say please and thank you.

My problem with some posters (a lot from middle and far east it would seem) is in the way they appear to expect that secret/proprietary manufacturing information will be handed out to them with no thoughts as to its owner or costs.....or their questions ask about really dangerous things (paralleling large generators for example) where they obviously do not have the slightest idea or the right background, for the job in hand. people who appear not to have been to University for that subject, nor have they job experiences either......

The west has exported a lot into the east, but there must be certain restrictions self imposed, to sending everything there......not to forget safety either, we do not want them killing themselves or their colleagues due to a full (and usually correct) answer from us being misunderstood in some way!!

The west generally is arrogent. India generally is not. This sort of filters down to approach and application in tech field. Most of the postings appears logically correct but in terms of wisdom it appears to loose out. By the way I am at home both in the west and India. At present I am in India(Mysore) but will be in US for some time after August.

Sorry, if you read just how many "DEMANDS" for help come from the Indian sub continent on CR4, you would not have written what you wrote. Some of the demands appear to be very arrogant indeed.....

I do agree that a small part is maybe to do with the English not being the first language, but so many "demands" are otherwise in perfect English, I know this is not true all the time....

They sometimes get upset when people answer them in the same manner as they posted!!!

That is a interesting comment, but is semantically null unless you define the terms.

What does it mean to you to be arrogant?

What characteristics in westerners do you consider arrogant?

How are you defining wisdom?

In what ways do the posts you are referring to lack wisdom?

Just a few more posts and I will achieve guru status here. I ought to understand wisdom first don't you think?

What does it mean to you to be arrogant?

Trying to do good or bad to others if not asked for in any form is arrogant. It is not arrogant if it is done on a mutually shared basis.

What characteristics in westerners do you consider arrogant?

Iraq, Afghanistan, Cold War, Colonisation, Environmental Degradation, selective relationship with individually, community wise and country wise both politically and economically. e.g. energy and nuclear development.

How are you defining wisdom?

Being sagacious.

In what ways do the posts you are referring to lack wisdom?

What has brought all of us to cr4? Sharing Technology Knowledge. Most of the posting harps on trying to prove destabilising concept and a cliche point: Cultural Clash: India and the West. Component of wisdom in the postings is not very high statistically, dont you think?

Chandu Krishnamurthi my friend:

Definitions from Merriam Webster online:

Arrogant Main Entry: ar·ro·gant Function: adjective

1 : exaggerating or disposed to exaggerate one's own worth or importance often by an overbearing manner <an arrogant official>

2 : proceeding from or characterized by arrogance <an arrogant reply>

synonyms see proud

— ar·ro·gant·ly adverb

Wisdom Main Entry: wis·dom Function: noun

1 a: accumulated philosophic or scientific learning : knowledge b: ability to discern inner qualities and relationships : insight c: good sense : judgment d: generally accepted belief <challenges what has become accepted wisdom among many historians — Robert Darnton>

2: a wise attitude, belief, or course of action

3: the teachings of the ancient wise men

synonyms see sense

So here is a good example of the culture clash. Your definition of arrogance is nothing like mine. All those things that you consider arrogance in Westerners, are generally something else: imperialistic perhaps, overbearing maybe, obnoxious sometimes. There are arrogant westerners no doubt, but there are arrogant people in all cultures.

As for wisdom, I gain wisdom every day I read CR4. Both philosophic and scientific learning. I think this thread has much wisdom in it, that was the reason for starting it. To gain wisdom in regard to Indian culture and the way Indian's relate to westerners.

I think the end of wisdom and the beginning of arrogance comes when a person stops seeking wisdom because he thinks that there is nothing else to learn, and when he stops sharing what he knows.

I have learned much here, and I have shared much of what I have learned here. That is the whole point of CR4 I think. And now with this post I have met the requirements to be a CR4 guru. This is number 500…

I think discussion is going off track.There are Arrogant & Wise people in every part of world. So to generalise any portion of globe will not be correct. We should learn to deal with Arrogant as well as Wise people also fools that is secret of success of Human Relationship.

A very fitting post for a person who has just attained guruhood. Thanks and congratulations!

:

<For those of you from India, do you consider me or other posters here at CR4 that live in the US, UK, or Australia to be rude, or disrespectful in our responses?>

I for one consider you quite pleasent,humorous--never rude and disrespectful

In fact I adore you.

Rest somebody please---.

I have enjoyed your posts as well Mukulmahant.. I always get a kick out of your avatar also. Humor wise you can't go wrong with a turtle that has a rocket strapped to it's back!

Dear S.Steve, You have again ignited a fire like you did for cricket. I am Indian and have travelled U.S, U.K, S.E.Asia etc. First of all I agree that some of our young engineer are not good in english language but they just convey their problem may be not in language you would like. I consider CR4 as very usefull blog where many brain storming sessions take place.Basic attitude depends on the country you are brought up. In U.S if you dont speak loudly message does not go across, whereas in U.K you are suposed to be polite. May be some the young Indian engineers have been brought up in small towns and their language and attitude is rough and tough. After all Indian IT engineers are great brains and in demand world over. India has lead in IT industry. Our economy is growing at 8% to 9%, many countries are interested in investing in India. I think space alloted to me is over,so good luck and bye.

Setting fires on CR4 is one of my hobbies.

My company has recently set up operations in Bangalore and I am beginning to interact with my colleagues there more each day. I also will be visiting eventually, and who knows I may actually work there for a time. So part of my question is to gain better understanding of the culture so I can be effective in my work.

Any advice would be appriciated. It is just electrons and server space, take as much as you need!

You are wellcome to India.Hospitality you will get here, you will never forget in your life,because our people treat guests as God even if he is ghost (joking not you).My following hints are:-1) Banglore which was once garden city has become too crowded and there is too much vehicular traffic causing traffic jams and pollution.2) Carry your medicinal kit with you and get shots for malaria,stomach upset,etc in India as soon as you land here as these are very much cheaper here. 3)Drink only mineral water.4) here people are informal also talketive so be Roman in the Rome. 5) Avoid roadside food, eat only in good rest.Local dish Idli is like rice pan cake cooked in steam, it is safe for you as breakfast. However you can also get western prepacked food like noodles,soups, cornflakes and many other dishes.Also there are many pubs where you can drink and dance.Have nice time in India.You must visit Taj Mahal which in Northern India.

No mention of Queen Victoria contribution to India. Good description

I am trying modify what I said in post #7 previously so that it says better what I want to say.

I have had many colleagues from India/or from Parents from India over the last 5 decades, that is quite normal for anyone who lives or has lived in the UK. Indian people are part of the British way of life and have been for many generations.

They have placed many Indian words in to the everyday English language even. Generally speaking, the ones I knew were intelligent, well brought up and well mannered - all the time, better than some of my more British colleagues!!!

The ones I am personally not a great friend of are simply some of those on CR4, especially with new posts and lots of (sorry! dumb) questions....

I have just come to realize, they simply are just not the same as the ones I knew personally.....or even some of our Indian CR4 regulars.....

I also have to admit that from a name I have problems in also defining between India and Pakistan, though I am aware that there are drastic and deep cultural differences there....

Sometimes people sign on as guests and it is either difficult or even impossible to place them accurately on the world map.....so one is in these cases not sure at all as to their background......which is also one of the reasons I am not really a friend of any Guest.....

I personally have absolutely nothing against anyone from any creed or country as I am not racist in the slightest and have had (girl) friends from all over the globe of many different colors and nationalities......its great fun to meet such people....

Andy,

I can't distinguish between a guest and Andy Germany. To me you are a guest with a name. I am not sure whether your name is Andy? Purpose of the blog is to share the knowledge. If you are not ready to respond positively somebody else will do. World does not end there.

Human race is a mix of dumbs and intellectuals (like you). If the whole world is full of intellectuals… just imagine the situation and reply to the thread.

Am I arrogant? I am Indian.

(Sorry, I am not answering Steve's post)

To make such a reply, hiding behind the name guest, is both arrogant and cowardly to say the least.

If that is the way you run your life, so be it, your personal choice!! But its not a method that will leave you with much character left at the end of the day.....

I stand up here with a full logon name and location as required by CR4.

My real first name is also Andy....

I live in Germany

My family came originally from Scotland.

How much more info do you need from me?

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort but where he stands at times of challenge and discovery." -- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Nice, I like that. Thank you.

He who knows
And knows that he knows not
Is a wiser man, is humble man
Respect him, Follow him.

Dear Gsuhas,

i agree definitely, I had in my mind the same statement, but I did not want to alter the poem like words of another author.

RHABE

I found a new one, probably from India, not arrogant, but so unwise in the ways of the world!!!

See:-

http://cr4.globalspec.com/thread/16885/Turbine-Design?frmtrk=CR4digest

Why are you so biased about India. The thread you quoted is from Raju from Tanzania. (Not from India, though the name looks like Indian). The location is clearly stated in initiator's profiels.

....and you also know as well as I do that there are several hundred thousands of people from India (many are second or third generation now) that live in Africa?

The name suggests to me (rightly of wrongly) that he could be an ex.patriot of India in some way.

Perhaps I have become rather over sensitive to this problem......

So some way or other, you HAVE DECIDED to blame India, for generations together.

I do not subscribe to blame you for the deeds, your ancesters had done.

I do not understand how you can start to mix up generations past's problems, with this question of online manners and attitudes today.

I am NOT blaming India, I am talking about certain people, with names that appear to come from India, about their extremely bad manners online......

I would guess that India has just over 1 Billion people today. Add about another 10-20 million for those living abroad,let us say 1.2 Billion as a number to work with. Compare that with the bad boys online, how many would you like 1,000, 2,000? More, OK happy with 10,000? Then that is less than a drop in the Ocean and that is also why I do not and did not blame India for the failure of 10,000 (probably a lot less!!) persons......

Bad manners online are a problem of the person concerned as his parents could hardly have learnt them before.....bringing past generations and their errors into this subject, only makes the problem unnecessarily worse and broadens the conflict!!!! Was that needed? No of course not!!! But of course many do it, you are certainly not alone....otherwise nobody would have a reason to go to war in the first place!!!

(By the way, are you still at a war alert with your neigbours.....what used to be part of the Empire of India?)

Therefore please try and stay on course and do not start gathering stones from the past!!

The British in India at least kept you together as one nation till before just before leaving the British empire, then you Guys got primitive with each other over religious problems, which led to the disastrous partitioning of India, it seemed at the time the best way to keep you warring parties apart.....it did not help Ireland either to squabble between religions!!! Nor the partitioning of Ireland. It never helps anyone anywhere!!

I do personally believe in A God, whether it is directly mine or yours I do not care in the slightest!! We should respect each other's God(s) (and of course their religion(s) too) as carefully as we respect our own.... Nobody knows who is right in this area and even if we did, why should we war or squabble about it???

Recently Islamic leaders in the UK published a very fine statement recognizing Jesus as a prophet of God. How wonderful, I was very happy to read it and I hope to see more of that FROM ALL SIDES!!

War on the grounds of religion is the worst there is. (War anywhere is bad enough!!)

So stop digging up the past to try and make a stupid point on CR4, concentrate your mental energies on today and tomorrow, the past is past.....it will be far more productive for you and India and the rest of the world to let it lie!!! But also learn from the past and try not to make the same mistakes now as we all did then!!!

I wish you a great day in spite of me!!

Rant over.....

How about GSUHAS scores his point in German and you explain your stand in Sanskrit with him so that we can take it up with the UN or its cultural agencies if it exists.

I can get a friend to write in Sanskit for me and then say that I wrote it!!

Would it make me a better person if I did? I think not..... But some do just that!!!

Have a great day!!

In India this sort of debates and discussion is profoundly called 'The Debating of the Godkind'. Earth is somehow populated with majority of humankind.

What do you mean 'fantasy world' ? My dealings with the cat-people have generally been amiable although they do have short attention spans and attrocious maths.

And as to the KrisDel^TM range of products I have found them excellent.

Send me engineering drawinds for all of these urgently.

I am selective regarding what questions I will attempt to answer. My time is limited and some questions require more attention than I have time available for what I consider to be a well thought answer.

Del has also described startling cultural differences which exist within a microcosm of English society. It is no wonder that in a society as vast and complex as exists in India with all of it's cultural derivations, that we would find participants in the CD4 forums who seem to exceed some aspect of our cultural mores'.

I think, as Del observes, accepting these differences expands our awareness and helps us bridge the cultural gaps which often inhibit the exchange of technology and ideas.

CD4 is designed to be a place of open discussion, a place where one can expect to find help in solving technological problems. Therefore how the problems are stated is really not important. What is important is answering the questioner's query with the best, most considered information available.

He is Indian Stock all right--judging from his expectations!!

Firstly in Bath Breaking Technique.... Not only that the thread was not initiated by any Indian, but not a single Indian has perticipated in discussions. So do not blame any Indian for rabbit trail.

Secondly, I do agree that many people (and many times Indians, as well as westerners too) ask for very basic things. If you feel those as demand, thats because of the not so fine english. But you are free to ignore those. Who have forced you to participate? Bath breaking Technique, which you refer here, is not initiated by Indian, still it is very basic. Still you blame Indians.

Are you biased?

I don't care the country of origin. An incomplete or un researched question is the source of frustration for many, I try to just ask for more information & a bit of abuse for the students.

The demanding tone is just something that isn't being translated properly, I never take offense.

Many threads are silly [bath breaking] or meant to provoke .

Are you jealous? of our "Bath Breaking" techniques?

We British used to be "Path Breaking" in everything we did, but somehow it got too much for us and we are now reduced to "Bath Breaking" to alleviate boredom etc!!

I think you have not read my comments. I am Indian and I have participated in discussion.

Firstly in Bath Breaking Technique.... Not only that the thread was not initiated by any Indian, but not a single Indian has perticipated in discussions.

qsuhas, how do you know that neither I or any contributors are Indian ?

Seemingly trivial threads often serve a greater purpose;

On a basic level, the manner of destruction is not as clear cut as you suppose. I could point you to other forums where such things have been debated, but that would not in itself make the case.

Raising the level for you, what one person considers simple, another may find difficult.

Moving sideways, the thread provides an avenue for people to discuss related issues. Some may even be inspired to address such things by way of new threads.

Taking you back to the basic level, such a thread allows for some light repartee and humour. This can brighten peoples day, and helps people to gain a greater understanding of each other.

I'll drop you down about 12cm (the depth of water in my new bath when filled to the 100 litre British Standard bath level), by suggesting that 'blame' is never in itself constructive. I see the thread as entirely successful. The number of posts therein might lead you to some conclusion.

CR4 has many Indian members, and I have learnt a great deal technically and culturally from them. I completely agree with your point about people being free to ignore threads. Many members (Western included) prefer not to engage in humour or off topic discussion. The only important matter is respect for each other, and observing the CR4 rules of behaviour ( not that I am a paragon of virtue on that matter)

This post is marginally off-topic, but I'll leave it 'open'. I hope you don't feel that I am being unkind in addressing you, this could have been attached to several other posts here - I wanted to add " Welcome to CR4 "

ps - I never clarified the answer to my first line, did I. That's because some humour plays upon ambiguity.

Have a nice day qsuhas,

Kris.

Before I concluded that you are non indian, Steve concluded that YOU are Indian, and started saying, Indians bla bla.

In reply, I said that you are not Indian (or any other contributor for that matter), as you are based in UK and name seems to be westerner (or even Indian). I saw locations of all other contributors and name, which were not obvious Indians.

My point is from no clue about you (or even with confirmed origin of initiator) no body should blame any particular nationals or race or whatever. Human being is same all over, with little differences.

Hi gsuhas,

I'll let Steve clarify the first paragraph.

On the second, the location and name I use don't really tell you anything.

On the third, I agree. Issues such as race/nationality/age/gender/belief etc are irrelevant. A primary benefit of internet discussion is that such things need not get in the way of debate about Science/Technology.

Occasionally misunderstandings occur due to language, but those whose mother-tongue is not English make valiant efforts. Many have better English language skills than I do, and I've lived here nearly all my life. When it comes to understanding other cultures, nothing can replace direct experience, but exchanges such as those on this thread can help.

Kris

Are you speaking of me gsuhas? I think I have been very civil, never assumed anyone was Indian except those with India in their profiles.

I never said anything about Indians bla bla. I think you need to go back and actually read what I wrote.

If anything my opening post was written because I was concerned that my behaviour was offensive to Indians not the other way around.

Yes Steve. Following were your words.

One of the things I have found mystifying is the number of opening posts (mostly from people in India).......

Example of Bath Breaking you quoted, had no man from India (as declared in profiles)

So please read your own post again.

But, now shall we stop this nonsense discussions. You are planning to ome to India. If you come with no bias in mind, you will enjoy stay here. The language of people here may be somewhat rude particularly English, but people here are good in heart.

Even if you reply something to this matter, I am not going to respond to it.

A perfect example of "Culture clash: India and the West"

qsuhas, I think you've mis-understood Steve's words. Perhaps there are some matters that cannot be explained just by the written word. You're writing style sounds a bit aggressive, although I also think this is not your intent. As you rightly imply, understanding if people are 'good in heart' is important. It may be that Westerners simply have to visit India to understand the differences in how people communicate, but I admire Steve's efforts to explore the matter with this thread. A large part of CR4's value is that it allows us all minor insight into cultures we are not familiar with. Many opportunities in business and technology are probably lost because of communication/culture mis-understanding.

The thread seems to have (sadly) reached an impasse. There are other resources that can be explored, though I shall stick to enjoying the minor details that get interwoven with CR4 threads in general.

Ho hum...
You seem to be getting bogged down in a linguistic misunderstanding.

Please allow me to clarify 2 points (not in an aggressive or patronising way)

Steve's original post is written in a very humble almost self deprecating way. It is certainly non-aggressive, apportions no 'blame' and asks for insights.

His statement. One of the things I have found mystifying is the number of opening posts (mostly from people in India).......
Stands up by itself as being an observable fact, I too have noticed it.

The bit you seem to miss... the 'Bath breaking thread' reference is in a new paragraph and is an example of a chatty rambling post. It is not an example of a 'mostly from people in India' post.

I hope this explains why some of your objections are not valid...
As Steve points out in his last post, you are simply demonstration the missunderstnding... maybe more linguistic than cultural? But hey that's what the poster asked us to discus.

Best regards

Del
PS. I have great respect for Indian engineering and culture and particularly wish every success to your automotive industry in this time of rapid change, hopefully it will be at the forefront of producing a new generation of efficient and economical vehicles

Well put Del, totally agree.

I am leaving this Blog now as nobody from India will ever agree with you....but you are dead right!!

as nobody from India will ever agree with you....but you are dead right!! __________________
But I do! Now and always .

I am entering again.

Yes, I agree with Del the Cat, even though from India, as he explains, how confusion was created by intermingling two paragraphs together and also using wrong word "culture"instead of "misunderstanding".

So we need not say "nobody from India will ever agree"!

this arrogant "demanding" of information appears to be a real problem with what appears to be on the face of it mostly young indian men only, perhaps its part of the upbringing, or the lack of upbringing that happens today, or is it a language problem (but then so many of the men who appear to be of indian origin are well mannered on cr4!!).but why is it SO noticeable on cr4, by so many different people, in so many ways? I have seen what appear to be chinese people reacting in a similar way, but a lot less often that from india.its very strange.i am more used to people from my hometown (nyny) reacting like this.

Thank You for the sunshine and fresh air.

You said it!

Besides, if somebody starts finding the origin (nation or race) of the respondent, it becomes embrassing.

I love the food! I love any food. Oh, sorry, that was another thread. <Cough, splutter>.

I have been to India as well as have had (still have, in fact) Indian friends. For the most part, I find them very polite and friendly. Their english may sometimes be difficult to understand but there is none of the arrogance that I occassionally find on CR4 posts.

Don't get me wrong. I did meet some Indians who rubbed me the wrong way. One that comes to mind was when I was sent to Nanjangud (near Mysore) for about a month. I went home for Christmas and was scheduled to go back in early January. Come January, I was waiting for my plane ticket to arrive when I received a call from India. I picked up the phone and pleasantly said, "Hello there!". All I heard was, "Why are you still there?" I was dumbfounded for a while and explained that HR was still processing my papers for the trip back. He said, "Well, hurry up! We need you here (click)!"

As I said, these types were few and the times I stayed in India were generally pleasant. I've maintained quite a few friends there.

I made a comment about arrogant posters in this thread:

http://cr4.globalspec.com/thread/14104/Differential-pressure-Transmitter

I still think it's a lack of the mastery of the little niceties of English.

Well said Vulcan

When this thread is going to end?. I consider this as a wastefull discussion in Engineer's Blog. Steve.S, I have been to U.S, I know American culture.So I also can give talk of American culture, many things which one may dislike.As I had said earlier every country has its own culture and they live in that culture so there is no need to crticise other cultures. Be happy with your own culture and let others enjoy their own culture. You can not impose your culture on others.

Hi Steve,

Just ran across this thread and noticed there haven't been any replies.

Does that tell you something?

"Ignore that man behind the curtain". Maybe that'll get em' to thinking huh?

-John

I see the stamping of feet & the various parties withdrawing to their neutral corners.

I never did know when to leave a party! Though I do have a knack for disappearing before the cops show up.

I never knew when to leave either ! Steve's question was courteous, and worthy of asking. MUKULMAHANT gave a good answer, but I'm slightly puzzle by the lack of feedback from India. Maybe people are more comfotable discussing cultural things by way of minor 'Off-topics' in general discussion. Oh well, I shall gird my loins and see what is occuring in some of the other threads. Have fun watching Super Bowl XLII guys !

There were feedback from India which more or less said or asked what the song and dance and noise was all about? Technically the discussion could be developed into a hit international TV soap opera with infinite analysis of a non issue in technical forum like cr4.

You would have a star part for shouting in bold letters. Steve asked for cultural guidance and assistance, which seems reasonable to me. Perhaps you know of some informative web-sites that may help. With so much rubbish on the internet, asking for first-hand knowledge is sensible. The choice of engaging in threads within CR4 follows the saying " You pay your money, you take your choice". Dancing is not obligatory.

Namaste' Chandu,

I appreciate your response. Culturally, I think we westerners would consider the General Discussion area of CR4 to be a place where the discussion can be less technically focused, and where non technical issues relating to engineering can be discussed. At least that is my understanding based on my history of reading threads here. This discussion would be entirely inappropriate in the Mechanical Engineering forum for example, but I think editorially it fits here in the General Discussion area. Maybe Chris or Moose or Sharkles can correct me if I am wrong.

Namesthe Steve

I appreciate your response. Culturally, I think we westerners would consider the General Discussion area of CR4 to be a place where the discussion can be less technically focused, and where non technical issues relating to engineering can be discussed.

I am in complete harmony with you on this point.

As far as trying to fit in the general discussion of "Cultural Clash: India and West" was more a clash of opinion than perception of culture of India/Indians. I think pvhramani was right on.

with warm regards

chandu

If there was ever a thread that epitomizes my signature, this would be it.

Let's cut this thread now, guys, shall we?

Yeah, I think we've all done as much as we can (whatever our understandings here). Bye all.

Thank You, Thank You Pvhramani!!! That is exactly the sort of feed back I was looking for! You have made my day! I have given you a good answer vote, I hope some others are still subscribed to do so as well.

Hi Steve

Inasmuch as we have been involved in a serious discussion on "Indian culture and western ...etc", this writer had attempted to engage in another interesting aspect of India's "development Initiative". The thread is one that Shyam had begun. This is the point made by this writer:

http://cr4.globalspec.com/comment/177941/Re-India-Now-Best-Place-for-Engineers-to-Build-Life

... and this is the REPLY!!!

http://cr4.globalspec.com/comment/178041/Re-India-Now-Best-Place-for-Engineers-to-Build-Life

The true significance of what was presented in thread 73 above could now be visualized!!!

Best wishes

pvhramani

Fantastic.

Hope, people will come out of their understanding about Indian culture based on few .. very small number of Indians's experience.

Steve

I am really happy about your letter.This candour and willingness of the Americans (in particular) to stand corrected, if explained to, truly endears them to the world.Unfortunately, the present tensions worldwide, make everybody edgy.After Maculay's visit to India, the sinister manner by which the "Rulers" then tried to break the back of the Indian psyche is still hurting, especially to those of us who had welcomed the "Traders" and finally landed up being ruled for nearly three centuries!!

Hope this explains the type of reactions you mention.

Regards

D.Ramakrishna Naidu

Study of Linguistics from the Victorian period would be good start for all the members of the English speaking community. It is a very tall order but it has to be done. India has tonal and nontonal languages that would require additional study. Stresses in the English language around the globe varies in meaning. Good luck and hope this helps.