Nadilla Ariyani (A1B215053)

Argumentative Essay

Pay Attention

When we are talking to someone in person or on the phone, we are bound to show that we are paying attention to what they are saying. Therefore, we have to give an appropriate response to what they are saying. How people express that do not differ much between cultures. When the other person talks about something sad, we show our regret or condolence and we might want to cheer them up. Similarly, when they talking about good news, we respond by showing that we are glad to hear it. It is not very different how people show attention in Indonesia and in English-speaking countries.

For example, when someone relays good new that he or she has just gone on holiday to someone nice, in Indonesia, we are likely to respond by saying things like, “Wah, menarik sekali. Tempatnya indah ya.” In English, one more similarly respond, “How interesting! It’s a beautiful place indeed” Or, for example when someone relays the new of their relative’s passing. In Indonesia, we learn to express our condolence by saying “Saya turut berbelasungkawa.” It is the counterpart of the English Expression, “please accept my condolences.”

Another way of paying attention is when we see someone looking a little different, sporting a new look, etc. It can be done by giving compliments. For example, when seeing a friend sporting a new haircut, Indonesian people might say. “Wah potongan rambut kamu baru ya?” its counterpart in English would be along the lines of. “Wow, I love new hairdo. It accents your features.” While the gesture is universal, it differs in Indonesia and in English-speaking countries. People in English-speaking countries are more expensive in terms of giving compliments, while it is not expected among Indonesians.

Similarly, people in English-speaking countries respond to compliments by accepting them. For example, when compliments for the new dress one wears, she will likely respond by “thank you. I like the dress very much.” They thank the person by giving a compliment and adding a statement or two that supports it. In contrast, Indonesian people tend to refuse a compliment, saying things along the line of, “tidak, kok. Baju ini sudah lama.” First, they refuse the compliment, the adding disagreement with the compliments.

People in English-speaking countries also often go to some length in paying attention and showing care, both in happy and sad time. For example, they may send get-well-soon cards or letters to someone who is ill or is in recovery. Also, they may send condolence cards or letters to someone who has just lost a loved one. This particular gesture is not very common among Indonesians, although they do send cards for special occasions such as Christmas, Idul Fitri, Birthday, etc.  In conclusion, how people express that do not differ much between cultures. When the other person talks about something sad, we show our regret or condolence and we might want to cheer them up. We are responding someone who speaks to us, it makes we are paying attention while communication to others.