[hongkish]

Originally Posted by Travie

I am a local but have just came back here after 10 years in Sydney. I experienced the same with my current job, I don't think it is "chinese culture" as I am the only non-expat non-administrative worker in the office.

I find myself difficult to fit into the "typical" local culture as well, don't know why... But I found that the easiest way to at least 'break the ice' is to start a joke.

but sometimes we (I mean local) are hardly understand the english joke... and if a joke is going to be explained then that is not funny anymore... but your suggestion is considerable anyways

[Grungerock]

[quote=keto1]HI Toots,

I found exactly the same thing at each of my jobs in Singapore too. I turned up for work, everyone ignored me and no one introduced themselves or introduced me to others. The was no orientation either. I'm still finding things out even though I have been there over a year now!


I disagree with you about Singapore as Singapore national language is English. I used to work in Singapore. Culturally, singaporean are more open in terms of dealing with english native speaker than it is in Hong Konger.

I have to agree that Asians usually do not self-introduce themselves unlike people from overseas. It is how they brought up, but they do not mean to offend.

[Grungerock]

Originally Posted by Khema

i think what the OP was talking about depends very much on the company and people, let's not generalise (all chinese are shy to speak English/of foreigners etc). my experience is actually totally opposite, i random have lunch without my Chinese colleagues... this is from day 1. Am I lucky? dunno. I can only speak a few words of Cantonese and won't tell sweek and sour pork from chicken but they take particular pleasure in explaining me what each meal is about. then there are dinners on Friday and even Saturday... i am surprised to read the original post.

Don't mind asking, are you a chinese?