25750: Miller: (reply) Re: 25736: Sira: (reply) :25703 haitian creole terms (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Rob Miller <painewebberm@yahoo.com>

There is much in Kreyol that cannot be literally
translated to the same meaning in English.  A good
example, "pa gen pwoblem", or "not a problem" typifies
this; while meaning "you're welcome" in everyday use,
the direct translation into English has a more subtle
undertone that Americans typically do not use.  The
suggestion is that while it was not a problem, you
should not feel welcome to ask again.  Whereas,
"you're welcome" encourages future reliance for help.
Perhaps this could be attributed to other cultural
items, such as the popular greeting in the NE, "we're
struggling". If everyone is struggling, why would
anyone encourage asking for help?