Wrappings
This is too funny. Shifting from India to Canada and writing applications, emails and letters in a tone that suits each country.
India is full of - I would be highly obliged if, Please give your kind attention, Your prestigious instituition.
Canada is more direct, repectful but to the point. I began writing a mail and as soon as I got too polite, it sounded sarcastic and suspicious! For example, in a letter to a faculty member, saying ‘Could you please let me know my marks ?’ sounded very huffy and angry and this-is-the-least-you-could-do.
Lol. In India it would be just the right thing. Canada is like - I was wondering if, Would it be possible to, I would prefer, Please accept.
Canada is - I want to know my marks please.
India- I wantED to know my marks please.
As if its not a pressing issue. I dont really want to know my marks. I just wanted to. And if you have the kind time to kindly go through the files and let me know my marks then it would be wonderful and I would be highly obliged. But if you don’t have the kind time, then I will just have to ask you for my marks using a polite Plan B.
October 28th, 2007 at 2:31 am
Will keep that in mind… Sounds informative…