I’m really enjoying the book and appreciating how much work you’ve put into it so far. I did have to laugh a bit when I read the following:
„The relationship between servers
and diners is one oddity of Mexican culture
we’re not on board with. Many local diners
will bark out the word “Joven!”—which literally
means “young” but is used for servers regardless
of age—or otherwise behave in a gruff manner
towards them. We don’t understand this at
all—these people come off as rude or selfish
to us—but it doesn’t seem to bother anyone
else, including the servers we’ve observed. But
please don’t do this as a visitor. You are not part
of that culture.“
I think it’s normal to call for a server’s attention this way. In fact it’s far better than using words such as muchacho/muchacha, or señorita, which can be seen as demeaning or sexist or navigating the age problem inherent in the words señor or señora. Joven is perfect, in my opinion, because it means both young man and young woman. If the server is a man or woman of middle age or older, I might use señor or señora instead. As to the gruffness, I can’t comment, but the request for attention can be made politely. If the room is very loud it might sound harsher if one has to raise his voice to be heard. As a side note, I have heard many English speakers say that they sometimes perceive those speaking a foreign language as harsh or angry or as if they’re having an argument.
It's an interesting cultural difference to navigate--in the US, we're accustomed to servers checking in on us, so even having to get a server's attention seems like a sign of bad service. But it seems like there's more of a demanding tone in people who yell "joven," especially when the server is close by. In any case, getting the server's attention without ageism and sexism is always a good thing!
Will do! If you don't see anything in the next few minutes, please email me: paul@thurrott.com
Amazing!
Can't wait to read it!!
Tried to purchase, but it’s not working right and wouldn’t complete. I tried first with PayPal, then with credit card. Thought you’d like to know. Ken
Hi Paul & Stephanie,
I’m really enjoying the book and appreciating how much work you’ve put into it so far. I did have to laugh a bit when I read the following:
„The relationship between servers
and diners is one oddity of Mexican culture
we’re not on board with. Many local diners
will bark out the word “Joven!”—which literally
means “young” but is used for servers regardless
of age—or otherwise behave in a gruff manner
towards them. We don’t understand this at
all—these people come off as rude or selfish
to us—but it doesn’t seem to bother anyone
else, including the servers we’ve observed. But
please don’t do this as a visitor. You are not part
of that culture.“
I think it’s normal to call for a server’s attention this way. In fact it’s far better than using words such as muchacho/muchacha, or señorita, which can be seen as demeaning or sexist or navigating the age problem inherent in the words señor or señora. Joven is perfect, in my opinion, because it means both young man and young woman. If the server is a man or woman of middle age or older, I might use señor or señora instead. As to the gruffness, I can’t comment, but the request for attention can be made politely. If the room is very loud it might sound harsher if one has to raise his voice to be heard. As a side note, I have heard many English speakers say that they sometimes perceive those speaking a foreign language as harsh or angry or as if they’re having an argument.
Anyway, congratulations on your preview.
Ken
It's an interesting cultural difference to navigate--in the US, we're accustomed to servers checking in on us, so even having to get a server's attention seems like a sign of bad service. But it seems like there's more of a demanding tone in people who yell "joven," especially when the server is close by. In any case, getting the server's attention without ageism and sexism is always a good thing!
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts!
Thanks for asking! No, please resend.
Hey, just wanted to make sure this was resolved. Did you get my email with your code for the book? I can resend if needed. Thanks!
Thank you for letting us know! Let me see if we can figure out what's wrong.
Congrats to you!!!!