Many people don’t realise that there are vast cultural differences between the countries of East Asia. Some of us are aware of the extreme codes of etiquette in Japan that have shaped its language and the behaviour of its people – there are many different ways of saying thank you. In China, where I lived for many years, a simple grunt would usually do it. Someone once told me that you really marked yourself out as a foreigner with too many of those pleasantries.
When I met Yeshi I learned how differently again these things are expressed in Tibet. Some bowing and scraping happens in religious settings, but there are few formalities. Conduct is more important than form. Thank yous are sometimes expressed through body language – a cupping of the hands and a little bow, perhaps. As for hellos, in many parts of Tibet people stick out their tongues as a greeting. This tradition is said to have started back in the ninth century by people keen to disassociate themselves from a cruel, black-tongued king.
So if you come for a takeaway and our staff stick out their tongues and don’t say thank you…
In Tibetan style, Yeshi expresses his gratitude by giving back to the community. On the days that we are not open he is often cooking up free meals for distribution through Oxford Mutual Aid. You can support this initiative by purchasing vouchers online or in store.
Gift vouchers will also be up on the website this week if you are looking for a Christmas present or anytime gift for a loved one. Make sure to check our Instagram, Facebook or Twitter for news of this launch. Thank you for supporting us and making us feel so at home in our new digs in Magdalen Road.
We are open from 5-8.30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday this week, and subscribers to our mailing list can expect a tangible thank you for any food purchased in store this Thursday. Sign up here to get your discount code!
Thank you! (I am English after all – there had to be another one).
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