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June 06, 2008
No problem! = Nine Problems?
No problem! = Nine Problems?
I think the most common phrase I hear whenever I ask for something in India is “No problem!” At first, I thought that is how they are taught for dealing with customer’s requests. However, I got to realize that not only the workers at supermarkets or stores use that, but also ordinary people use it a lot: to the point of being too much. The problem is that after shouting a generous “no problem”, there is no follow up action to meet my needs.
I was standing in line of the supermarket and I wanted some changes; I needed RS 10bills to use for auto-rickshaws. I asked for RS 10bills and the clerk said “no problem!”, but instead he gave me RS 20 bills. I asked him for RS10 bills, pointing at the RS 10 bills under the cashing machine. He generously said no problem and started packing up for the next customer.
In another incident, I asked for chicken curry at a local deli and the owner brought out mutton curry. Although I just could have taken mutton, I was afraid that the mutton was not lamb, but other suspicious meat. Consequently, I asked him for a change in the menu. He waved away me good bye saying “no problem!” I was so caught off guard and asked him for a refund. After arguing and waving me away and asking me to take that mutton curry, he thought I would just take away the mutton curry I guess… But I persistently heckled him for money and made a big scene out of that place. People gathered up and I got the refund.
It is funny how that when I am experiencing problems and asking for some alternative options, many people yell out “no problem” and try to shoo me away. Evne within the people who spoke perfect English had these ‘symptoms’; the No-problemitis affected UPS people too and they seemed to always reply with the same ol’ no problem when I asked them to expedite the taxes and documents processes. I think that is just how the way it is. I now think that “No problem” means actually “Nine problems”, as No stands for nine in Hindi. “Welcome Customer, Nine Problems!”
Posted by coyojon at June 6, 2008 01:48 AM