This is one of comedian Jeff Foxworthy’s famous saying. He would say it in response to people who asked questions or made statements about things that were obvious. The “sign” would identify the person as being a moron. This would not work so well here in China, because stating the obvious is an everyday way for people to communicate here. Let me give you an example. One rainy day, I walk outside to the bus stop. There was a guy standing there. We smile at each other, in that friendly the way that strangers often do. I guess that encouraged him to try to strike up a conversation because he looks at me and says “下雨了” or “It’s raining”. I really didn’t need him to tell me this because I was already looking for animals to be lining up two by two. At this point one could insert Mr. Foxworthy’s quote into the conversation, but instead I just agreed with him. Little did I know that for the rest of the day people would kindly inform me of this fact. Did I look like I didn’t realize it? No, I had my umbrella and was properly outfitted in a jacket and boots. Later on I was told that this is a part of the culture.
Another example of people stating the obvious is how often people tell me I am a “老外or 外国人” which both mean foreigner. Now for those of you who don’t know me, I want to explain to you that the chances of me being mistaken as a local are not very good. Instead of saying “here’s your sign”, I often tell them “no I’m not. I am Chinese. I am from the south side”. One day a little 8 year old girl says this to me at a park, so I could not resist telling her that I am Chinese. The look on her face was priceless. I could almost read her thoughts in the wrinkles on her scrunched up face. She was probably thinking “But you’re Black”. Well, I must have been very convincing because suddenly her face brightens and she runs off shouting “他是中国的”or “He’s Chinese”.
Just to give you a final example, the other day I bought some beer because we were having friends over. The security guard at the gate asks me, “你要喝啤酒吗？Which means “Are you going to drink beer?” I thought what would Jeff say in this instance? It would probably be something like “Nope. I just like buying the stuff”. But this time I restrained myself, and just told him that I was.
You know they say if you can’t beat them, join them. So I have been using this technique to start conversations with people. I say things like: “I am not a local”, “you are Chinese”, or even “it’s raining”. I am just waiting for one of them to say to me “这里是你的标志” or “Here’s your sign”. - Frank
I come in the house soaking wet and am greeted by "Is it Raining?".."nope, decided to take the fish for a walk". Here’s your sign!
