What the other person hears is important, what you said is not.
An apology only works if the other person believes you understand what was wrong.
No matter how sincere the intent, just saying “I’m sorry” is underwhelming because the other person is left relying on non-verbal language to understand.
“I’m sorry if…” is a non-apology apology. Ignoring the shift of blame, or lack of contrition, the “if” lends doubt. If you feel apologetic, then say so.
Everyone may use the word “nigger.”
When they do, some Black people sound cool. Others sound ignorant. Still others sound dangerous.
When they do, some White people sound cool. Others sound ignorant. Still others sound dangerous.
Teachers seek confirmation to know they were heard as they intended.
Homework and tests are a form of delayed confirmation.
Learning a language is understanding what other people feel when they hear words.
Is 老外 offensive? The answer is both “no, because Chinese people don’t use with offensive intent” and “yes, because some 老外 hear offensive intent.“
Respect can be captured in words.
Chinese, Japanese and Korean have honourifics.
Many languages use nicknames.
It’s weird when people claim the use of "politically correct” language offends them. I think, it might be an expression of feeling disempowered.
