For every generation, there is a GAP or something

One fun part about learning a new language is that you also get some insights into another culture that might explain your observations. Recently my teacher and I were reviewing some vocabulary, different adjectives used to describe people and things, and we got into a discussion about the words for "old" in Chinese. While in English, words we associate with "old" are rarely complimentary, in Chinese "old" is revered. Of course we read a lot about how older people are treated with more respect in Asia than in the US. In China, when someone is called "old" it means that you are observing that they also have a wealth of experience and wisdom. "Old" in Chinese is resepectful, not a put-down.


This helped make a lot of things make sense. For instance, at a local department store, there's a department dedicated to "mature fashion" and another to "elderly dress." Those are the exact wording on the English-language signs. I told this to my teacher that I found this odd, because no American would wear clothes bought in the "Old Lady" department.


On Friday, we were at a gathering of the senior citizens in our garden. They were having a celebration for International Women's Day, and some people from our Chinese parish were singing at it. In front of me sat a man with his coat draped over the back of his chair.

I couldn't help but notice the label.


Valon Geezer.