Why are Indian people using “sir” and “sure” very often?
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Arnold Rothstein
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when you are trying to sell something to people who are from richer countries than yours, then you don’t want to say “bro”, “pal”, “homie”, “dude”…
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"yes sir" and "sure" was a major problem with hiring freelancers.
They tend to go with "I will get this gig now and will think how I can do it later".
With time I started to ask very complex and difficult questions just so I could discard people who would reply with positive confirmation to them.
And then, when even that did not work well, I just stopped doing business with anyone whos home is built on sand. As simple as that.
I ALWAYS cringe when receiving such DMs here on forum. "Hey bro" - ffs, it's first time we are talking, I'm not your brother, friend, mate or homie.
They tend to go with "I will get this gig now and will think how I can do it later".
With time I started to ask very complex and difficult questions just so I could discard people who would reply with positive confirmation to them.
And then, when even that did not work well, I just stopped doing business with anyone whos home is built on sand. As simple as that.
How about using persons name?! "Hi John" for example... Simple and works great. It's just lack of professionalism if one needs to use those ...
I ALWAYS cringe when receiving such DMs here on forum. "Hey bro" - ffs, it's first time we are talking, I'm not your brother, friend, mate or homie.
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AmberJones
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- Jun 12, 2017
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yes sir they sure do it often times and I don't know why
Arnold Rothstein
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In some cultures, using person’s name directly is a bit disrespect, if you meet him first time. In english, there is only “you”, but in other languages (such as russian “ты, вы", turkish "sen, siz" etc..) there is also plural version of “you”, but you can also use this version as a respect for individuals too. So, you can use this plural “you” with “Mr. Doe”. That’s why I use “Mr/Mrs” if I know person’s last name. Otherwise, I use “Sir/Ma'am". And I am not an indian.
MKSKS
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That's a part of the system we live & breathe.
It can also be related to the cultural system, where client/customer/potential lead is treated that way.
Mahatma (a term of respect for a person who is regarded with reverence; a great spiritual being, a great soul) Gandhi is regarded very high in the Indian society.
“A customer is the most important visitor on our premises…”
In a speech in South Africa in 1890 Mahatma Gandhi said this:Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/customer-most-important-visitor-our-premises-werner-h%C3%BCttenrauch
You can always find exceptions & this isn't just limited to India, you can find this in most asian specifically south Asian countries.
I can't say about other cultures but calling someone elder in age or position/profession is considered as bad manners.
Although this thing is changing now mostly in the corporate sector but still it will take long to change entirely.
Sir in English & Ji in Hindi.
The Sir thing has never been my taste but I have a habbit of using Ji a lot even to strangers & younger people.
Trying hard but couldn't get the Indian out of myself entirely since 1985.
D
Deleted member 1501362
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I think it's just the way they talk, I have always heard it among them
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English is international business language, local rules does not apply there. In my native language there are same rules you described but I would never use scenario you suggested just to avoid sounding bad. Mr/Mrs is alright, but using just Sir is a no-no. I've had email convos with big CEOs from really big companies, trust me on this, using first name is alright.
Question is - if we are talking about electronical conversation e.g. email or any other messanger or a real life convo, because when meeting in person "Hello sir" is just fine, I'm talking about digital env right now.
Arnold Rothstein
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I see. I like western movies/shows/games, and noticed that characters always use “Sir", "Ma/am". These stuff is old school then..
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Dunno about that, I think this article covers quite good why one should avoid using it and what alternatives could be used https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/dear-sir-or-madam-alternatives
MKSKS
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1st thing it's not a rule just a cultural thing.
The people referred here are in an open community (Internet).
No rules, no qualification nothing to apply for these online jobs & gigs.
It's just post your proposal & see if it gets accepted.
Even an average Indian who becomes a part of modern day corporate life takes time to get used to the western culture in these places.
And above all English isn't primary language here plus the most part of English in academics is the Indian version.
It will need a high level of filtering and moderation to filter out these people.
We all know what %age of people we are talking about read & follow these suggestions.
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MKSKS
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That's ok happens with me too sometimes.
In simple words in an overcrowded internet market it's hard to find an Indian with little to no attachment to the Sir thing just because it's a cultural thing.
mindmaster
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- Sep 16, 2010
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Whatever reason, at least online, now I skip 80-90% of collaborations if they use "Sir".
No more headaches. Not to mention that work was poor or non at all from people that abused "Sir" in my experience.
No more headaches. Not to mention that work was poor or non at all from people that abused "Sir" in my experience.
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Understood, you are right but to succeed in business we need to overcome a lot of things. And learn a lot. Writing a good business email is just a skill that can be learned, just like SEO or web development.