One of the distinctions I have noted between English and Asian conversation is our use of the words “yes” and “no”.

I recall a shop in Japan, where I was looking for a particular item. I could not locate it and asked a saleswoman who spoke some English for assistance. Trying to keep things simple, I said something like “You do not have brushes?” shaking my head for emphasis. She said “Yes.” I waited expectantly for her to show me where they were, but she remained with a lovely smile. Confused, I asked again, “You do not have brushes?” She said “Yes, we have no brushes.” In a country known for its emphasis on politesse, it seemed a perfect way to avoid ever having to saying no.

Of course this is the most logical. She is affirming the response to my question, but I am accustomed to someone confirming by reiterating. The conversation would be more like this. “You do not have any brushes?” “No.”

Years later while visiting a small city in Vietnam I wandered into an English class. Their level was quite advanced and they were practicing conversations. The teacher was delighted to have a native speaker join in. I spent a few hours enjoying their enthusiasm and progress. I also shared, to their amusement, my idiosyncratic use of “yes” and “no”.