So in preperation for my immersion into the Indian culture I thought it would be wise to do a little "studying-up." To my surprise--and my dismay--I happened to stumble across this interesting little factoid...
It is not easy for the Indians to laugh at themselves, as they take themselves very seriously. On the whole, people enjoy slapstick huomr and will laugh merrily at someone else's misfortune, such as slipping on a banana skin. Traditionalists hate the idea of caricatures of people they respect, although it is increasingly fashionable to make fun of poiticians. Only a few people appreciate sardonic or "dark" humor. Foreigeners may find much Inidan humor rather simple and lacking in subtlety.
It looks like I'll have to keep the sarcasm at home!
Yup, I'd have to agree. Sarcasm is lost there-but they LOVE the slapstick and impersonation humor, especially the Equip India staff, so don't take it too personally if they start mimicking you...that means they like you and feel comfortable enough to tease you!
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