Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Catalan humor and the prudish Spanish

Our son’s homework yesterday consisted of drawing a sign, like no parking, etc and explaining what it means.

It looks like the Catalan culture is rubbing off on him, because he drew a rather explicit sign with the explanation:

“esta prohibit pixar a l’aigua” (it’s forbidden to pee in the water..).

Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to take a picture of his work of art because it was censored. Let’s just say that it was quite anatomically correct.

“There is no way he is taking that to school. He’ll get in trouble.”

“Oh come on, it’s pretty funny. And besides, the Catalans love anything to do with bodily functions.”

“Sorry. It’s disgusting. I’m erasing it and he has to do a different sign.”

It didn’t look like I was going to win that particular battle, though I was impressed at how prudish Spanish people are with things to do with the bathroom. I wonder if this taboo in Spanish culture is carried over from the Arabs.

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