Here, if you hear: "I give you my word; I'll be there
before the weekend." You should
have asked: "Which weekend?" It's important to pin down the speaker. Not
only could it be the next weekend, it could be months from then. However, the
person will appear.
Here, if you hear: "I'll be there shortly." You might have to wait a few weeks and maybe
then it won't happen. It depends on how many other things appear before your
interests become a priority.
Here, if you hear: "I'll be there directly."
Chances are you'll see that person by the end of the day. Maybe. At least, he
won't make any side trips first – unless they are directly on the way.
Here, time is not specific.
This evening could be anytime after lunch but before midnight.
"Come for dinner." You invite your neighbor.
"Oh, we'd love to come."
"Good. Come over after work. Around 6:30."
You work for hours preparing something delicious. The appointed hour arrives and no one
comes. The next day you ask your
neighbor if everything is okay. Since
they didn't come to dinner, you can't conceive of anything short of an illness
keeping them away or from at least sending a message.
"Oh, we didn't think we'd come last night, maybe
tonight?"
It's not being rude. It's just a different understanding of
time, of eating habits, of meal preparation.
Why would anyone make a special meal for neighbors?
"We'll come tonight."
And they do. Around 9 pm. After you've given up, put
everything away again and helped yourself to the rum. They arrive with their three children and a
Spanish speaking cousin from Honduras.
And they're hungry.
The word is good; the timing is a little off.
