Chinese "filler" word sounds like taboo English word, professor fired
A Chinese hesitation word -like um or er- sounds like the N-word to the ears of English speakers, and a Californian professor has been forced to step back for using it -in context- in class. There have also been violent incidents between Chinese speakers and people overhearing them using this hesitation word.
This is a toughie. I think I'm leaning towards the side of the prof and Chinese speakers. But I'm probably missing something. Your thoughts?
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-54107329
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