A Country Without "Thank You"? Insights from East Timor

This is a story from my time working as a JICA expert in East Timor.

What surprised me most at first was that the local language (Tetum) had no word equivalent to "thank you." Instead, they use "obrigado," borrowed from the former colonial power, Portugal.

When I first learned this, I'll be honest—I was struck by the cultural difference, thinking, "They don't even have a concept of gratitude...?"

But as I spent more time with the local people, my perspective changed.

For example, when someone catches fish in the sea, there's a custom of naturally sharing it with everyone. People don't expect anything in return or ask for words of thanks. Mutual aid is woven into the fabric of daily life.

Rather than drawing a line between "self and others," there's a sense that "self and others are one." In a society where this feeling is so deeply rooted, perhaps the word "thank you" isn't even necessary.

(Though I do think much of this traditional culture has been lost in modern times.)

We tend to focus on differences, but originally we share the same roots. If we could look beyond our differences to find common ground, and embrace others' concerns as our own, wouldn't conflict become unnecessary...?

My time in East Timor left me with that very question.