In Reply to: Must agree about the grabbing posted by Heatherbelle on Wednesday, 12. July 2006 at 15:46 Bali Time:
Say 'Biarkanlah saya!' (pronounced Bee-arka-an-la sigh-a) which means 'Leave me alone'. If they put their arm around you in a friendly way and you find the gesture uncomfortable you can say 'Saya tidak suka merangkul' (pronounced sigh-a tee-duh soo-ka mer-unk-ool) It means ' I do not like being hugged' but say it with a smile so as not to offend. My husband finds the friendliness of the blokes invade his natural Kiwi male body space and I had to stop him getting all tetchy with them. I learned to say "Dia tidak suka merangkul" (He does not like to be hugged) with a wink or a smile to the guys who gather while we barter and drape an arm over his shoulder as they watch the bartering - and they understand immediately and back off with a grin. So much can be negotiated with a smile! You can also precede what you say with the word 'Ma'af' (pronounced mah-arf)which means Sorry.