Since we moved to Chichicastenango six years ago, we have noticed several differences between the Mayan people here and ourselves. Of course there are obvious differences like their darker skin or our taller height.
But one interesting difference is in the way we sneeze! When we sneeze, it sounds a lot like "a-choo!"; and we might even get our voice into it. When Michael sneezes, for example, we can hear him from the other part of the house (which makes us all laugh). But the people here make a small, quiet sound, more like "tch." Yes, that's all... very little build-up to it and very little noise.
Imagine my surprise the other day when Veronica sneezed and made a little sound like "tch." Ha ha ha! What I figured must have been a difference in physical construction of their nasal passages was actually a learned behavior! Veronica is around Mayan children in our dance practices, in Sunday School, and when we invite girls over to play at our house. Veronica explained, "You simply close your mouth, don't use your voice, and hold it in as much as you can." What a humorous cultural experience for us!
Michael's response: "My sneeze is much more satisfying!"