Foreigners, at least English-speaking foreigners, thank people for the least thing. When they want to buy something in a shop. For example, they are usually very polite. They ask to look at something. The assistant hands the article to them."Thank you" they say. They thank the assistant. They give the assistant the money, "Thank you" says the assistant. The change is given together with the receipt and the customer again says
"Thank you" and the assistant should also thank them again for having bought something.
A foreigner wants to get off the bus. The bus is crowded and the foreigner must push past lots of people to get to the door. The foreigner will perhaps say "Excuse me. Thank you. Excuse me.Thank you" several times before reaching the door.
Foreigners are willing to thank people but they don't like others to thank them! Want to play a game? Want to see a foreigner embarrassed? Then you should be very grateful for the slightest thing. The foreigner will maybe blush and mumble something like "Not at all." But what would you say.., or what should you say when someone thanks you? This can be just as important as the expression of gratitude. Again a smile is called for and it is nice if you can use your hands, too! Hold them with your palms towards the other person at about chest-level and say one of these phrases.
Not at all (the most taught but least used now)
That's alright or That's OK (very common with the stress on that's)
It's nothing! (used when you've, helped someone)
It was nothing or it is nothing (used when you've helped someone or given them sth. )
That's quite alright (very polite)
Think nothing of it (in response to thanks for help)
Any time ! Any time! (ready to help always)
Pleasure! (neutral, for gift or help)
Glad to be of assistance (polite, response for help)
Don't mention it! (possibly most common response)
