Talking about cell-phone etiquette reminded me of another mobile related topic: The world of Missed Calls!
The Lebanese mobile users seem to have mastered the art of missed calls - and actually to communicate without talking or answering the calls! (It’ll be interesting to know from the cell-phone service providers how many missed calls are made during a normal day in Lebanon).
Why spend on calling friends and dear ones when a ‘missed call’ can say it all? The prices of mobile calls in our country are among the most expensive in the world. That’s why missed calls are very popular in Land of the Cedars. Does anyone make a “missed call” in any other countries? After doing a quick research on the Internet and I found out that India is also famous for this way of communicating. Therefore, missed calls shouldn’t be considered a Lebanese exclusive! (we love to be different and unique… But it doesn’t always work) ;-)
Anyhow, Missed calls have become for most Lebanese a way of life. They have become an effective way of communication. They have found the way of using missed calls so innovatively that it has almost turned into a “culture”. Through this means, communication carries on effectively and at no cost at all. They assign meaning to the number of missed calls and then use them accordingly, like a pre-arranged set of special Codes to get the message across.
A missed call can usually mean: “call me back”. But not always! It could be a way to say, “I’m thinking about you” or just a simple “hello”!
Very often, a couple or a group of friends who are supposed to meet at a particular place, choose to signal that they have reached by giving a missed call, rather than talk or send an SMS saving on the units that it could cost.
Any other pre-arranged meanings are often used as well:
One missed call = ‘I’m free’ ; two missed calls = ‘I feel like going out… Care to join?’; One missed call = ‘yes’; two missed calls = ‘no’ (or vice-versa); One missed call = ‘ I’ve arrived, where r u?’ ; etc…
The system in vogue is used for all occasions and for all reasons. Only one must have a prior understanding about what the ‘missed call’ means or else it can be confusing.
Developing and using this way of communicating is a proof of how creative people can be when they have to survive the challenge of high prices. Like the old saying goes: “Need is the mother of invention”.
Until our dear cell-phone service providers decide to cut the exorbitant call prices, Lebanese people will continue to find new ways to save some money, while continuing to communicate.
Ok, my friends, when I miss-call you, know that I miss you and I'm thinking of you!
The Lebanese mobile users seem to have mastered the art of missed calls - and actually to communicate without talking or answering the calls! (It’ll be interesting to know from the cell-phone service providers how many missed calls are made during a normal day in Lebanon). Why spend on calling friends and dear ones when a ‘missed call’ can say it all? The prices of mobile calls in our country are among the most expensive in the world. That’s why missed calls are very popular in Land of the Cedars. Does anyone make a “missed call” in any other countries? After doing a quick research on the Internet and I found out that India is also famous for this way of communicating. Therefore, missed calls shouldn’t be considered a Lebanese exclusive! (we love to be different and unique… But it doesn’t always work) ;-)
Anyhow, Missed calls have become for most Lebanese a way of life. They have become an effective way of communication. They have found the way of using missed calls so innovatively that it has almost turned into a “culture”. Through this means, communication carries on effectively and at no cost at all. They assign meaning to the number of missed calls and then use them accordingly, like a pre-arranged set of special Codes to get the message across.
A missed call can usually mean: “call me back”. But not always! It could be a way to say, “I’m thinking about you” or just a simple “hello”!Very often, a couple or a group of friends who are supposed to meet at a particular place, choose to signal that they have reached by giving a missed call, rather than talk or send an SMS saving on the units that it could cost.
Any other pre-arranged meanings are often used as well:
One missed call = ‘I’m free’ ; two missed calls = ‘I feel like going out… Care to join?’; One missed call = ‘yes’; two missed calls = ‘no’ (or vice-versa); One missed call = ‘ I’ve arrived, where r u?’ ; etc…
The system in vogue is used for all occasions and for all reasons. Only one must have a prior understanding about what the ‘missed call’ means or else it can be confusing.
Developing and using this way of communicating is a proof of how creative people can be when they have to survive the challenge of high prices. Like the old saying goes: “Need is the mother of invention”.
Until our dear cell-phone service providers decide to cut the exorbitant call prices, Lebanese people will continue to find new ways to save some money, while continuing to communicate.
Ok, my friends, when I miss-call you, know that I miss you and I'm thinking of you!
Two missed calls mean that I'm feeling lonely... so feel free to call me... if you still have some precious units ;-)
1 comment:
Missed calls and their connotations are endless. It is like everyone has fabricated his own version of translation for the missed call.
Personally, I used to ask myfriends to missed call me when they are near my house, so, I will open for them.. The reason behind this was : Because I didn't open to any rapping!! :-)
Later on, this habit faded .. as I became more adjusted with the custom of answering the door .. The least thing that could be done is to socialize with others.
Again, the missed call had a presence in my life, when my dear friend was worried about me one night to return to my home .. so, he told me to missed call him when I reach .. and We are using this method ever since .. Here it means: ( I am home and I am safe).
On the other hand, I never digested the One-Hi-Missed-Call, the Two-I miss you-Missed-Call, the Three-I am thinking about you-Missed-Call.
Nor liked One-Confirm, Two-Decline.
Text messages are too cheap, so why we do not exploit them ;-).
And the thing that I hate the most, is to know that one has the ability of calling you and he is missed-calling you to call him back!! Such cases are easily solved by total ignorance!
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Thank you for the topic .. it is very interesting and amusing ..
Take care.
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