"No" Definitely Gets Lost in Translation

Africans in the hospitality industry never want to say, "No." I've asked so many questions where "no," was clearly the appropriate answer, but that's never quite what I got. Some examples:

Speaking with Mudi, our Tanzanian safari driver:
Mere: Mudi, is that a hawk up in that tree?
Mudi: Yes, or maybe it is really a Tawny Eagle...

Speaking with Georgie-Boy, my favorite bar tender at Mapenzi:
Mere (while reading the drinks menu): Oh yummy -- may I have a margarita George?
George: Yes! But I have no tequila. Would you like gin, vodka or whisky in it?
Mere: Oh no! Make it a mojito instead.
George: No problem! We have no mint though -- it's okay, right?
Mere: Oh George! Please just give me a beer. Thanks!

Speaking with hotel front desk clerk:
Mere: May I use the phone to make a local call to confirm the time of my airport transfer pick up?
Clerk: Yes.
Mere: Excellent.
Clerk: But the phones are down.
Mere: So I can't make a local call right now?
Clerk: Yes, but the phone doesn't work.
Mere: Hmmmmmmm......

Speaking with a store clerk:
Mere: May I please buy a small bottle of water?
Clerk: Maybe you want a big bottle.
Mere: No thanks. I just need a small one right now.
Clerk: But maybe a big one is better for you.
Mere: Do you have any small bottles of water?
Clerk: Yes, but maybe only later.
Mere: A big bottle of water it is!

These are just tiny examples...but it happes a few times every day. Lots of creative use of the word "maybe" vs. someone actually correcting me or giving me a definitive "no" about anything. Funny stuff!

Mere