One of my (favorite) classes has a special technique that they use when they're asking me for a favor. If we have an extra five minutes or if they particularily don't want to do something, they have learned the art of asking nicely. It goes something like this:
"Teacher, let's play Uno!"
"Well, I don't know, we still have five minutes, . . . "
"Please, pretty Tinkerbell!"
I'm not joking, they really say that! We a request like that, how can I refuse?!
I was watching tv the other day and I happened to see a program on the English language Korean channel. It was an interview with two Psychology professors discussing psycho-analysis. They inevitably talked about the recent shooting at Virginia Tech and how psycho-analysis could or could not have predicted the shooting. One of the interviewees mentioned that one of the warning signs was when the shooter closed himself off from society and stopped communicating with others. He said something about how when this happens, it's a sign that an individual is no longer socialized to the environment around him. (It was something like this. I can't, obviously, remember the exact wording and professionals may be laughing their heads off/rolling in their graves as I type.)
Anyway, as a result of the show, I decided to get off my arse and actively pursue a social life. When Jae Cheol is working at nights, I come home and spend a lonely night by myself. Well, no more! One of the consequences of a language barrier is a feeling of isolation or separation from the rest of society. When the only interaction I have with Koreans is negative, (see previous post,) it is easy to feel picked on and persecuted. Well, I obviously can't change their behaviour, but I can change mine, which will in turn, affect how I react to assholes. In short, I am going on the assumption that if I am happier, I won't be as bothered when people are jerks. Well, we'll see about that.
2 comments:
I think you are brilliant. good for you for giving it a try! When down and unhappy, the biggest challenge is to do something that will change that -- be proud of yourself for giving it whirl.
When I was in Japan, one of the best things I did, was join a community language group. Suddenly I had this woman my mother's age who was looking out for my best interests and wanting to showcase the country. A total second 'grandma'. Sure, the novelty wore off, but it was great for a while and gave me the language tools to enjoy the place. I know you have Jae Cheol's family but I think, if this is available to you, it would be less pressure and more fun. Can you imagine your mom in Korean form -- fabulous!
Good for you. Although, with students you "tinkerbell" there can't be too much worry about being closed off from society.
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