I realized recently that I am no longer starting out my conversations with Japanese people with, “Sorry, I’m a foreigner, so I don’t understand what you’re saying…”
Instead, I have been simply uttering whatever I can in very broken Japanese and wrong vocabulary. More and more, I am understanding the conversations that are going on around me. Although I still cannot carry a conversation to save my life, I feel that by understanding the gist of what’s going on, something has changed.
This past weekend, I took part in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). But because I filled out an entire section incorrectly and not knowing the answers to many problems, I know that my chances of passing are on the slim side.
Aside from losing face (which is essential in this country) factor, I was really glad that I took part in the grueling 4 hour exam. It sorta reminded me of taking the SATs again.
This test and its results serve no purpose for me. While many international students take it to qualify for Japanese universities or jobs, most of the JETs take it to get a gauge of where they are in their Japanese language progress.
Anyway, I guess my point is to say that it helps me feel like I had accomplished a goal during my stay in Japan.
But maybe the test is not the only indication of it.
Before I left work today, I realized that I understood what was going on between the teachers in the staffroom.
3rd grade science teacher: Mr. Tsuda, you look really cool in one of the pictures for the yearbook!
Mr. Tsuda: Really? Which one? Which one?
3rd grade Japanese teacher: Really? You’re lying!
3rd grade science teacher: Here, this one!
3rd grade Japanese teacher: Oh, right, it’s true.
3rd grade math teacher: Where, where? I want to see. [Before he sees the picture] It must be the one where Mr. Tsuda is wearing sunglasses and a cap. It’s what you can’t see that’s cool.
It’s a normal silly conversation that goes on in the staffroom filled with lame jokes, but understanding most of it made me feel giddy inside.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Japanese Drinking Parties
Last Friday, I went to a work party for our school's handyman's 60th birthday celebration. I was told that typically, it's a celebration that should done amongst family and close friends, but because our handyman is single, our staff decided to throw him a big bash.
Aside from doing silly things like under-dressing for the occasion (I wore jeans! I didn't know it was supposed to be fancy!) a rather embarrassing thing happened to me during the party. As it is with Japanese custom, people will go around the room pouring drinks for one another and working the room and the higher-ups will praise the underlings.
When the principal arrived at my table, he said a few brief and perfunctory words with me before looking at the young social studies teacher and said, "Louise is a good girl. Don't let her go to waste..."
Wow! I didn't know matchmaking was part of a Japanese principals job duties! I also didn't know I was going to be wasted...
Aside from doing silly things like under-dressing for the occasion (I wore jeans! I didn't know it was supposed to be fancy!) a rather embarrassing thing happened to me during the party. As it is with Japanese custom, people will go around the room pouring drinks for one another and working the room and the higher-ups will praise the underlings.
When the principal arrived at my table, he said a few brief and perfunctory words with me before looking at the young social studies teacher and said, "Louise is a good girl. Don't let her go to waste..."
Wow! I didn't know matchmaking was part of a Japanese principals job duties! I also didn't know I was going to be wasted...
A celebrity of sorts
On Wednesday, I team taught with an elementary school homeroom teacher. It was supposed to be a class opened for observation. When I was first asked to do this, I thought it would be like other classes opened for observation, meaning that there would be about 10-20 teachers from other schools watching.
I was really happy to see that the homeroom teacher made a lot of effort into planning the whole lesson himself. In his lesson plan, there were many parts where he included duties and speaking roles for me, so I felt that it was an actual partnership.
I also saw that he put in a lot of preparation for that one lesson with all the props used for the class. In the back of my mind, I was thinking "you know...in reality, it's hard to have that kind of prep time for all lessons."
Then, about three days before the actual lesson, I realized why. Instead of the usual 10-20 teachers observing our class, there would be 300. Because there is a teacher there who formerly taught English at the junior high level to lead the team, our elementary was chosen as the "model school" for the new initiative to teach English. This was supposed to be an "example" of sorts for other schools.
So, on the day of the lesson, aside from having packs of people in the gym where we taught, there were also cameras about 10 inches from my face while I was teaching. Not cool.
Apparently, it was on the news and a bunch of the students at my junior high saw it. Super not cool.
It's been two days and they're still talking about it.
For some reason, people keep praising me as though I had a big part in it. Weird.
I was really happy to see that the homeroom teacher made a lot of effort into planning the whole lesson himself. In his lesson plan, there were many parts where he included duties and speaking roles for me, so I felt that it was an actual partnership.
I also saw that he put in a lot of preparation for that one lesson with all the props used for the class. In the back of my mind, I was thinking "you know...in reality, it's hard to have that kind of prep time for all lessons."
Then, about three days before the actual lesson, I realized why. Instead of the usual 10-20 teachers observing our class, there would be 300. Because there is a teacher there who formerly taught English at the junior high level to lead the team, our elementary was chosen as the "model school" for the new initiative to teach English. This was supposed to be an "example" of sorts for other schools.
So, on the day of the lesson, aside from having packs of people in the gym where we taught, there were also cameras about 10 inches from my face while I was teaching. Not cool.
Apparently, it was on the news and a bunch of the students at my junior high saw it. Super not cool.
It's been two days and they're still talking about it.
For some reason, people keep praising me as though I had a big part in it. Weird.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
This Week
This week has been very interesting. It was full of the extreme ups and downs that comes with being a teacher, I think.
I went to class late...three times this week!!
I don't think it's ever excusable to go to a class late (for me) unless I'm dealing with a life and death situation...which doesn't happen much as a JET. But it was the same old thing. I started the week having to teach a class that I never quite feel prepared for. The teacher always "gives" me the latter 30 minutes to do an "ALT activity." He doesn't care about what it is just as long as I occupy the students' time. Nor does he ever help out.
So, frantically, I had to prepare for the second period class in the morning and since I didn't have enough time, I quickly rushed back between to break trying to come up with sometime. One thing led to another, and I was still in the staff room 15mins past the starting time. The teacher actually had to come down and said, "Can you come to class, please?" in a panicked voice because he didn't have anything else prepared himself. Hahahahaha....
Man, I'm just really disappointed at my own lack of professionalism. Although I should, I feel no sense of responsibility to the teacher though. He obviously saw me as a time filler and someone who can make his job slightly easier.
I just feel like I'm letting the students down.
I went to class late...three times this week!!
I don't think it's ever excusable to go to a class late (for me) unless I'm dealing with a life and death situation...which doesn't happen much as a JET. But it was the same old thing. I started the week having to teach a class that I never quite feel prepared for. The teacher always "gives" me the latter 30 minutes to do an "ALT activity." He doesn't care about what it is just as long as I occupy the students' time. Nor does he ever help out.
So, frantically, I had to prepare for the second period class in the morning and since I didn't have enough time, I quickly rushed back between to break trying to come up with sometime. One thing led to another, and I was still in the staff room 15mins past the starting time. The teacher actually had to come down and said, "Can you come to class, please?" in a panicked voice because he didn't have anything else prepared himself. Hahahahaha....
Man, I'm just really disappointed at my own lack of professionalism. Although I should, I feel no sense of responsibility to the teacher though. He obviously saw me as a time filler and someone who can make his job slightly easier.
I just feel like I'm letting the students down.
Workings of my mind
As I was walking home today, I touched my cheeks and felt a thumbnail-size lump on my cheekbone. It kinda hurts. I wonder if it's a sprouting pimple or the result of a vicious attack by a bug.
Considering how cold it is, shouldn't the bugs all be dead?
Just a random thought.
Considering how cold it is, shouldn't the bugs all be dead?
Just a random thought.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Burrr, it's cold
How the heck did it get so cold in just one day?
October 1st is the official day when the every Japanese person at a school knows that they are supposed to change their attire. No more summer wear, no more short sleeves, no mwinterore "warm weather clothing."
Last week, because it was hot and sunny, I wore a short sleeved shirt to work. The moment I opened the staffroom door in the morning, I knew I had made a mistake. All the teachers looked at me funny and many asked me, "Aren't you cold?"with a tone that made me feel like I had worn a too-short-skirt to a "respectable" office.
It was another one of those things about Japanese culture that I just didn't understand. People were wearing clothes based on the date, not the actual weather or temperature.
But today, I understand. Overnight, the cold arrived. I can just sense that today maybe the start of winter. It will be the last day I have my windows opened for fresh air until March. It would probably be soon when I have my heater on full blast. Yikes. Not looking forward to it.
October 1st is the official day when the every Japanese person at a school knows that they are supposed to change their attire. No more summer wear, no more short sleeves, no mwinterore "warm weather clothing."
Last week, because it was hot and sunny, I wore a short sleeved shirt to work. The moment I opened the staffroom door in the morning, I knew I had made a mistake. All the teachers looked at me funny and many asked me, "Aren't you cold?"with a tone that made me feel like I had worn a too-short-skirt to a "respectable" office.
It was another one of those things about Japanese culture that I just didn't understand. People were wearing clothes based on the date, not the actual weather or temperature.
But today, I understand. Overnight, the cold arrived. I can just sense that today maybe the start of winter. It will be the last day I have my windows opened for fresh air until March. It would probably be soon when I have my heater on full blast. Yikes. Not looking forward to it.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Next Year
It's only the beginning of October, but I'm already thinking about next year.
In the last English teachers' meeting, we were given our re-contracting papers. A few minutes ago, I checked the "I have decided NOT to re-contract for the 2009-2010 JET program" box and signed it even though the form is not due till early February.
It's scary, I feel like I'm about to graduate from college again and I have little idea what immediately lies ahead of me. The fact that the US economy is in a state of chaos doesn't help things either.
What's going to happen next? I guess only time will tell.
For the time being, I think I really need to set some goals as well as cherish the time I have left here.
In the last English teachers' meeting, we were given our re-contracting papers. A few minutes ago, I checked the "I have decided NOT to re-contract for the 2009-2010 JET program" box and signed it even though the form is not due till early February.
It's scary, I feel like I'm about to graduate from college again and I have little idea what immediately lies ahead of me. The fact that the US economy is in a state of chaos doesn't help things either.
What's going to happen next? I guess only time will tell.
For the time being, I think I really need to set some goals as well as cherish the time I have left here.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Social Suicide
I've been thinking of quitting Facebook. Is that considered to be a form of social suicide?
I've always hated being "online" and have avoided things like posting pictures of me or my friends or writing anything personal about myself on the world wide web. Even at my last job, I avoided writing a section for the "Meet the Staff" page until my supervisor prodded me for the 3rd time four months into my job.
Yes, I sense the irony since you're reading about this on my all-about-me blog.
Being the rather private person that I consider myself to be, I just think Facebook's too much exposure. I don't feel comfortable with it.
Once, a friend told me that she found out about her friend's engagement being called off through Facebook. I told her I couldn't believe that it was posted on Facebook like that for everyone in the world to see. I'm sure that whatever the reason for the engagement cancellation, it was a sensitive and private issue. Does the world really need to know all your joys and sorrows in an instantaneous manner?
It's no wonder that an acquainance changed his last name from "Taylor" to "Ishidingfrompotentialemployers" on his facebook profile.
It's as though you need to be more aware of your every action because, undoubtedly, there will be someone carrying a digital camera with them ready to catch your every act of stupidity (of which I am sure I'm guilty of committing many) and then thereafter posting it online.
Looking stupid is not really my main fear, maybe it's just wanting to keep certain things at a distance.
What prompted me to write about this was because I noticed that so many of my former teachers were on Facebook. It was a bit eerie. When I was a student, I looked at these people with a sense of distance. They were teachers, I was a student. Although some teachers have turned into good friends, it's hard to imagine that if I add them as a "friend" on Facebook , I will have full access to their private lives (which may include wild partying, their every feeling as they "update" us, etc) as well as them having access to mine.
The same friend who told me about her friend's engagement being called off told me that she enjoys Facebook because it has allowed her to keep in touch with people that she's known in the past but have lost touch with. That's definitely important. I agree.
But I also said, there's probably a reason why people fall out of touch. If relationships are important to us, then we'd do our best to keep them going, right? Even if it means one brief email every other year, we make the effort of showing we care. If either party feels that correspondence is no longer necessary, isn't this a sign that people have slowly grown apart or that people, in general, just grow?
I honestly don't think that contains any sort of message signifying you as a bad friend or an inconsiderate person. It's just a part of life, isn't it?
Anyway, I think I've blabbed on for too long about this. I think Facebook has its great attributes as with many other technologies that have allowed us to keep in touch with each other. There are just certain things about it that I find slightly unnerving.
I will hold off on committing this act of social suicide, but please don't be surprised if I disappear one day into thin air in the world of Facebook.
I've always hated being "online" and have avoided things like posting pictures of me or my friends or writing anything personal about myself on the world wide web. Even at my last job, I avoided writing a section for the "Meet the Staff" page until my supervisor prodded me for the 3rd time four months into my job.
Yes, I sense the irony since you're reading about this on my all-about-me blog.
Being the rather private person that I consider myself to be, I just think Facebook's too much exposure. I don't feel comfortable with it.
Once, a friend told me that she found out about her friend's engagement being called off through Facebook. I told her I couldn't believe that it was posted on Facebook like that for everyone in the world to see. I'm sure that whatever the reason for the engagement cancellation, it was a sensitive and private issue. Does the world really need to know all your joys and sorrows in an instantaneous manner?
It's no wonder that an acquainance changed his last name from "Taylor" to "Ishidingfrompotentialemployers" on his facebook profile.
It's as though you need to be more aware of your every action because, undoubtedly, there will be someone carrying a digital camera with them ready to catch your every act of stupidity (of which I am sure I'm guilty of committing many) and then thereafter posting it online.
Looking stupid is not really my main fear, maybe it's just wanting to keep certain things at a distance.
What prompted me to write about this was because I noticed that so many of my former teachers were on Facebook. It was a bit eerie. When I was a student, I looked at these people with a sense of distance. They were teachers, I was a student. Although some teachers have turned into good friends, it's hard to imagine that if I add them as a "friend" on Facebook , I will have full access to their private lives (which may include wild partying, their every feeling as they "update" us, etc) as well as them having access to mine.
The same friend who told me about her friend's engagement being called off told me that she enjoys Facebook because it has allowed her to keep in touch with people that she's known in the past but have lost touch with. That's definitely important. I agree.
But I also said, there's probably a reason why people fall out of touch. If relationships are important to us, then we'd do our best to keep them going, right? Even if it means one brief email every other year, we make the effort of showing we care. If either party feels that correspondence is no longer necessary, isn't this a sign that people have slowly grown apart or that people, in general, just grow?
I honestly don't think that contains any sort of message signifying you as a bad friend or an inconsiderate person. It's just a part of life, isn't it?
Anyway, I think I've blabbed on for too long about this. I think Facebook has its great attributes as with many other technologies that have allowed us to keep in touch with each other. There are just certain things about it that I find slightly unnerving.
I will hold off on committing this act of social suicide, but please don't be surprised if I disappear one day into thin air in the world of Facebook.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
!#$@%^#% Tea!
My biggest fear of my existence in Japan came true today. Somebody at school asked me to...pour tea for guests!!
The tea lady was on her way out to go to the bank at 2pm and she knew that guests were coming at 2:30pm. After looking around in the staffroom, she said, "Ah, it's alright, Louise is here." It was only then that I realized that I was in trouble. I looked around and I was the only other female in the staffroom. Crap.
So, the tea lady ran through all her instructions and was very thankful that I was there. Then, off she went.
I was sooo pissed off that I was asked to do this.
I remember saying to friends in the US that if a male staff member asked me to help with serving tea, I'd act like I didn't understand. But this situation was sorta different. I didn't quite know how to turn down her request for help because she has been super nice and serves me (and everybody else) tea everyday.
As before, I couldn't believe how sexist this crap was. This bit just added to all my growing annoyance of many things here in this country. I was cursing and giving my male colleagues angry glares (in my mind). I had to go occupy myself by making enlargements in the copy room in fear that I would have an angry outburst at innocent bystanders.
Miraculously, the tea lady came back from the bank in 15 minutes. I no longer had to do the dreaded task of serving tea just because I am female.
However, my anger didn't dissipate.
I understand that guests need to be shown some hospitality, but why do women have to get them tea?!
The guys also have hands, right? So, they can also get the *@#$%^& tea!
The tea lady was on her way out to go to the bank at 2pm and she knew that guests were coming at 2:30pm. After looking around in the staffroom, she said, "Ah, it's alright, Louise is here." It was only then that I realized that I was in trouble. I looked around and I was the only other female in the staffroom. Crap.
So, the tea lady ran through all her instructions and was very thankful that I was there. Then, off she went.
I was sooo pissed off that I was asked to do this.
I remember saying to friends in the US that if a male staff member asked me to help with serving tea, I'd act like I didn't understand. But this situation was sorta different. I didn't quite know how to turn down her request for help because she has been super nice and serves me (and everybody else) tea everyday.
As before, I couldn't believe how sexist this crap was. This bit just added to all my growing annoyance of many things here in this country. I was cursing and giving my male colleagues angry glares (in my mind). I had to go occupy myself by making enlargements in the copy room in fear that I would have an angry outburst at innocent bystanders.
Miraculously, the tea lady came back from the bank in 15 minutes. I no longer had to do the dreaded task of serving tea just because I am female.
However, my anger didn't dissipate.
I understand that guests need to be shown some hospitality, but why do women have to get them tea?!
The guys also have hands, right? So, they can also get the *@#$%^& tea!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Neighbors
For the longest time, I was the sole tenant in the 4-unit apartment building I lived in. About 2 months ago, the bottom two units were rented out separately. It's comforting, in a way, to know that people actually live in the building aside from me.
However, I now have this new obligation of being more considerate about the amount of noise I make. And that's not cool. =)
Although I've never met my new neighbors, the one who lives in the unit directly below me is somewhat on the strange side. S/he has this tendency to do laundry everyday at 6 in the morning! Instead of being awaken by the fighting cats or my alarm clock, I am now being waken up by the melodic sound of a washing machine.
I'm not sure if I like having neighbors.
However, I now have this new obligation of being more considerate about the amount of noise I make. And that's not cool. =)
Although I've never met my new neighbors, the one who lives in the unit directly below me is somewhat on the strange side. S/he has this tendency to do laundry everyday at 6 in the morning! Instead of being awaken by the fighting cats or my alarm clock, I am now being waken up by the melodic sound of a washing machine.
I'm not sure if I like having neighbors.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Home?
I just had a Japanese friend who visited me at my apartment for the first time. She looked around the apartment and said, "You enjoy single life, huh?" Single, as in living alone in my own apartment rather than not having a significant other.
Is it really that obvious?
I look around my apartment and I realize that I have everything that I need. It's not so much a I'm-so-proud-of-my-material-wealth, but more along the lines that I'm satisfied with my living situation. I feel like I'm building my own home and I feel comfortable in it.
Everything else before hasn't felt like it was "mine" perse. When I lived with my parents, it was me being a part of something much bigger. And during college years, everything was just so impermanent. In my four years, I moved 5 times.
I'm not sure what the point is, but I guess I've finally established my home sweet home.. and just as I'm about to finish this entry, I realize that I'll be moving on and moving out in about 10.5 months. *Sigh.*
Is it really that obvious?
I look around my apartment and I realize that I have everything that I need. It's not so much a I'm-so-proud-of-my-material-wealth, but more along the lines that I'm satisfied with my living situation. I feel like I'm building my own home and I feel comfortable in it.
Everything else before hasn't felt like it was "mine" perse. When I lived with my parents, it was me being a part of something much bigger. And during college years, everything was just so impermanent. In my four years, I moved 5 times.
I'm not sure what the point is, but I guess I've finally established my home sweet home.. and just as I'm about to finish this entry, I realize that I'll be moving on and moving out in about 10.5 months. *Sigh.*
Footwear
In a fashion conscious country, I should not be surprised that I get stares when I wear something out-of-the-ordinary. Today, was a lovely, sunny day after weeks of unrelenting rain. Being the California girl that I am, I went to work in flip flops (hehehe…). Ok, ordinarily, I see that as a no-no as well, but I should remind everyone that we have to change into indoor shoes once we get to school. So, the flip flop wearing was not a form of rebellion towards the implied dress code, but it was simply for comfort.
However, on my short 30 minute to work, I noticed a string of adults and children staring at my feet. I'm not sure exactly what it was that shocked them so, but their eyes literally followed my feet as I flopped happily towards school. Perhaps it was the fact that I was wearing a skirt with a simple striped top without stockings (gasp!) when it's about 80 degrees outside, but something bothered people.
I think I mentioned this before, but it seems as though wearing rain boots when it rains is also an unacceptable form of footwear. I've gotten stares (again! whoopee doop!) from numerous people and have even gotten a comment that came with a hint of sarcasm from a colleague at school. I've only seen rain boots on three other types of people, and that would be: elementary school students, senior citizens and construction workers. I really don't get it…do people just like to get their feet wet? (* No pun intended.)
Whatever it is, I feel like the footwear choices in this country will forever puzzle me.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
The 2nd Year
Three days ago, I came back to Japan from a relaxing vacation at home. When I arrived at the Tokyo airport, I had really mixed feelings.
On the one hand, I was returning to something that isn't so foreign anymore. While I'm still far from understanding the language entirely, I was able to read most of the important signs and understand the gists of the announcements.
At school, I will no longer have to start over as the new ALT and trying to gain the students' trusts or learn their names.
On the other hand, I felt as lost as ever. One of my closest friends from last year left the program after a year and I didn't quite know who to send the "I'm back!" message to from my cell phone. I realized that I will have to make the same efforts to get to know the 37 new teachers in town just like I had to last year. The task seems a bit tiring.
At school, while the students still make me laugh my head off, I feel as though the things that have been frustrating me the last year will not change.
So, here I am, on a really, really rainy Sunday, sitting and pondering (while avoiding the very necessary chore of cleaning my apartment) how this 2nd year will be....
I guess we will see.
On the one hand, I was returning to something that isn't so foreign anymore. While I'm still far from understanding the language entirely, I was able to read most of the important signs and understand the gists of the announcements.
At school, I will no longer have to start over as the new ALT and trying to gain the students' trusts or learn their names.
On the other hand, I felt as lost as ever. One of my closest friends from last year left the program after a year and I didn't quite know who to send the "I'm back!" message to from my cell phone. I realized that I will have to make the same efforts to get to know the 37 new teachers in town just like I had to last year. The task seems a bit tiring.
At school, while the students still make me laugh my head off, I feel as though the things that have been frustrating me the last year will not change.
So, here I am, on a really, really rainy Sunday, sitting and pondering (while avoiding the very necessary chore of cleaning my apartment) how this 2nd year will be....
I guess we will see.
Cup-o-Noodles
It's surprising that I've been living in the land of instant noodles for the last year and I have not craved one of those not-so-nutritious curly noodles packed in Styrofoam cups for the entire year.
That is...until last week. When I came back to Japan, I really wanted to eat cup-o-noodle. Maybe the whole jet lag thing is playing games with my mind. Whatever it is, please excuse me now, I'm going to go boil some hot water to make myself a cup of curry instant noodles. Hehehe...
That is...until last week. When I came back to Japan, I really wanted to eat cup-o-noodle. Maybe the whole jet lag thing is playing games with my mind. Whatever it is, please excuse me now, I'm going to go boil some hot water to make myself a cup of curry instant noodles. Hehehe...
Olympics, the world and language
So, it's pouring outside and I'm watching the tail end of the men's marathon of the Beijing Olympics on TV.
When the Kenyan runner Samuel Wansiru crossed the finish line, he was interviewed by the Japanese media. What surprised me was that the interviewer asked all his questions in Japanese. And what surprised me even more was that the marathon winner responded in Japanese!!!
I thought that was so cool! Of course, it just reminded me that I have prejudices about how people should look in relation to the language they speak or can speak. This whole thing surprised and impressed me only because he was a black African from Kenya who can speak a language of a country that was in an entirely different continent thousands of miles away.
This brings me back to an experience I had a couple of weeks ago when I returned home to the Bay Area. One of my friends and I wanted the tourist experience of being in SF and we decided to rent bicycles to cross the Golden Gate Bridge.
We were at the bike rental and one of the employees were explaining the rules with bikes in a rather thick European accent. After a couple of seconds, my friend turns to me and says, "huh?" signifying that she didn't quite hear what he was saying. Since I didn't understand, I only shrugged in response.
Then, this lady (from Australia, I think) comes up behind me and says, "Don't worry, I don't even understand and I speak English!"
In a way, that was probably a bit on the offensive side with her thinking that I didn't speak English just because I looked Asian...but given the circumstances, I just found it amusing.
We all have assumptions about people, don't we?
When the Kenyan runner Samuel Wansiru crossed the finish line, he was interviewed by the Japanese media. What surprised me was that the interviewer asked all his questions in Japanese. And what surprised me even more was that the marathon winner responded in Japanese!!!
I thought that was so cool! Of course, it just reminded me that I have prejudices about how people should look in relation to the language they speak or can speak. This whole thing surprised and impressed me only because he was a black African from Kenya who can speak a language of a country that was in an entirely different continent thousands of miles away.
This brings me back to an experience I had a couple of weeks ago when I returned home to the Bay Area. One of my friends and I wanted the tourist experience of being in SF and we decided to rent bicycles to cross the Golden Gate Bridge.
We were at the bike rental and one of the employees were explaining the rules with bikes in a rather thick European accent. After a couple of seconds, my friend turns to me and says, "huh?" signifying that she didn't quite hear what he was saying. Since I didn't understand, I only shrugged in response.
Then, this lady (from Australia, I think) comes up behind me and says, "Don't worry, I don't even understand and I speak English!"
In a way, that was probably a bit on the offensive side with her thinking that I didn't speak English just because I looked Asian...but given the circumstances, I just found it amusing.
We all have assumptions about people, don't we?
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Chusotai
I have to work Saturday and Sunday this weekend because it's Chusotai, the city-wide junior high school sports tournament.
It's a pretty big deal, especially because it's the last competition the 3rd grade students will play in in their JHS career before entering high school.
I thought yesterday, being Friday the 13th, would be an unlucky day. It turned out that today was even worse. At 8:43am, while I was in my apartment getting ready to go to the sports stadium, another gianormous earthquake rolled through our city.
It was scary and lasted what seemed like forever. A few things fell. My hands couldn't stop shaking even after the earthquake had seized.
After that, I went to watch the students play sports. =)
Unfortunately, the bad luck streak continued. I went to watch the baseball team, soft tennis team (yes, such a sport exist in this country), table tennis, and soccer team play from my school and all of them, except for one lost. I saw many students (including 15 year old boys) cry. It was a bit sad.
I knew that whatever I was able to mutter in Japanese wasn't going to be enough to bring them out of their slump, so I just ended up walking away with a mere nod of encouragement. Sigh. Sad, isn't it.
It's a pretty big deal, especially because it's the last competition the 3rd grade students will play in in their JHS career before entering high school.
I thought yesterday, being Friday the 13th, would be an unlucky day. It turned out that today was even worse. At 8:43am, while I was in my apartment getting ready to go to the sports stadium, another gianormous earthquake rolled through our city.
It was scary and lasted what seemed like forever. A few things fell. My hands couldn't stop shaking even after the earthquake had seized.
After that, I went to watch the students play sports. =)
Unfortunately, the bad luck streak continued. I went to watch the baseball team, soft tennis team (yes, such a sport exist in this country), table tennis, and soccer team play from my school and all of them, except for one lost. I saw many students (including 15 year old boys) cry. It was a bit sad.
I knew that whatever I was able to mutter in Japanese wasn't going to be enough to bring them out of their slump, so I just ended up walking away with a mere nod of encouragement. Sigh. Sad, isn't it.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Doubts
Like on most decisions I make in my life, I'm starting to have doubts.
I'm starting to have doubts about whether my decision to stay in Japan for another year was a right one. In these last few days, I witnessed and experienced some of the most frustrating moments all piled into a short period of time. I got sick (again), had some more frustrating lessons and felt like my role as an "assistant language teacher" will never change.
One of the teachers I teach with has been one of the main source of my recent frustration. I used to believe that she was a very orderly person. Last academic year, on many occasions, she told me that class was canceled (for me only) when she wanted to give the students a test or when she decided that the class would involve grammatical explanation in Japanese. I always had this idea that she had her entire plan laid out and no one would be able to affect it. In a way, while I didn't think those were adequate reasons for her to limit my interactions with the students, I sort of respected her neat and orderly ways. The times that I did get to go to class, they were very well structured with activities moving seamlessly from one to the next. The students, although always looking a little bit less than stimulated, always did the assignments and did them well. They were very well disciplined.
My opinion of her completely changed this year. Maybe it's because she has a lot more added responsibilities or perhaps she was never really the way I pictured her. This year, she is the 3rd grade sub-chief as opposed to a homeroom teacher. Even though I sit next to her, I could never really get a 5 minutes' worth of productive lesson planning conversation with her.
Every time I ask her what she would like me to plan, usually it ends up being a 15 second conversation that goes like this. "Please prepare an 15 minute activity for the grammar point on p. 12." After I spend my time preparing the activity and the lesson plan, I place it on her desk. When I get to class, I realize that she hasn't even glanced at what I gave her. One time, in the middle of class, she realized that she hadn't explained the grammar point to the students yet, so she told me that doing the activity I had spent some time preparing after my work hours for was "impossible."
In the middle of the class, she thrusted the stack of tests the students had just finished and said, "Louise, please go to the staffroom and correct these while I explain the grammar point in Japanese to the students." So, I had to walk out in the middle of the class which students staring at me questioningly while she gave no explanations to why I was leaving so abruptly! Ahhh...makes me mad just thinking about it.
Yesterday, at the end of second period, she says, "Louise, are you free for 4th period? If so, I would like you to come 4th period. Can you plan for activities for the entire 50-minute period because I haven't planned anything yet."
Can you believe that? Man, I'm not a magician. I don't just pull English activities out of my rear end at a moment's notice. But as expected , I went to class and produced mediocre results. I feel like the discipline she used on these same students last year also melted away. When students were talking incessantly, she just chose not to care.
I feel like when I teach with her now, it's like teaching with that same teacher that told me I was weird and that I was confusing the students last year. It's like another person added into that club of let's-watch-her-sink-and-not-help kind of situation.
Maybe it's just me, expecting too much. Perhaps, it's super frustrating for her to teach with me too. I don't know. I just feel like a mentor in the professional sense will come in really handy right about now.
I'm starting to have doubts about whether my decision to stay in Japan for another year was a right one. In these last few days, I witnessed and experienced some of the most frustrating moments all piled into a short period of time. I got sick (again), had some more frustrating lessons and felt like my role as an "assistant language teacher" will never change.
One of the teachers I teach with has been one of the main source of my recent frustration. I used to believe that she was a very orderly person. Last academic year, on many occasions, she told me that class was canceled (for me only) when she wanted to give the students a test or when she decided that the class would involve grammatical explanation in Japanese. I always had this idea that she had her entire plan laid out and no one would be able to affect it. In a way, while I didn't think those were adequate reasons for her to limit my interactions with the students, I sort of respected her neat and orderly ways. The times that I did get to go to class, they were very well structured with activities moving seamlessly from one to the next. The students, although always looking a little bit less than stimulated, always did the assignments and did them well. They were very well disciplined.
My opinion of her completely changed this year. Maybe it's because she has a lot more added responsibilities or perhaps she was never really the way I pictured her. This year, she is the 3rd grade sub-chief as opposed to a homeroom teacher. Even though I sit next to her, I could never really get a 5 minutes' worth of productive lesson planning conversation with her.
Every time I ask her what she would like me to plan, usually it ends up being a 15 second conversation that goes like this. "Please prepare an 15 minute activity for the grammar point on p. 12." After I spend my time preparing the activity and the lesson plan, I place it on her desk. When I get to class, I realize that she hasn't even glanced at what I gave her. One time, in the middle of class, she realized that she hadn't explained the grammar point to the students yet, so she told me that doing the activity I had spent some time preparing after my work hours for was "impossible."
In the middle of the class, she thrusted the stack of tests the students had just finished and said, "Louise, please go to the staffroom and correct these while I explain the grammar point in Japanese to the students." So, I had to walk out in the middle of the class which students staring at me questioningly while she gave no explanations to why I was leaving so abruptly! Ahhh...makes me mad just thinking about it.
Yesterday, at the end of second period, she says, "Louise, are you free for 4th period? If so, I would like you to come 4th period. Can you plan for activities for the entire 50-minute period because I haven't planned anything yet."
Can you believe that? Man, I'm not a magician. I don't just pull English activities out of my rear end at a moment's notice. But as expected , I went to class and produced mediocre results. I feel like the discipline she used on these same students last year also melted away. When students were talking incessantly, she just chose not to care.
I feel like when I teach with her now, it's like teaching with that same teacher that told me I was weird and that I was confusing the students last year. It's like another person added into that club of let's-watch-her-sink-and-not-help kind of situation.
Maybe it's just me, expecting too much. Perhaps, it's super frustrating for her to teach with me too. I don't know. I just feel like a mentor in the professional sense will come in really handy right about now.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Sports
The idea of sports here is a little bit different from what I'm used to.
Yesterday, our school had an Intramural Sports Competition. Instead of the usual ball-oriented activities like basketball, baseball, and volleyball, we had a series of huge-group-activities throughout the day. All 350 students had to participate.
All of the sports consisted of different classes within one grade level competing against another. For example, one group of 30 kids will be doing tug of war against another group of 30 while chanting things like their homeroom teacher's first name (Ma-sa-shi), their homeroom teacher's nickname ("biton"=beautiful pig), or "me-ta-bo", which I think means metabolism.
Another activity was the 40 person jump rope. The entire class would jump in unison as the two taller students of the class kept the rope going. It's really an amazing sight.
Perhaps that's where Japanese people get their group-oriented thinking. No matter how fast or slow someone is, you can't quite excuse yourself from the competition. You're a part of something much bigger than yourself.
I'm currently watching TV and the program that's on is yet another thing I've never seen before. Different junior high schools around the country send their students to this football-like stadium. And in this stadium, they do a 100 meter sprint...in a line of 30 students together!! Crazy, I tell ya.
Yesterday, our school had an Intramural Sports Competition. Instead of the usual ball-oriented activities like basketball, baseball, and volleyball, we had a series of huge-group-activities throughout the day. All 350 students had to participate.
All of the sports consisted of different classes within one grade level competing against another. For example, one group of 30 kids will be doing tug of war against another group of 30 while chanting things like their homeroom teacher's first name (Ma-sa-shi), their homeroom teacher's nickname ("biton"=beautiful pig), or "me-ta-bo", which I think means metabolism.
Another activity was the 40 person jump rope. The entire class would jump in unison as the two taller students of the class kept the rope going. It's really an amazing sight.
Perhaps that's where Japanese people get their group-oriented thinking. No matter how fast or slow someone is, you can't quite excuse yourself from the competition. You're a part of something much bigger than yourself.
I'm currently watching TV and the program that's on is yet another thing I've never seen before. Different junior high schools around the country send their students to this football-like stadium. And in this stadium, they do a 100 meter sprint...in a line of 30 students together!! Crazy, I tell ya.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Clothes make the woman
As shallow as this may seem, I really miss my clothes. Hehehe, I know that I have not mentioned that I missed any specific person in this blog (although I do miss y'all)...but the truth is, I really miss my clothes.
I miss my closet with overflowing shelves. I miss the varieties in style and the colors. I also miss being able to not do laundry for a month and still have fresh changes of clothing.
The thing that sucks here is that I'm larger than most Japanese women. I can find things that fit if I try, but I have to go to extra lengths to get that. Being what I consider to be the supreme bargain hunter that I am, I just don't find anything that I like or want that badly. Perhaps that's a good thing, but sometimes I walk into work feeling like crap because I think that I look like crap.
Most women here dress in the same category. The typical outfit consist of an a-line skirt, a frilly top and a trench coat topped off with high heels that make many women walk funny. More often than not, the Japanese dress in very neutral colors.
I'm bored and I'm tired of the stores here that overcharge for cheaply made goods. I wanna go home and snuggle in my mountain of clothing. Hehehe...
I miss my closet with overflowing shelves. I miss the varieties in style and the colors. I also miss being able to not do laundry for a month and still have fresh changes of clothing.
The thing that sucks here is that I'm larger than most Japanese women. I can find things that fit if I try, but I have to go to extra lengths to get that. Being what I consider to be the supreme bargain hunter that I am, I just don't find anything that I like or want that badly. Perhaps that's a good thing, but sometimes I walk into work feeling like crap because I think that I look like crap.
Most women here dress in the same category. The typical outfit consist of an a-line skirt, a frilly top and a trench coat topped off with high heels that make many women walk funny. More often than not, the Japanese dress in very neutral colors.
I'm bored and I'm tired of the stores here that overcharge for cheaply made goods. I wanna go home and snuggle in my mountain of clothing. Hehehe...
Just like every other place
My four day weekend would have been perfect had there not been a pervert on the bus.
Ok, let me backtrack a little.
This past weekend, we had a 4-day weekend as a part of Golden Week in Japan where a string of holidays happen to be in the same time period. Most Japanese take this opportunity to travel to other places and most English language teachers take the opportunity to go to India with Habitat for Humanity to build a house. I, on the other hand, could not afford such a luxury in time nor money, so I stayed here in my city.
I spent most days just relaxing and enjoying the long overdue nice weather. On the last day of vacation, I decided to take the bus to beach because I missed the ocean so much.
I embarked on this journey alone Tuesday morning and took the bus to the beach. Shortly after getting on, I heard an absurdly loud snore coming from the back of the bus. It was a man, perhaps in his late 40s, sprawled across a seat and sleeping heavily. The three girls standing by the back door of the bus giggled in disbelief. A few stops later, this man got up and made his way to the exit.
When he was making his way to the front door, he purposely brushed his elbow by one of the girls' chest. Then, his elbow pressed further and lingered there for a couple of seconds. I was looking at the whole scene, but I couldn't believe my eyes.
Then, a shout from an old man came from the back. I thought it was someone reprimanding him for what he has done, but the old man was simply trying to tell the pervert that he had left his bag of instant noodles at the seat in which he was sitting. The pervert thanked the old man, made his way to the back and as he walked back towards the girls, he did it again!!!
He hovered around the girls for a couple of seconds before actually exiting. The girls were bothered, and they exchanged glances to acknowledge what had just happened to them.
I watched in disbelief and was dumbfounded at the same time. I really wanted to jump up, take my flip flop off my feet and whacked that guy's ass and tell him off all at the same time....but I did nothing. It was only after he got off that my angry glare followed him across the street. Hopefully, it burned a hole in the back of his head.
For the rest of the 50 minute bus ride, I was boiling inside. I was angry that assholes like that guy existed in the first place, but I was also really irked that I didn't stand up to people like him.
I kept looking at those girls and I thought, "Man, these could've have easily been the students at my school."
I couldn't help feeling sorry because so many women in this world are harassed that way. If I had gotten my wits and courage together, would it have stopped the guy from further acts? Would it perhaps have affected the girls even more because what was done to them would have turned into a public confrontation?
I also thought about how many other people on the bus who may have witnessed the incident like me. Sigh...this is depressing.
Ok, let me backtrack a little.
This past weekend, we had a 4-day weekend as a part of Golden Week in Japan where a string of holidays happen to be in the same time period. Most Japanese take this opportunity to travel to other places and most English language teachers take the opportunity to go to India with Habitat for Humanity to build a house. I, on the other hand, could not afford such a luxury in time nor money, so I stayed here in my city.
I spent most days just relaxing and enjoying the long overdue nice weather. On the last day of vacation, I decided to take the bus to beach because I missed the ocean so much.
I embarked on this journey alone Tuesday morning and took the bus to the beach. Shortly after getting on, I heard an absurdly loud snore coming from the back of the bus. It was a man, perhaps in his late 40s, sprawled across a seat and sleeping heavily. The three girls standing by the back door of the bus giggled in disbelief. A few stops later, this man got up and made his way to the exit.
When he was making his way to the front door, he purposely brushed his elbow by one of the girls' chest. Then, his elbow pressed further and lingered there for a couple of seconds. I was looking at the whole scene, but I couldn't believe my eyes.
Then, a shout from an old man came from the back. I thought it was someone reprimanding him for what he has done, but the old man was simply trying to tell the pervert that he had left his bag of instant noodles at the seat in which he was sitting. The pervert thanked the old man, made his way to the back and as he walked back towards the girls, he did it again!!!
He hovered around the girls for a couple of seconds before actually exiting. The girls were bothered, and they exchanged glances to acknowledge what had just happened to them.
I watched in disbelief and was dumbfounded at the same time. I really wanted to jump up, take my flip flop off my feet and whacked that guy's ass and tell him off all at the same time....but I did nothing. It was only after he got off that my angry glare followed him across the street. Hopefully, it burned a hole in the back of his head.
For the rest of the 50 minute bus ride, I was boiling inside. I was angry that assholes like that guy existed in the first place, but I was also really irked that I didn't stand up to people like him.
I kept looking at those girls and I thought, "Man, these could've have easily been the students at my school."
I couldn't help feeling sorry because so many women in this world are harassed that way. If I had gotten my wits and courage together, would it have stopped the guy from further acts? Would it perhaps have affected the girls even more because what was done to them would have turned into a public confrontation?
I also thought about how many other people on the bus who may have witnessed the incident like me. Sigh...this is depressing.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Being a thief
Long time no see everyone! =)
Please allow me to explain my month-long hiatus from my blogging. Well, the reason behind it is because I haven't been able to get my internet to work at home. It keeps disconnecting on me.
Every so often, I would complain to my friends here and they'll tell me to stop because the truth is, I'm still stealing internet access from my neighbor and not paying a single dime (nor yen).
Anyway, things have been going smoothly here. No ups and downs, just life.
Please allow me to explain my month-long hiatus from my blogging. Well, the reason behind it is because I haven't been able to get my internet to work at home. It keeps disconnecting on me.
Every so often, I would complain to my friends here and they'll tell me to stop because the truth is, I'm still stealing internet access from my neighbor and not paying a single dime (nor yen).
Anyway, things have been going smoothly here. No ups and downs, just life.
Friday, March 14, 2008
White Day
I love White Day. It's a brilliant Japanese invention.
Last month, I complained about how Valentine's Day is a money-making holiday intended to give people multiple guilt trips and how White Day will be unfair because guys only give back to the girls they love.
Turns out I was wrong. Today, I was smothered with box after box of chocolates and cookies all packaged really nicely by my male colleagues. I complained about how chocolates given out because of obligation will not taste as good.
I take all that back because I'm enjoying all this sugar overload. SCORE!
Last month, I complained about how Valentine's Day is a money-making holiday intended to give people multiple guilt trips and how White Day will be unfair because guys only give back to the girls they love.
Turns out I was wrong. Today, I was smothered with box after box of chocolates and cookies all packaged really nicely by my male colleagues. I complained about how chocolates given out because of obligation will not taste as good.
I take all that back because I'm enjoying all this sugar overload. SCORE!
Sandwich Man and Cream Stew
Today, celebrities came to our school. A few members of a famous Japanese comedic group called the Sandwich Man visited the junior high school that I teach at. One of the members from the group is supposedly an alumnus of our school. After seeing him, I think this guy was an alumnus from a long time ago.
There was quite a big deal made over him. His arrival was made top secret and was kept from the students until half an hour before his scheduled arrival. When students found out they were coming, all of them started screaming like school girls...which some of them are.
The school counselor asked me if I knew who the Sandwich Man are. I told him no because I rarely watch Japanese TV. He told me that the Sandwich Man are newcomers and that Cream Stew, another comedic group, is a lot more famous.
All I could think of was how much these groups sounded like delicious lunch menu.
There was quite a big deal made over him. His arrival was made top secret and was kept from the students until half an hour before his scheduled arrival. When students found out they were coming, all of them started screaming like school girls...which some of them are.
The school counselor asked me if I knew who the Sandwich Man are. I told him no because I rarely watch Japanese TV. He told me that the Sandwich Man are newcomers and that Cream Stew, another comedic group, is a lot more famous.
All I could think of was how much these groups sounded like delicious lunch menu.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Abandoned
Waah...I feel like an abandoned child!!
Earlier this week, the students had a goodbye party and rehearsal for graduation. When the graduating students marched in for the rehearsal, I couldn't help but feel like a proud momma and tears rolled down my face. Yes, I'm a crybaby, I know. What will happen when the real thing happens on Tuesday?
Maybe it's because I see this group of 3rd graders a lot more often than the others or maybe it's because their English skills are better than the first and second grade students, but I feel like a big part of what I liked about this school or my life in Japan will leave me.
I'm afraid that my remaining time in Japan will be less meaningful.
On top of that, I had another shock today. Today is the day when all staff members meet with the principal to decide their fate for the next school year. In Japan, the school year starts in April, so it doesn't give anyone anytime to do anything.
In this city, there's a policy by the board of education that requires everyone to change schools every-so-often. This includes the principal. I've been told that a regular term is 3 years, but some people in my school have been there for 7 years.
Perhaps, that's why I was so surprised when my school nurse told me that she couldn't stay here for another year. This was her 7th year at our school and I thought she would move on to an 8th.
It's not fair! She's my favorite person in school!! She's my lunch buddy, the first person I went to an onsen with, the person who always offers me rides home, the person who's the most concerned about me when I got sick and so much more. She's like a mom to me when I'm miles away from my own. Simply put, she's one of the reasons why I chose to stay in Japan for another.
Needless to say, I kinda feel like crap now.
Earlier this week, the students had a goodbye party and rehearsal for graduation. When the graduating students marched in for the rehearsal, I couldn't help but feel like a proud momma and tears rolled down my face. Yes, I'm a crybaby, I know. What will happen when the real thing happens on Tuesday?
Maybe it's because I see this group of 3rd graders a lot more often than the others or maybe it's because their English skills are better than the first and second grade students, but I feel like a big part of what I liked about this school or my life in Japan will leave me.
I'm afraid that my remaining time in Japan will be less meaningful.
On top of that, I had another shock today. Today is the day when all staff members meet with the principal to decide their fate for the next school year. In Japan, the school year starts in April, so it doesn't give anyone anytime to do anything.
In this city, there's a policy by the board of education that requires everyone to change schools every-so-often. This includes the principal. I've been told that a regular term is 3 years, but some people in my school have been there for 7 years.
Perhaps, that's why I was so surprised when my school nurse told me that she couldn't stay here for another year. This was her 7th year at our school and I thought she would move on to an 8th.
It's not fair! She's my favorite person in school!! She's my lunch buddy, the first person I went to an onsen with, the person who always offers me rides home, the person who's the most concerned about me when I got sick and so much more. She's like a mom to me when I'm miles away from my own. Simply put, she's one of the reasons why I chose to stay in Japan for another.
Needless to say, I kinda feel like crap now.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Next "Academic" Year
Ok...are you ready for this?
I decided to re-contract with JET for another year!!! This means that I'll be in Japan until (at least) July of 2009. Wow, now that I typed the date, it seems so far away.
We had to turn in our decision to re-contract about two weeks ago.
I'm not gonna lie, while I'm super excited to be going through the events of a typical school year in Japan (and finally have some clue as to what's going on this time around), I still feel unsure about whether or not this is the right decision...especially because Hoa, Vince and Wendy may all be in China come this August!
Ahh...I'm so jealous!
Anyway, just wanted to share the news with you. =)
I decided to re-contract with JET for another year!!! This means that I'll be in Japan until (at least) July of 2009. Wow, now that I typed the date, it seems so far away.
We had to turn in our decision to re-contract about two weeks ago.
I'm not gonna lie, while I'm super excited to be going through the events of a typical school year in Japan (and finally have some clue as to what's going on this time around), I still feel unsure about whether or not this is the right decision...especially because Hoa, Vince and Wendy may all be in China come this August!
Ahh...I'm so jealous!
Anyway, just wanted to share the news with you. =)
Elementary Schools
Since last December, I have made weekly visits to the elementary school down the block. I love going to those classes because the students are usually having fun and enjoying English.
However, they are super tiring. For some reason, I feel like I have to be loud and scream in order to convey my excitement of being there. I know it's wrong, but it just happens naturally.
On Valentine's Day, I taught a bunch of 5th grade elementary students. The beginning of my lesson included a brief introduction to Valentine's Day in America. We talked about how girls are usually the recipients of Valentine's candies and that people go to nice restaurants for dinner.
Upon hearing that, one kid said, " is it Global Viking?"
As my mouth kept moving to continue the lesson, my brain started to break down the term "global viking." In Japan, buffets are called "vikings," perhaps because of the way people pillage and plunder in restaurants?! I dunno. So, I take it that the term "global viking" means an international buffet. What a cool name.
At the end of the back to back 5th grade lessons, it was time for me to head back to my junior high school Some students wanted me to sign their English file as though I were a superstar. The English teacher explained that I couldn't stay because I have to go back to the junior high.
A student said, "Eh? Louise-sensei [teacher] is a junior high student?"
Aww...they're so cute!
However, they are super tiring. For some reason, I feel like I have to be loud and scream in order to convey my excitement of being there. I know it's wrong, but it just happens naturally.
On Valentine's Day, I taught a bunch of 5th grade elementary students. The beginning of my lesson included a brief introduction to Valentine's Day in America. We talked about how girls are usually the recipients of Valentine's candies and that people go to nice restaurants for dinner.
Upon hearing that, one kid said, " is it Global Viking?"
As my mouth kept moving to continue the lesson, my brain started to break down the term "global viking." In Japan, buffets are called "vikings," perhaps because of the way people pillage and plunder in restaurants?! I dunno. So, I take it that the term "global viking" means an international buffet. What a cool name.
At the end of the back to back 5th grade lessons, it was time for me to head back to my junior high school Some students wanted me to sign their English file as though I were a superstar. The English teacher explained that I couldn't stay because I have to go back to the junior high.
A student said, "Eh? Louise-sensei [teacher] is a junior high student?"
Aww...they're so cute!
Living in the USA
Before the 3rd grade junior high students graduate in March, I wanted to to do a cross-cultural project where they discover the differences that exist between Japanese and American culture in the most mundane of things (ie how people ride the bus, etc.).
I thought it would be an interesting exercise, but coming up with the activities to demonstrate this point was much harder than expected.
To help me produce ideas, I looked for books about everyday life in America and Japan. My friend pointed me to a used bookstore by the International Center and luckily, I found several useful books. The most interesting of all is this book called "Living in the USA."
Here are a few excerpts.
On Asian Americans:
"Asian-Americans tend to have a single-minded concentration on getting ahead. They are doing notably well academically and are surging into the top universities coast to coast..."
"Most Asians distance themselves from both blacks and Hispanics. They date and mate readily with white however."
On Adult Dating:
"Men and women go out together a great deal, especially in the cities of America; they ski together, work together, and dine together, either at restaurants or in each other's apartments. This does not mean that they are necessarily interested in having sex together, though it may appear so and, of course, with some men and women it is so."
"If you have a wife at home, be sure to let this fact be known to the woman early in your acquaintance. It will not necessarily make any difference, but the woman wants to know the situation."
"A woman will not feel that she owes you sex because you have paid for her dinner." She will feel that her company and her acceptance of you have contributed to a pleasant evening for both, but not that she owes you more."
On Silence
Many Americans find silence uncomfortable. They will babble on to fill any silence if it extends for more than a moment."
Needless to say, a book like this, being less than 3/4 of an inch thick, has utterly offended me in mere paragraphs. Those lines offended me as an Asian American, as a woman, and sadly, as an American.
I guess it's fair to point out that this book was first published in 1973 (but updated in 1988). I know that's 20+ years ago, but give me a break! That's a bunch of bull.
I can't believe the choice of words the author used in describing certain groups of people. It also made so many assumptions about the background of its readers. "If you have a wife at home, be sure to let that fact be known..."?!? Are you for real?
I also can't believe this book was published to introduce foreigners to American life. While it provided some shocking amusement, I think I can summarize my views of this book in one line. What a waste of paper!
I thought it would be an interesting exercise, but coming up with the activities to demonstrate this point was much harder than expected.
To help me produce ideas, I looked for books about everyday life in America and Japan. My friend pointed me to a used bookstore by the International Center and luckily, I found several useful books. The most interesting of all is this book called "Living in the USA."
Here are a few excerpts.
On Asian Americans:
"Asian-Americans tend to have a single-minded concentration on getting ahead. They are doing notably well academically and are surging into the top universities coast to coast..."
"Most Asians distance themselves from both blacks and Hispanics. They date and mate readily with white however."
On Adult Dating:
"Men and women go out together a great deal, especially in the cities of America; they ski together, work together, and dine together, either at restaurants or in each other's apartments. This does not mean that they are necessarily interested in having sex together, though it may appear so and, of course, with some men and women it is so."
"If you have a wife at home, be sure to let this fact be known to the woman early in your acquaintance. It will not necessarily make any difference, but the woman wants to know the situation."
"A woman will not feel that she owes you sex because you have paid for her dinner." She will feel that her company and her acceptance of you have contributed to a pleasant evening for both, but not that she owes you more."
On Silence
Many Americans find silence uncomfortable. They will babble on to fill any silence if it extends for more than a moment."
Needless to say, a book like this, being less than 3/4 of an inch thick, has utterly offended me in mere paragraphs. Those lines offended me as an Asian American, as a woman, and sadly, as an American.
I guess it's fair to point out that this book was first published in 1973 (but updated in 1988). I know that's 20+ years ago, but give me a break! That's a bunch of bull.
I can't believe the choice of words the author used in describing certain groups of people. It also made so many assumptions about the background of its readers. "If you have a wife at home, be sure to let that fact be known..."?!? Are you for real?
I also can't believe this book was published to introduce foreigners to American life. While it provided some shocking amusement, I think I can summarize my views of this book in one line. What a waste of paper!
Typical Lunchtime Conversations in the Staffroom
1.)
accountant: Hitomi-san, did you know there's a snail in the kitchen sink?
tea lady: Ehh?! What?
handyman: Yea, I saw it in the sink this morning.
tealady: What? Why didn't you take care of it?
* handyman shrugs nonchalantly
2.)
1st grade history teacher: Where's Louise?
(*note: I was sitting right in front of him in the same seat as every other day. It is probably also important to note that there are only 6 seats at the lunch table.)
English teacher & handyman [pointing to me]: She's right here.
1st grade history teacher [giggles like a school girl]: Oh, I didn't see her because of the black clothing.
(*note 2: My surroundings were neither dark nor black, so I didn't really blend into anything.)
3.) School lunch item of the day: weird-looking potatoes
handyman: The potatoes are sweet.
tealady [in exaggerated anime-like tone after taking a bite]: Sweet!
nurse: It's sweet, isn't it?
English teacher: It's sweet.
Ah...the joys of understanding a little bit of Japanese! =)
accountant: Hitomi-san, did you know there's a snail in the kitchen sink?
tea lady: Ehh?! What?
handyman: Yea, I saw it in the sink this morning.
tealady: What? Why didn't you take care of it?
* handyman shrugs nonchalantly
2.)
1st grade history teacher: Where's Louise?
(*note: I was sitting right in front of him in the same seat as every other day. It is probably also important to note that there are only 6 seats at the lunch table.)
English teacher & handyman [pointing to me]: She's right here.
1st grade history teacher [giggles like a school girl]: Oh, I didn't see her because of the black clothing.
(*note 2: My surroundings were neither dark nor black, so I didn't really blend into anything.)
3.) School lunch item of the day: weird-looking potatoes
handyman: The potatoes are sweet.
tealady [in exaggerated anime-like tone after taking a bite]: Sweet!
nurse: It's sweet, isn't it?
English teacher: It's sweet.
Ah...the joys of understanding a little bit of Japanese! =)
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Let it Snow!
It's butt freezing cold outside but it's beautiful. It's been snowing all day and there's a fluffy layer of snow on the ground.
The good thing about my city is that even though it may be snowing non-stop, there's still sunshine on a daily basis. It makes the walk to school that much better.
Although I'm reveling in the beauty of a winter filled with snow, I can't help but wonder about the few homeless people I met .
The good thing about my city is that even though it may be snowing non-stop, there's still sunshine on a daily basis. It makes the walk to school that much better.
Although I'm reveling in the beauty of a winter filled with snow, I can't help but wonder about the few homeless people I met .
Cashing in on love
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day.
Valentine's Day in this country is a whole different ordeal. In Japan, girls give guys candy on Valentine's day. It's kind of like Sadie Hawkins day where you have the chance to profess your love for someone.
However, as in all things in Japan and in love, it's never quite that simple. Valentine's Day is not just a day for couples. There are different kinds of chocolate. And no, I don't mean the amount of cacao the chocolate contains.
Obviously, there's the chocolate you present to your significant other. Then, there are chocolates called tomochoco ("tomo" for friend in Japanese), and last but not least, is my favorite. These chocolates are called girichoco. Giri means obligation. These are the chocolate you're obligated to give to male acquaintances. This includes your boss and other male co-workers, and perhaps male family members.
I was a bit surprised by this Japanese Valentine tradition. It just seems sad that you have to feel obligated to give sweets to people. It's perhaps even more sad for the people receiving it because it becomes a pity gift.
Although I would never turn down a piece of chocolate, I'm sure it doesn't taste as good as it should when the person who gave it to you only did it out of obligation.
On top of all this, I was surprised because I view Japan as a male-dominant society and for females to be the initiators in professing their love seems a bit...out of place. That's why I thought the holiday will be much less celebrated and commercialized as compared to the US.
However, my silly assumption was quickly refuted when my tea lady told me that in Japan, there is a thing called "White Day." White Day is on March 14th. This day is to give the men a chance to give back to the ladies.
If you think Valentine's Day is a very commercial holiday in America, you should come see it in action here. I was at the department store the other day and there were lines and lines of women buying sacks of fancily packaged chocolates. I assume that most of them were buying the girichocos. It's that or maybe they just have many significant others.
All I could think was wow, I'd like to be one of those chocolate manufacturers in Japan right about now.
Happy Valentine's Day!!
Valentine's Day in this country is a whole different ordeal. In Japan, girls give guys candy on Valentine's day. It's kind of like Sadie Hawkins day where you have the chance to profess your love for someone.
However, as in all things in Japan and in love, it's never quite that simple. Valentine's Day is not just a day for couples. There are different kinds of chocolate. And no, I don't mean the amount of cacao the chocolate contains.
Obviously, there's the chocolate you present to your significant other. Then, there are chocolates called tomochoco ("tomo" for friend in Japanese), and last but not least, is my favorite. These chocolates are called girichoco. Giri means obligation. These are the chocolate you're obligated to give to male acquaintances. This includes your boss and other male co-workers, and perhaps male family members.
I was a bit surprised by this Japanese Valentine tradition. It just seems sad that you have to feel obligated to give sweets to people. It's perhaps even more sad for the people receiving it because it becomes a pity gift.
Although I would never turn down a piece of chocolate, I'm sure it doesn't taste as good as it should when the person who gave it to you only did it out of obligation.
On top of all this, I was surprised because I view Japan as a male-dominant society and for females to be the initiators in professing their love seems a bit...out of place. That's why I thought the holiday will be much less celebrated and commercialized as compared to the US.
However, my silly assumption was quickly refuted when my tea lady told me that in Japan, there is a thing called "White Day." White Day is on March 14th. This day is to give the men a chance to give back to the ladies.
If you think Valentine's Day is a very commercial holiday in America, you should come see it in action here. I was at the department store the other day and there were lines and lines of women buying sacks of fancily packaged chocolates. I assume that most of them were buying the girichocos. It's that or maybe they just have many significant others.
All I could think was wow, I'd like to be one of those chocolate manufacturers in Japan right about now.
Happy Valentine's Day!!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Trying for a better understanding
In the last few weeks, I have purposely tried to step out of the routine activities of the typical foreigner in Japan (ie partying every night).
Two recent activities have been especially enlightening.
I started going to a cooking class once a month put on by the Muslim Culture Association of the well-known local university. Each month, they cook Halal food from different countries with a sizable Muslim population. The first month I went, it was Indonesian food, the second Japanese food (not that there is a huge Muslim population in Japan, but I think it was to educate us about what Muslims can eat in the country), and this past weekend, it was Bangladeshi food. The next month will highlight food from Turkmenistan.
I've also started volunteering. There's a group who helps the homeless in the city. I've only been twice and I've already started to doubt the effectiveness of my presence, but it has definitely exposed me to a piece of Japan that I don't think many people here want any foreigners to see.
Two recent activities have been especially enlightening.
I started going to a cooking class once a month put on by the Muslim Culture Association of the well-known local university. Each month, they cook Halal food from different countries with a sizable Muslim population. The first month I went, it was Indonesian food, the second Japanese food (not that there is a huge Muslim population in Japan, but I think it was to educate us about what Muslims can eat in the country), and this past weekend, it was Bangladeshi food. The next month will highlight food from Turkmenistan.
I've also started volunteering. There's a group who helps the homeless in the city. I've only been twice and I've already started to doubt the effectiveness of my presence, but it has definitely exposed me to a piece of Japan that I don't think many people here want any foreigners to see.
Poisonous Gyozas
I finally got a second hand TV! I usually leave it on the background hoping it'll help with my Japanese skills or lack thereof.
However, the big news around all of Japan has been the poisonous gyoza (potstickers) that were sold in the big supermarket chain in Japan called COOP (pronounced "cope" although the origin of the name came from Co-op).
These poisonous gyoza are from...China. There are some people here who suspect that somebody in China intentionally put in the poison. A couple of Japanese people who ate the gyoza were hospitalize and they're recalling all the gyozas of a certain brand sold plus 8 other frozen products from that same line.
From my point of view, this incident (whether or not it's true) further fuels the Japanese's distrust of the Chinese. It's sad.
About a month ago, I had to go teach at the local elementary school. That day, I taught all of the 5th graders in the school. The teacher there wanted me to teach the line, "Where are you from?" and use different countries as examples. I used the US, Canada, Italy, France, China, Japan, and Korea as my examples.
The activity I had the students do involved them each having one card of the above mentioned countries. Then, asking each other, "Where are you from?" Their response will be, obviously, "I am from..." and then the name of the country of the card they were holding. After this exchange, they would exchange cards with each other.
I was walking around and participating in the activity when I observed one pair working together. One had the Canada card and one had the China card. After they exchanged their words, the kid holding the Canada made a big fuss because he was going to receive the China card. He moaned as if he was being given the last pick of the candy from a gigantic jar. I think it bothered me a little bit considering I'm Chinese American. Aside from being annoyed by a 10 year old kid, I was also a little intrigued by what his image of China really is.
The entire world has their eyes on China, watching its every move. I think it is a mixture of amazement, doubt, fear, and curiosity. For me, I also feel a bit of pride. I'm not sure what to make of all this, but inevitably, I know that it affects the way people see me.
However, the big news around all of Japan has been the poisonous gyoza (potstickers) that were sold in the big supermarket chain in Japan called COOP (pronounced "cope" although the origin of the name came from Co-op).
These poisonous gyoza are from...China. There are some people here who suspect that somebody in China intentionally put in the poison. A couple of Japanese people who ate the gyoza were hospitalize and they're recalling all the gyozas of a certain brand sold plus 8 other frozen products from that same line.
From my point of view, this incident (whether or not it's true) further fuels the Japanese's distrust of the Chinese. It's sad.
About a month ago, I had to go teach at the local elementary school. That day, I taught all of the 5th graders in the school. The teacher there wanted me to teach the line, "Where are you from?" and use different countries as examples. I used the US, Canada, Italy, France, China, Japan, and Korea as my examples.
The activity I had the students do involved them each having one card of the above mentioned countries. Then, asking each other, "Where are you from?" Their response will be, obviously, "I am from..." and then the name of the country of the card they were holding. After this exchange, they would exchange cards with each other.
I was walking around and participating in the activity when I observed one pair working together. One had the Canada card and one had the China card. After they exchanged their words, the kid holding the Canada made a big fuss because he was going to receive the China card. He moaned as if he was being given the last pick of the candy from a gigantic jar. I think it bothered me a little bit considering I'm Chinese American. Aside from being annoyed by a 10 year old kid, I was also a little intrigued by what his image of China really is.
The entire world has their eyes on China, watching its every move. I think it is a mixture of amazement, doubt, fear, and curiosity. For me, I also feel a bit of pride. I'm not sure what to make of all this, but inevitably, I know that it affects the way people see me.
Dodgy Internet Services
So, for the last couple of weeks, I've been getting really dodgy internet services. It comes and goes and usually when I need it for anything, it goes.
I think the guy I'm smooching internet off of is on to me and has had enough. Or maybe because two new families moved into the newly built house across the street and they're also smooching internet.
Who knows?
Who cares, really?
I just want reliable internet in the comforts of my own home....for free.
I think the guy I'm smooching internet off of is on to me and has had enough. Or maybe because two new families moved into the newly built house across the street and they're also smooching internet.
Who knows?
Who cares, really?
I just want reliable internet in the comforts of my own home....for free.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
A Tragic Accident
I found out yesterday that a friend, a fellow English teacher here, felt dizzy while waiting for the subway over the weekend. She fainted and then fell down on the tracks. She was hit by an oncoming train and her right leg was severed while her left one was injured severely. Thankfully, she's alive.
When I first got the news through an email, I was really shocked. My hands went cold and I started shaking. I can't stop thinking about how her life will be changed by all this. I feel really sad and frustrated that I have no power to reverse what has happened.
Since hearing the news, I've been in a daze (as are other teachers) and I keep hoping that when I open my eyes the next morning, this'd all just be a bad dream.
Sigh...other than that I'm ok though, so no need to worry about me.
When I first got the news through an email, I was really shocked. My hands went cold and I started shaking. I can't stop thinking about how her life will be changed by all this. I feel really sad and frustrated that I have no power to reverse what has happened.
Since hearing the news, I've been in a daze (as are other teachers) and I keep hoping that when I open my eyes the next morning, this'd all just be a bad dream.
Sigh...other than that I'm ok though, so no need to worry about me.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Back in Action
Happy New Year!
For those who may not know, I spent two weeks away from Japan during winter break. I went to Hong Kong to visit my mom's side of the family and also skipped to Taiwan for a couple of days.
Initially, when I told my mom that I was gonna be in Hong Kong for the holidays, she and my dad also bought a ticket so that they could join me there. So, needless to say, it was a pretty sweet vacation. I got to get away to a warm place, I got to see my family, and got to go on a side trip to Taiwan! Life couldn't have been any better...which is perhaps the reason why I'm feeling a bit like crap now that I'm back in Japan.
Maybe it's the culture shock finally setting in. Aside from being constantly "almost sick" from the cold weather, I also feel a physical fatigue from not being able to communicate with people and always having to explain to people why an Asian looking person like myself cannot speak Japanese in Japan.
And on days like today where I don't have any classes, it gets extra boring. I sit in the staff room with my brain rotting away and trying desperately not to fall asleep at my desk. I realized that the thing that keeps me excited about going to school is the students and not having classes just suck. Big time.
To top it off, tomorrow will be yet another dreadful day because it's Tuesday. On Tuesdays, I teach 4 classes. Three of them are 3rd grade junior high classes. When I ask the English teacher how I should prepare for those classes, she tells me that "anything is ok."
For most other ALTs (assistant language teachers), hearing that is like winning lottery. Most ALTs complain about being used as a "human tape recorder" to read excerpts from the text book and never getting any freedom to do anything creative. So, being told "anything is ok" by an English teacher is considered the ultimate prize.
However, I feel lost. I want to know how my lessons contribute to the overall English curriculum. I want to provide some sort of coherent lesson to the students where one class is related to the one before it and the one after. I want these students to leave the class feeling like they've learned something and that their time was not wasted. These classes feel like such an experiment on my part and I feel bad when I think students walk away not learning a thing. Sigh.
If you are still reading up until this point, perhaps you like to hear me sulk because that's not the worst of it. Aside from having three experimentational classes, I also teach English to a special education class.
There are only three male students in that class, but I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing.
The oldest of the three is grumpy all the time and likes to throw tantrums. He constantly reminds me how many minutes of class is left. He's really good at puzzles and seems to enjoy them. It's that or he's hoping that it'll make class go by faster.
The second kid is lost in space for the majority of the class. It's really difficult trying to get him to participate in any activity. Sometimes he replies in a high pitched shrilly voice and I wonder if he's simply just trying to mock me.
The third student doesn't even seem to "special ed" to me. He likes to mumble to himself every so often, but overall, he's the most engaged one of the three. Initially, I tried my hardest to teach them useful English like days of the week, names of the months, and etc. But that all fell to pieces by the time I got to "March." They decided it was useless to remember any of that and put their heads down on the table. How else do you learn these things aside from memorization?
Anyway, it's too much complaining. All in all, I still enjoy my time here very much. Just wish I had a bit more professional guidance.
For those who may not know, I spent two weeks away from Japan during winter break. I went to Hong Kong to visit my mom's side of the family and also skipped to Taiwan for a couple of days.
Initially, when I told my mom that I was gonna be in Hong Kong for the holidays, she and my dad also bought a ticket so that they could join me there. So, needless to say, it was a pretty sweet vacation. I got to get away to a warm place, I got to see my family, and got to go on a side trip to Taiwan! Life couldn't have been any better...which is perhaps the reason why I'm feeling a bit like crap now that I'm back in Japan.
Maybe it's the culture shock finally setting in. Aside from being constantly "almost sick" from the cold weather, I also feel a physical fatigue from not being able to communicate with people and always having to explain to people why an Asian looking person like myself cannot speak Japanese in Japan.
And on days like today where I don't have any classes, it gets extra boring. I sit in the staff room with my brain rotting away and trying desperately not to fall asleep at my desk. I realized that the thing that keeps me excited about going to school is the students and not having classes just suck. Big time.
To top it off, tomorrow will be yet another dreadful day because it's Tuesday. On Tuesdays, I teach 4 classes. Three of them are 3rd grade junior high classes. When I ask the English teacher how I should prepare for those classes, she tells me that "anything is ok."
For most other ALTs (assistant language teachers), hearing that is like winning lottery. Most ALTs complain about being used as a "human tape recorder" to read excerpts from the text book and never getting any freedom to do anything creative. So, being told "anything is ok" by an English teacher is considered the ultimate prize.
However, I feel lost. I want to know how my lessons contribute to the overall English curriculum. I want to provide some sort of coherent lesson to the students where one class is related to the one before it and the one after. I want these students to leave the class feeling like they've learned something and that their time was not wasted. These classes feel like such an experiment on my part and I feel bad when I think students walk away not learning a thing. Sigh.
If you are still reading up until this point, perhaps you like to hear me sulk because that's not the worst of it. Aside from having three experimentational classes, I also teach English to a special education class.
There are only three male students in that class, but I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing.
The oldest of the three is grumpy all the time and likes to throw tantrums. He constantly reminds me how many minutes of class is left. He's really good at puzzles and seems to enjoy them. It's that or he's hoping that it'll make class go by faster.
The second kid is lost in space for the majority of the class. It's really difficult trying to get him to participate in any activity. Sometimes he replies in a high pitched shrilly voice and I wonder if he's simply just trying to mock me.
The third student doesn't even seem to "special ed" to me. He likes to mumble to himself every so often, but overall, he's the most engaged one of the three. Initially, I tried my hardest to teach them useful English like days of the week, names of the months, and etc. But that all fell to pieces by the time I got to "March." They decided it was useless to remember any of that and put their heads down on the table. How else do you learn these things aside from memorization?
Anyway, it's too much complaining. All in all, I still enjoy my time here very much. Just wish I had a bit more professional guidance.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)