Language Barrier
I thought that since I had nothing new or exciting to update everyone on, I would instead write about a topic matter I rarely discuss — cultural issues. I have touched on these subjects in my blog before, but I mostly stick to more mundane topics like my current activities, etc. I am a self-centered individual, afterall! ha ha 😛 But this time, I thought I would change it up a bit discuss the difficulties of living in a country where you don’t speak the native language (since it’s the #1 question I am asked about). If you’re interested, read on~~
“Melody, how do you function in a country where the primary language isn’t English?” I ask myself this question sometimes. I think anyone can expect the typical difficulties it produces – the taxi driver looks at you like you’re sprouting a third head when you’re simply asking to go to the airport, you ordered a pizza with cheese and suddenly it turned into pizza with the works, the woman you’re about to ask directions from gives you the “please, not me!” puppy eyes, etc. These types of problems will always remain the same, unfortunately, the same can not be said for your patience. What is matter with that taxi driver? Is he dumb? There is only one major airport that is close by! Do I look like the person that would want the works?! Sardines, ew!! I am not asking you to draw me a labeled map, just take a second to try and point me in the right way (I’ve been walking in circles for hours!). This does not mean I turn into the “ugly American” and start expecting or demanding English, I just start questioning human intelligence….like somehow we should be able to bridge the gap together, despite the language barrier. But things are rarely that simple.
A language barrier is frustrating because it forces you to rely on others. Certainly this makes you more appreciative of the friends you have and their selfless assistance. Additionally, you gain a heightened sense of appreciation for the simple, kind gestures made by people. But at the same time these very kindnesses can also leave you feeling slightly jaded. Fore example, if you’re invited to a dinner gathering, then the conversation must be translated in order for you to fully understand — then you feel guilty, like you’re a bit of a nuisance or a hindrance to the guests. But what if noone translates? Then you’re just sitting there awkwardly out-of the-loop until someone takes the moment to quickly summarize what has been said in the last 30 minutes. You’d think you’d feel thankful to that person who translated, but oddly sometimes it is more annoying because the effort seems half-hearted. If noone had the time to talk to you during those last 30 minutes than why would you care to hear the 1 minute summarized version? But then you remember that you were specifically invited. How dare you feel annoyed when you should be feeling grateful?! What is the matter with you? As your over-taxed mind works this question, if you make the mistake of showing the least bit of a frown, you’re instantly asked if you’re alright or whether the food is to your taste – like the fact that continuous talk (that you’re unable to understand) couldn’t possibly be the reason behind the frown, or slightly bored expression. It may seem very small but if you dwell on it too much it will drive you absolutely crazy. I’ve found that gatherings are best if the group is small – so that translations can be interspersed with the native language; however, if not it is best to add your own mental dialogue to what people are saying. Not only is it entertaining – but it may also save your sanity! 😛
Well, that’s enough of that. Please don’t consider it complaining — people are always doing me favors. I recognize it and humbly thank them. I am just doing some musings. Hope that gave y’all some insight into the lang. barrier issue, for those who asked my opinion on it. CHOW FOR NOW
Melody Does Curls
So, I changed it up a bit. Many of you might have heard (or seen) but I got a perm and now I have curly/wavy hair. Why the sudden change? No particular reason – I just felt like doing something different. I have never been overly adventurous when it comes to hair styles, so this was my one attempt. I think it turned out alright; not sure whether I want to do it again, but for now it’s fun. I’ve never had curls in my life so this is foreign territory for me; the few curls I ever had were secured after vats of hair spray were poured on my head; thus, they never really had that curly bounce. So far this hairstyle has been fairly low maintenance (*crosses fingers it stays that way – I fear summer may complicate it*). I just wash my hair and then squirt a little bit of hair glaze in my hands, run it through my hair and I am done. I don’t blow dry. But rather than my own experiences with the hairstyle it has been my students reactions after seeing it that have been the most interesting for me. I have said before that people here are rather forthright about voicing their opinion on your appearance – yesterday was testament to this fact. I felt like it was the first day all over again. Almost everybody had a comment. Some really liked it and told me: “Melody, wow your hair looks really cute!” I even had, “Melody, you look a bit like Mariah Carey” *cough cough – no comment* lol The opposite end of the spectrum was: “Melody, what happened?!?” “Why??” “It makes you look older….” “Ha ha ha ha!” “I like you with straight hair more.” Thus you can see the spectrum of opinions. Regardless, the overall feedback was positive; and I think that changing it up every now and then is good. Furthermore, it shows that my students pay more attention to my appearance than I had thought — I should invest more time in the morning. ha ha ha
Easter & Lotte World
Disney World? No wait.....Lotte World
Had a good Easter, went to Lotte World (a theme park). It was a lot of fun. I rode a lot of rides and ate a lot of food. Certain aspects of it reminded me of Disney World – or a take on it. The Castle looks similar and in the evening they have a little parade where characters dance about in lighted costumes. But it was a lot of fun and I had a good time — it has certainly been a while since I rode a rollercoaster. Weather was very nice but got chillier in the evening. Got there around 3pm and left at 830ish – long day!
Mellow in South Korea 