I wrote on my post 10 things I hate about Korea that one of the things that irks me the most is being told to learn Korean. Yes, it’s annoying and a lot of other English Teachers here in Korea can testify to this. Some have but it only increases the resentment against foreigners. A big chunk of the resentment here in Korea is because of some of the military people who have tarnished the reputation of Americans coming into Korea. But that’s a topic for another day. If we look at things from the Korean perspective or whatever country you are traveling to, doesn’t it irk them too when we ask the question, “do you speak English?” As foreigners we tend to only notice the things that are different from our culture sometimes; at times even the language without regard to the fact that we are the ones entering their country.

I am not saying asking if someone speaks English is a bad question to ask. It is a necessary question especially for Americans who speak only English. Just be aware that you are the one asking for help. So, modify your English so that you can help the person who is trying their best to help you. Don’t use slang words or idioms to avoid the most common mistake of yelling hoping that by yelling they will understand you. They will not, in fact, you will just look ridiculous. So here are a few tips that might help you communicate better with a non Native English speaker:

• Speak clearly and emphasize your pronunciation

Do this even if you have to pronounce they word as they do. Remember, the purpose of communication is to make sure the other person understands you.

• Make sure they can see your mouth

I have noticed that even the kids I teach look at my mouth when I speak and they imitate by watching the movement of my mouth. Not only that, they understand more when they are looking at my mouth than when they are not.

• Do not shout

Shouting does not equal to understanding. In fact, it has the opposite affect sometimes.

• Do not use incorrect English

A lot of non Native Speakers are taught proper English. Using slang won’t help you. Sad to say, I have found some that speak better English than some Native Speakers.

• Don’t run words together

Say each word alone and you will dramatically increase their level of comprehension.

• Try not to use fillers like “um” “and” “also”

This just confuses them more because words like “also” are hard for them to grasp especially if they are beginners.

• Repeat yourself

It helps with clearity and to make sure they understand you.

• Use similar words

If you know words that are similar to another word you are using, also say it. I find in a lot of cases they know a word in a multitude of others.

• Be clear

Say “yes” or “no”

• Be patient and friendly

This is very important. I hear “good things come to those who wait” and being friendly can only help you because people are more likely to help a friendly person than a grump.

Any other ideas? What’s your experience?

Some of us here in Korea teaching are a bit uneasy about the recent activities of the next door neighbor who can be said to be a little (maybe an understatement here) coo coo. But should we as Americans (foreigners) be nervous in Korea? We are half way around the world from home. Should we down-play the threat like many seem to be doing?

The story we are getting from the media is not clear. We are not sure what to think or how big the threat is. BBC reports,

‘No threat to US’

In a statement on its website, the US Northern Command said North Korea launched a three-stage Taepodong-2 missile at 0230 GMT.

“Stage one of the missile fell into the Sea of Japan/East Sea. The remaining stages along with the payload itself landed in the Pacific Ocean.

“No object entered orbit and no debris fell on Japan.”

US military authorities “assessed the space launch vehicle as not a threat to North America or Hawaii and took no action in response to this launch”, the statement added.

Earlier, state media in North Korea said that the “Kwangmyongsong-2″ satellite had been placed in orbit.

The satellite was transmitting data and the “Song of General Kim Il-sung” and “Song of General Kim Jong-Il” – references to the late founder of North Korea and his son, the current leader – the report said.

The BBC’s John Sudworth in Seoul says a failure would seriously detract from North Korea’s ability to exploit the propaganda value of the launch, although it may never admit it to its own people.

In a previous satellite launch attempt in 1998, North Korea said it was sending up a device that would orbit the world transmitting revolutionary melodies.

It claimed this was also successful but the launch is believed to have been a failure as no trace of the satellite was ever found.”
What do you think? There is a U.S military base not far from PyeongTaek, South Korea where I am but some of the teachers here from the states say that doesn’t matter if a missile in launched. South Korean troops are on high alert as well. Stay or go home? Have you been following the story? I would love to hear from you?

I visited some areas in Seoul for site seeing and it was amazing how the old is integrated with the new. Old temples and modern buildings stand side by side. Although the city is westernized in a lot of ways, it is not wholly so because the essence of what is truly Korean is still there. The slower life style unlike New York or Atlanta. I saw people counting money on the street and walking without a worry or care; try that in New York and you might end up on SVU. I saw people laying on the street enjoying the sun. I saw temples and ruins rebuild to retain a history that was almost wholly destroyed by the Japanese. More than that, I saw a city and a country that is struggling to keep its identity in a ever changing world. Welcome to Seoul.

I thought this was funny. Koreans try so hard to speak English and write but sometimes it comes out like this.

I will create a photo section soon for those interested in using some of these images for wallpapers or whatever. Just make sure to give cred were due.

It's nice to share:

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