Job Discussion Forums

[TawtViet]

Does anyone have any insight to my unusual problem? Have any teachers experienced anything like this? Maybe getting out of Japan faster than planned and coming to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, etc. to teach, is the answer for me. I have never found anyone who understands my problem. I am experiencing a daily living nightmare in Japan. Of course one can't go anywhere to escape hearing the near monotone native language being spoken. I can't enjoy myself at a coffee shop, or anywhere. I often need to where a combination of earplugs and jack hammer operator ear protection muffs just to protect myself from overwhelming agony. I have also combined a portable, personal cd player turned up full volumn with the earmuffs.I am completely serious when I say the Japanese language nearly jerks tears, it's so hard on my nerves. I even dread someone around me beginning to speak it if I am stopped at a crosswalk on my bicycle! Even a few seconds of it being spoken jolts my nerves so much that I feel a little violated! I know it all sounds ridiculous.
In great contrast whenever I hear one of the tonal languages being spoken by various Asians here, including Thais, my nerves are as relaxed as can be. What is going on? I have been studying a little Thai in some anticipation of coming to Thailand. I want to stay in Asia and teach and I hope moving to where I can hear tonal languages is the answer. It is so hard when no one understands.

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

Hello TawtViet


I've read your post several times.

I'd say your problem is, um ... a bit unique.


It might be a good idea for you to listen to some Thai

before jumping on a plane to Thailand.

Better safe than sorry!


Try these 2:

http://www.virginhitz.com/ (Virgin Hits Thailand)

http://www.atimemedia.com/ (atimemedia.com)

[Volodiya]

T.V., you've been talking about coming to Thailand for a long time now. Why don't you just do it? That would remove one issue that seems to keep coming up in your thinking.

But, if you remember the discussion on these forums back in September, last year-

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?p=133955&highlight=#133955

- what you've written about on this thread sounds a little like a continuing case of "culture shock", complicated by some other issues. Many people experience culture shock to some degree- and from time to time- even after living in a place for extended periods, and moving to Thailand to work will probably not solve the problem- but, at least you would then quit fantasizing about it.

While the Thai people are among the nicest people you could hope to meet, I'm afraid eventually you'll find new things to feel annoyed about, once you get here. I'm not suggesting you stick in Japan, but perhaps to start now to try to get at some of the other things that may be contributing causes of your discomfort. No shame in getting help from someone trained to help. Might be an investment of time that will repay itself many times over in additional happiness, and satisfaction with life.

[laben18]

reminds me of flying from LA to Taipei on China one time with the two chinese grandmas speaking (yelling?)behind me talking non-stop for the entire flight .

boy that was brutal .

seems to be you would get used to the japanese over time .

thai can be pretty rough to , depending on whose speaking it ; my students r cool but u should hear how loud and uncouth the issanese in my neighborhood can be....

[TawtViet]

I really want to get out of here. One big problem is related to a ton of money I loaned to a trusted friend who promised a two month repayment. Money is coming back to me in tiny amounts. The two months thing was apparently a lie with the friend thinking I would be "understanding due to our friendship" I suppose some of my problem could be stress related, for example friends who take advantage. That money was my Thailand money. Upon listening to Thai some the other day I was completely relaxed. I really don't think my problem is related to me not being able to respect the Japanese for countless reasons. I probably do have somewhat of a nerve problem.

[Volodiya]

Sorry to hear about your bad luck with the loan. Similar experiences have given me an "aura" that prevents others from even asking! Well, keep saving and, with any luck, you'll soon be on your way, if that's what you want.