Job Discussion Forums

konyoku · Posted: Wed May 31, 2006 9:28 am Post subject:

Heck, if I were teaching low-level JH students in a public school, I'd wanna watch Seinfeld, too, just to relieve myself (of the boredom); or have something to do while they were sleeping. Shocked

Dilla-gent · Joined: 01 Mar 2006 Posts: 21

Alright Glenski, first of all thank you for your ideas and constructive criticism. Also thanks to soba and gaijinalways for their ideas, much appreciated. Give credit where credit's due, right?

Second, if anyone refers to my original post, they will notice that the only thing I asked for was where I can get Seinfeld with subtitles. I mentioned that I had planned to use it in a lesson, and everybody's all over it like sh*t on a blanket, curious as to how I planned on using it, and pretty much saying it's a stupid idea without offering any alternatives. When you said go with wallace and gromit, I thought you were being sarcastic like these other clowns, thats why I said f*ckin w & G. Now I know you actually use it, so sorry. I didn't want to go into detail about my lesson plan, but since people kept prying, I tried to explain it quickly. And when I say "naw mean?" it's not in an angry tone, so you and others don't have to reply in one...naw mean?

Thirdly, Glenski, I don't know why you thought I was attacking others on this site. Unlike some people, I am not on here to engage in virtual arguments, with me "shooting from the hip", while these b.s artists are shooting off at the mouth (or rather their typing fingers). Yeah, everybody's gotta be a smartass, that helps a lot! I don't care to read any posts that are not productive in some way. From reading other threads, I've noticed that some people are always so confrontational in their posts, which makes others go on the defensive, and the vicious cycle continues...it's unnecessary. It seems like some of these people have nothing better to do than post some crap to piss others off. I think they should consider taking up a healthier hobby...like pachinko!
And I HAVE done some research on the internet on using videos, but I didn't come across anything helpful. I didn't have much time either, so I just quickly thought of a video that I had and came up with the "infamous" Seinfeld plan. I wasn't intending on introducing the students to "Jewish-American" humour (does this mean only Jewish-Americans use this type of humour?), but Kramer's bumblings don't need any translation. If I do end up using this, and it's successful, am I going to post a message telling you all to suck a fat one? No, cuz I'm not a pr*ck. I want to continue using this site to give and recieve ideas, advice, and anything else that will make life smoother. Isn't that what this forum is for?

So, despite what you may think, I do know what criticism is and I accept it if it is sincere and if some alternatives accompany it. Again, thanks to those who came through. What I don't need is to make e-enemies, or feel like I'm being initiated into some online fraternity or something...
I've been perusing this site for years, but I only joined recently cuz, although I've been in Japan for a couple years now, I am a newbie to the ALT game. I don't want to go into detail, but I work at sort of a special JHS...the student's levels are really low, and there are plenty of behavioral problems, so anyone with any experience in this type of environment, your advice is much appreciated.

That's all I gotta say for now.
Peace Party People

Dilla-gent

David W · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 457 Location: Japan

If you can't find Seinfeld you might try "Curb Your Enthusiasm". Wink

You might need a rethink on this mate, but you might be able to find episodes of Seinfeld at a video shop. Failing that try a library. I don't fancy your chances much.

Like a Rolling Stone · Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Posts: 872

osakajojo · Joined: 15 Sep 2004 Posts: 229

The students will perhaps laugh at Kramer's physical comedy!
I have seen Seinfeld at Tsutaya. I have season 3 now with subtitles and even with those my wife doesn't get some of it because some of the humor just can not be translated and they have references to American culture that you may not get if you didn't grow up there. I mean some of it you gotta grow up in NY to get. If you weren't a Yankee or big baseball fan would you know who George Steinbrenner is?
The one I just watched was the "bless you" show where they would say "you are so good looking" when someone sneezed. I asked my wife what the translation was for "bless you" and she explained it but I forgot what it was already.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Willy_In_Japan · Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Posts: 329

Even Wallace and Gromit can be a little too high level for Junior High Students without a lot of preparation.

Make sure you get a DVD with Subtitles.

I think any English video presented unless done strictly for fun, should have ENGLISH subtitles, not Japanese ones. Otherwise, in my opinion, the value for learning is minimal.

I would never do Seinfeld. Or if I did, it would be a two minute clip.

Dilla-gent · Joined: 01 Mar 2006 Posts: 21

Glenski man, I don`t want to go back and forth about this but I feel I need to clear some things up still.
"Naw mean?" simply means "Know what I mean?" Its just a way of checking understanding. Its not confrontational in any way. It is slang, I guess only some hip hop heads will understand.
When I said I don`t want to bicker with people, I was merely pointing out that some other people seem to like to post some crap sometimes, and in some threads, people are going back and forth on eachother. Thats just what Im trying to avoid. And I know you know what Im talking about, cuz you have told others to not be so harsh...Ive read it.
I don`t know why you think I can`t take criticism. I requested it. But I just wanted those who criticize to at least provide some other ideas or something instead of just saying its a stupid idea. Maybe they didnt understand my intention, and yes, next time I will make it clearer. I know you can`t always understand posts, and don`t know the tone either, but you can be sure my tones are not angry or confrontational. If they were in my other posts, it was because I was defending my position, and because some replies were just some sarcastic stuff.
Anyways, lets move on, shall we?

Peace

David W · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 457 Location: Japan

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Dilla-gent · Joined: 01 Mar 2006 Posts: 21

Glenski, I don't know why you continue to be so hostile. You think MY hackles are up? I must have really offended you with my comments about w & g and naw mean... I told you already what I meant by those statements, but in case you missed it, here it is again...
I thought you were being sarcastic with your w & g suggestion...cuz other posts people were being sarcastic too, and I thought w & g was something akin to Wiggles, you know for toddlers.
If you know that "naw mean?" is just checking understanding, how can it be taken as confrontational? If I wrote: DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT I AM TRYING TO SAY??...maybe that can be taken as confrontational. I guess next time I ask if you understand something I'll put a little smiley face next to it.

Peace

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Dilla-gent · Joined: 01 Mar 2006 Posts: 21

Glenski, I'm not even going to try to defend myself anymore. I stand by everything I wrote, and I have already apologized for the misunderstandings. If you still don't understand or don't buy it, well thats your problem. All we can do is agree to disagree.
I would like to take the high road and end this, cuz I don't like to argue or make enemies. Smile

(extra smilies were used to show that this message has peaceful intentions, and that this poster has no hard feelings)