Job Discussion Forums

[Cdaniels]

[kingkristopher]

Hi,

I've had this same problem. When someone refers to me using my profession I simply point out that it is not accurate to refer to someone that way in English. Calling students "student" usually drives the point home. I NEVER accept a Spanish title from my students since the point is to teach them English. In addition to being a teacher, I consider myself an ambassador for my culture. It simply is not acceptable to refer to someone by their occupation (with some exceptions, Doctor, Officer, etc.).

When in a directorial or administrative position, and if conversing in English, I ask to be addressed by North American conventions, i.e. Mr. so-and-so. The same way I would refer to them. I do not use the titles they confer upon themselves (in English or Spanish) as I find them to be pretentious, but that's just me...

[ls650]

Ah, I think you guys who don't like being called 'teacher' are a bit silly. I've told my students that I prefer being called by my first name, but they don't feel comfortable doing that.

I get called several things: profe, maestro, etc. but by far the most common is 'teacher'. I have no problems with this: only in North America do we think that being called a 'teacher' is actually a bad thing!

[Justin Trullinger]

Being a teacher is a great thing!

Being called "Tee-CHer," I will admit to finding annoying. But a lot of my students are preparing for overseas programs- standard forms of address in the classroom are definitely on the "need to know" sylabus. The teen groups actually have to call me "Mr Trullinger" in the classroom. (Makes me nervous, actually; I keep looking around for my father...)

But for those students who are going to be in the classroom in other countries, I honestly don't think that "Teacher" or my first name are appropriate. I want them to practice the language in the way they'll be expected to use it.

Best,
Justin

[snorklequeen]

like many of you, i've been uncomfortable about being called by a title by students or really by anyone in Mexico and want to be called by my first name; and i can relate to looking over your shoulder to see if your parent is in the room when addressed with formal titles

i don't want to be one of those gringos that moves to Mexico for the chauffeur, huge house and a transplanted US culture surrounded by Mexican scenery, music and accent

at the same time, you've given me insight into the culture, and the need to be treated with respect and as an equal at certain higher levels; maybe that's a better way to blend in, in certain circles, though not necessarily in the classroom where i would still keep trying to be informal

so i'm curious when functioning in those other circles; i have a US law degree, a J.D. [juris doctor], so do i legitimately use "doctora," since it's not a master's degree but a bit more?

tks,

Queenie

[MELEE]

Queenie,

I perfer to let people decide what to call me. In my former life in the US I would have definately considered it pretenious, but if you are visiting another culture/country I think you should follow their conventions.

If you end up at a job in Mexico, I think they will call you doctora. At my university, the norm is title plus first name. Making you Doctora Snorkle It has a nice ring! In a different setting they might just call you profesora, because that's the role you will be playing.

[Fatcat]

"And If anyone out there thinks they might work in Mexico one day, never change your name to anything that's not excatly what's on your university degree."

Okay, this is something I definitely need more info on. I am from the southern US and for some reason some parents here (i.e. mine) wanted to screw with their kids by making them go by their middle names. All my life for most legal documents I've used my (legal) first name and last name, but for some things like credit cards and my bank account I used just my middle name and last name or first initial, middle name and last name. My university degree has my first, middle and last name. I suppose when I apply for my FM-3 and things of that nature I'll for sure use my legal first name and last name. To what extent do I need to use my legal name? When I open a bank account which should I use since my accounts here are in my middle name? Is it possible to use my first, middle and last name on everything to avoid confusion?

Ugh! (Thanks mom and dad)
Fatcat

[Justin Trullinger]

It is possible, and in my opinion advisable, to use your first, middle, and last name for all official purposes. In any case, most Latinos have two first and two last names, so there are plenty of blanks on all the forms.

If all your names are on your degree, you shouldn't have any problems. But remember that you'll need official ID for a lot of purposes, like banking. A passport works well for this- just make sure to have check issued in your name exactly as it appears on your passport.

What you want people to call you is up to you- but try to keep anything for official purposes in a name which is exactly the same as your official ID. Otherwise, you get too many questions and hassles.

Best,
Justin

[Dragonlady]

deleted

out of date

[Fatcat]

"your signature should NEVER be legible"

ah, finally, something I won't have to worry about. made it illegible a long time ago.

[Cdaniels]

[Perpetual Traveller]

[Cdaniels]

[Justin Trullinger]

Dear Dra Snorkle,
It's true- all over Latin America, as far as I've seen, a law degree confers the title of Doctor. Strange to me, because in many places, the qualification to become a lawyer isn't even a graduate one...but lawyers always use the title professionally.

Justin

[snorklequeen]

"Doctora Snorkle" is just toooooooooo hilarious!

you guys made my day!

cheers,

Dra S