Korean Job Discussion Forums

hochhasd · Joined: 05 Jul 2008

I was wondering when your Korean co-teacher says ,"it is my opinion I am giving you,"is this another way of saying I want you to do it? I got a little frustrated today with my co-teacher for not explaining clearly what she wanted. I guess I am only human,but is she trying to say I want you to do the task this way by saying the word opinion? Confused

tenchu77491 · Joined: 16 Mar 2009

Handle it the way I handle it. Just say "maybe, I'll try". This works with anything. Even if they ask you to come in early.

hochhasd · Joined: 05 Jul 2008

tenchu77491 · Joined: 16 Mar 2009

Why would you let someone get to you? Just reply in a way that's equally as clear as her. If she doesn't get the message she will be more clear, then you match her clarity with your own.

andrewchon · Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 7:15 am Post subject:

I don't think we can guess what your co-teacher's intent is. We simply don't have enough information.
My speculation is this: Communication problem with your co-teacher is not the primary problem. Your way is not working but you don't want to admit defeat. Would this be right?

hochhasd · Joined: 05 Jul 2008

tenchu77491 · Joined: 16 Mar 2009

hochhasd · Joined: 05 Jul 2008

hochhasd · Joined: 05 Jul 2008

andrewchon · Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 7:39 am Post subject:

Sounds like you've had your heart broken (not in romantic sense).
Let me guess: a Friday afternoon lesson didn't work as well as you expected?
All that effort you put in just went down the toilet? Perhaps she did that because there's nothing one can say in that situation.

Chambertin · Joined: 07 Jun 2009 Location: Gunsan

Talk like you are in grade school when trouble arises.
Learn about the situation first, as the words often mislead.

Although you and they are both clearly on a higher level in language, intelligence and ability, these mean nothing when frustration and higher politics come into play.

In my experience that phrase: it is my opinion I am giving you, holds a higher meaning, but which one of many is undecipherable. The two of you must hash it out, and even possibly the three of you if the order came from higher up and they were trying to relay the message to you.

Remember: Stupid is as stupid does.

If you overreact or assume you understood it then trouble may result. I think many here have had nothing but the sort and will wish you to continue down the path. There is nothing lost in asking for clarification, it is how you ask that matters.

Pissing matches benefit no one but the wind. A wise man once said.

Break down the language to fifth grade playground rumble, it may seem insulting but lets face it, clarity of message once will outweigh weeks of annoyance over one or two misrepresented words.

Give them a wide berth; after all they are in the hot seat. They have to try to translate a number of things to you that may be well above their ability with no thanks in the matter. You have to show up.
This is not taking sides this is rationality.

With that being said try to work with them and be genuinely interested. The direct translation method is a beast to deal with as it has no real meaning. Do your best to translate the situation. As I said in the beginning, pretend you are 5th graders on the playground and learn about the situation not the words.

The better you work together the better the rest of your days will be.