Korean Job Discussion Forums

blunder1983 · Joined: 12 Apr 2005

Thinking about having a lesson about avoiding social faux pas things would include

1. Eat with ur mouth closed
2. Elbows off tables
3. Spitting
4. Asking personal questions

etc. etc.

Was wondering how i could do this without causing offence? I dont care that they do it here, its just so they know when they go overseas, but i appreciate it looks like I'm criticising

magicwolfman · Joined: 01 Sep 2005

You seem to be the king of controversial issues Evil or Very Mad

First the "beauty contest" and now this. Why dont you just tell them that their whole cultures is wrong and that they need to adapt to western ideals immediately. Rolling Eyes

How exactly are you going to pertray "western" table manners in a way that you are not telling them that their table manners are rude or incorrect. Evil or Very Mad

peppermint · Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2005 10:58 pm Post subject:

Get yourself a copy of ugly Americans/ ugly Koreans- basically a reference to the social faux pas of both groups. That way you can point out that Westerners have the same kind of issue here.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

blunder1983 · Joined: 12 Apr 2005

Lol your the king of acceptance arent you magicwolfman you radical psychotic looney. Go back to dribbling in the corner safe in the knowledge us barbarians will not bother you in your heaven.

I thought using the Ugly Korean Ugly Americans, comparing oddities from both cultures, and have them guess which custom is considered rude in America, which in Korean and which isnt considered rude anywhere.

Making students aware of such things will definately smooth their transition overseas so I don't see it as a problem.

Thanks for the constructive critcism tho MW, I love the suggestions you made................

peppermint · Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2005 12:58 am Post subject:

The crossing your legs thing would be a good one. It's okay to cross your legs at the knee in the west, though not as proper as crossing them at the ankles. Here it's considered very rude for a woman to cross her legs at the knee in front of older men ( wonder what they made of Basic Instinct?)

butter808fly · Joined: 09 May 2004 Location: Northern California, USA

Its a good idea, here are some I think you should add to your class:

- dont stare at people for minutes at a time without blinking
- dont snap your gum
- dont push
- dont shove
- dont take cuts
- bow to the waegooks too
- when you sneeze, cover your mouth!
- everyone who works hard, no matter a janitor or president, deserve respect (this is more a value, not a manner)
- hold open the door for other people (this is just friendly)

I miss my small town in California today.. a lot just because of the small things like these. I mean, often times even the waegooks here pass without a nod or smile.

Oh and...
- dont use your middle finger for finger puppets! I dont care if its not America you old ajumma, Im freakin American and children are totally aware that you are giving them the finger!!! hahahaha

Sliver · Joined: 04 May 2003 Location: The third dimension

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=38594&highlight=whimperative

Is what you can teach in a language class as a basis and then develop western style ettiquette from there. Talk about differences between collective (sorry I mean cult) societies and individualistic societies. That way they have a basis with which to understand.

Wrench · Joined: 07 Apr 2005

WASH YOUR HANDS AFTER USING THE RESTROOM.

That goes for women TOO!

paperbag princess · Joined: 07 Mar 2004 Location: veggie hell

why don't koreans cover their mouths when they cough? i'm really tired of getting my students' colds.