Korean Job Discussion Forums

[melbournegirl]

I've been here for a while now and work in a public middle school. The school, teachers and students have all been supportive and welcoming of me, the first native English teacher. However, at times I feel quite isolated being the only one. I work closely with 6 Korean English teachers who are all pretty good and I have a great manager. I've been on countless lunches and dinner's (usually at their expense) which I've enjoyed, got to try some very good food. My issue is that when I'm out with the English teachers we speak for a short while then they launch into Korean. I recognise that they hardly ever get to catch up as a group so they have a bit to talk about. (Not my problem) So I sit there enjoying the food occasionally looking their way in the hope they'll switch to English. Hmm
I must admit sometimes it's fine by me to just go to work and keep out of the office politics which I'm sure they're going on about. So when this last happened I said something to my manager and she said yes I agree "you looked bored, why don't you say something" Is this the way to go was I being too optomistic hoping they'd tack back into English..........
It's not so much the boredom factor, it's more rude and alienating.
So how could I tackle future uncomfortable dinners. I don't want to avoid them and I'm thinking the way to go would be to just say something when it happens again.
Please no smartarse comments.

[dulouz]

Talk to them about something simple that doesn't require a lot of English.
Gardening usually makes you popular or pets will work too. You will be bored, that is your challenge. They are bored with not being able to relate to you too.

[PRagic]

Not to be a downer, but it's a bit of a group power trip, too. I've seen it happen in more than one country. We speak two languages, you don't. They are after all, inviting you out, aren't they? Be patient. Fairly typical. They'll warm up to you if you stick it out.

[Atassi]

I think we all have faced this at one time or another. I also don't enjoy the feeling of being ignored, as you don't. You may eventually get closer to one or more of them, and they may become more sensitive to how you feel at the dinner table without you mentioning it.

Are you learning Korean? I know it takes time, but you could try to making guesses at what they are talking about. You will eventually recognize more and more of what they are saying. You can get into the conversations by asking "Oh, are you talking about xxx?" This is about the only suggestion I have for you right now. Get a feel for the language while you're here, and good luck.

[sheba]

You do get used to it. I used to be really uncomfortable sitting there toying with my food while they were deep in conversation, but now Its fine. I like going out for dinner without having to force conversation. After a while the teachers became more confident talking to me anyway.... I found they were quite self-conscious about their English ability, like if they made a mistake I would think they were a bad teacher or something so they just avoided talking much until they were more comfortable around me. Is there a teacher that looks out for you more than the others? That invites you to these lunches/dinners, helps you with problems? Buddy up to them and they'll keep an eye out for ya and fill you in about their conversations.

Well this is kinda how it happened for me anyway.

Good luck!

[Ya-ta Boy]

I can suggest 3 things:

1. Manuever yourself to sit beside the most interesting one. When there is a lull in their conversation, ask that person a question and try to keep that conversation going (between the two of you). (You have equal responsibility to hold up your end of the conversation.)

2. I've not tried it with teachers, but I have with friends: Say at some point during a friendly time (not at the table), "If I run into you when you are out with your friends/co-workers, I don't expect you to start speaking English just for me. But if you invite me to dinner, then I expect you to speak English. If you don't, it is rude." No one has ever disagreed with me.

3. Limit the times you go out with large groups (over 2 people). The larger the group, the more likely it is they will lapse into Korean. The easiest (and a polite) excuse to get out of going out is to say you have 'a promise'.

[krjames]

You are lucky to have a decent bunch of teachers to work with.

I disagree that people should speak a foreign language just because there is a foreigner present. That is, you do have to take part, by asking questions. Yes, I gather that you are new and like all of us don't know much/any korean words. The Steven Revere book is a good basic intro and will help you learn a few relevant words. If you want to learn more the KLEAR Integrated Korean is probably the best possible.(Amazon.com)

The comment that a lot of English teachers will feel unconfident is valid, it is part of your job in a way to help boost their confidence in the same way as you are trying to do with your students.

Otherwise just think of yourself as being the junior staff member at a staff function, because at home that is what you would be at home. The longer I stay here the more I see how much everything is similar.

Main point, learn your Hangeul, and then try to learn a bit of the language. Everybody will appreciate any attempt made, and agian it helps build confidence. You are trying to go half way, you are part of the team.

Take care
James

[ChopChaeJoe]

I don't see a problem because, man I love Korean food, and while they'rr going on with the jibber-jabber, I'm shovelling that food in as fast as I can use the chopsticks.



Actully, I'm kidding. Pretty much no one at the school speaks English. When I dine with Korean friends, they have enough class to clue me in on the conversation.