Korean Job Discussion Forums

[agoodmouse]

I've watched it from the sidelines, but never envisioned myself playing so viciously and dirty the way I do now. I play after lunch in the gym, which has the wooden insides a new Noah's ark. I have my drop shot down pat. It kills. After games, we gulp down two or three shot glasses of Coca Cola or cider soda. I get to practice my pidgin Korean on the pretty, single math teacher, too. It's nothing I can take seriously, though.

An absolute language barrier is a big problem, as the questions asked can be only but simple ones. I don't see how people date or marry people they can't speak to. My friend in northern Seoul was dating a woman and their favorite thing was playing video games. Even after seven months, the information he had on her was quite tentative/unfixed -- it was to the point that he thought she may or may not have a record deal. Very absurd, funny, but truly sad in many ways.

A while back there was a thread on here about a fellow who was going on a first date with a Korean woman who didn't speak English. He asked things, such as if a present was in order, and what would be a good place to bring a date. I was boggled. That's great, but I just can't see women who can't speak English. I know Korean to the extent of level one at SNU and a little more by way of studying on my own.

Another anecdote // A woman from London in my neighborhood has been dating a guy who can't speak any English. We went to dinner one or two times together, but he just sat there and she did the same, both being unable to communicate. They've been dating now for 8 months. It's really odd to me. They apparently get into arguments and fights. Seeing a woman cry isn't funny to me, but seeing two people, who can't speak to each other, get into an argument to the point of crying and anger is simply absurd and, dare I say, a bit humorous. I can't bring myself to date someone with whom I can neither communicate on an intermediate speech level nor get a meaningful answer regarding what they worry, or have fear, about in life.

I really wonder about what is going on in relationships where both people cannot speak to each other in hardly any meaningful sense. My friend's girlfriend at the time would make him food, but they couldn't talk about food. They were nice to each other, but I just could understand how the both of them could ignore all the cognitive dissonance (maybe it's repressed for other reasons) that is the big knot of absolute incomprehension. For me, it'd be extremely difficult to suffer it.

[ajgeddes]

ok

[mateomiguel]

Couples that stay together even if they can't speak each other's language must have some really, REALLY amazing sex. That's the only way I can see them having the willingness to keep it going. And it must be great for the guy, its even easier for him to tune out his girl when she prattles on and on.

[billybrobby]

"Language Barrier" is such a pejorative term, don't you think? I prefer to think of it as a "Language Shield" or a "Protective Language Coating". It's a positive thing. Imagine that the lady's insipid thoughts and opinions are like stinging bees and your complete inability to understand her is one of those big beekeeper hats.

(sorry to all the broads out there for the misogyny)

However, before entering such a relationship, you should read this important news story:

http://theyangpa.wordpress.com/2006/04/03/foreigner-arrested-on-verbal-pedophilia-charges/

[thematrixiam]

[jajdude]

I'd say some people are just happy to have someone in their lives for companionship and sex. The thinking may be it's better than being alone, or damn she's hot, or he seems like a good guy, or whatever works to create the interest. They can still talk to their friends, and sometimes get translation when needed.

(awaiting my stalker, chriswylson, and his stupid comment)

[I-am-me]

A dog is still a man's best friend.

[Tarkaan]

[skdragon]

[Hanson]

I can't imagine life married to a native English speaker. Probably because I married a non-native English speaker, even though her English is quite good. Even so, it's great to have a multi-lingual marriage and certainly makes life more interesting. Between my wife and I, we have 4 languages. Hopefully my daughter will speak all four!

You look at it in a very negative light, but really, languages can be learned...

[crusher_of_heads]

What about bigamy?

[blaseblasphemener]

blow jbos and fukcing are an international language.

[IncognitoHFX]

[thematrixiam]

it's really not that hard to find a korean that actually speaks engrish well.

I mean, we are here teaching them engrish. You'd think some of them would pick it up.

[Young FRANKenstein]