Come on, you've all done it: sitting in a restaurant/cafe/office, etc, you start to find the conversation at the next table/cubicle grossly intriguing and before you know it, all your attention is focused on them and you might even have begun to stare. One of the parties involved suddenly notices, however, and glances in your direction. You struggle to look nonchalant and as if you're completely fascinated by your own book/menu/silverware, etc but really, it's a hard act to pull off.
Ok, now try pretending you're not listening/don't understand when someone is talking to you directly and making eye contact. Everyday at school, I have to put on this charade and I honestly think it's a matter of time before they find me out. I've been told that it's really important for me to not let the students know that I understand even the tiniest bit of Cantonese. I was originally told the same for others at the school, including staff, to encourage people to practice their English with me. It is SO difficult. With the other teachers, I've given up because when someone is telling jokes or making snarky comments in the staff room, it's hard not to crack a smile and I think it's ultimately better in terms of developing friendships with people. With the students, I understand how it'll undermine my own objectives in the classroom, but I'm struggling.
Example from two days ago during choral speaking activity period (more on this choral speaking business later): A grade 1 student is staring up at me, talking animatedly. Instead of engaging her in conversation, I don a confused look and pretend that I don't understand. I tell her in English that I'm the English teacher and I don't know Cantonese. Could she please say it again in English? Her eyes get really big and she turns immediately to her friend asking what I'm saying. I make exaggerated "I don't understand" shrugs. In the end, she turns completely around, they giggle, and proceed to discuss how they have no clue what I'm doing.
Aiy. My bit parts in school plays have not prepared me for this.
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1 comment:
I find that fascinating!
Just pretned it's some annoying bum in NYC trying to get a buck from you.
All you have to do is pretend like you don't speak English and they usually leave you alone.
You just have to do it in reverse now!
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