Ever So Sorry

      So here's where I apologize profusely for the lengthy duration since my last entry. The past two weeks have been insanely busy due to this academic term's conclusion. What has this meant for me? Well, I've had to create the final English exam for my M 1 and M 6 level students, administer the exam to 1,250 of them, grade all 1,250 of the exams, input every scores for every student for the entire term into a computer program (which is in the Thai language, so it's basically impossible to navigate), get informed that there was an issue with the program so I'd have to redo the entire process, and create a pre and post analysis of each students' grades to see how they've improved (or more realistically, simply plateaued).

Why it was decided that the school should undergo renovations during final exams, I'll never know.
Does anyone know what the OSHA regulations are for bamboo scaffolding?

I've been dealing with jack-hammering outside of my classroom all week.  Also, are there OSHA regulations for
welding the beam that you're sitting on while wearing flip-flops and no protective gear?

My M 1 students are clearly taking their final exams seriously...

Because my M 6 students are setting such a good example.

      All of this coincides with the cessation of my contract; I only have one week left here in Sakon Nakhon! What's next for me? Honestly, I haven't had a single free moment to ponder that. I suppose I should make that a priority though, right? Feel free to offer suggestions in the comments below.

     As for my apologizes, please accept a brief glimpse of my sketchbook since I haven't had the time to write more frequently. I promise things will return to normal soon.

Brain juice

Thai inspired

For my Thai barber

Dana

Happy Chinese New Years!

      We've just concluded the finale of the three day Chinese New Year festivities and what an interesting time it's been! Based upon the lunar calendar, this is undoubtedly the most celebrated holiday in China and it's also quite popular with Chinese descendants in alternate locations. And due to this calendar's usage in such countries as Korea and Vietnam, these countries – as well as those who derive from these bloodlines – are invited to celebrate as well (flashback to Seollal in Busan, South Korea).

      The Chinese Lunar New Year begins at the new moon which falls between the 21st of January to the 20th of February on the Gregorian calendar. According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the Winter Solstice must occur during the 11th month which means that the New Year typically takes place on the second new moon after the Winter Solstice.

      As for the origin of the holiday itself and the customs associated with it, legend seem to tell us best. According to lore, the conception of the Chinese New Year started with a creature from mythology called the Nian. The Nian would eat villagers (especially children) during the harsh Winter months when the harvests were scarce. To protect themselves, the villagers would put food at their doors upon the first sign of a bountiful harvest believing that after the Nian ate the food offered in sacrifice, it wouldn't attack any more people. This moment in Winter became the starting point and what we know as the lunar calendar was born.

A Taoist Shrine

      What happened to the Nian, you ask? Well, an ancient Taoist monk named Hongjun Laozu, who resided in the village, decided to get revenge after being visited by a god who told him that the Nian was afraid of the color red and loud explosions. When the first harvest of the season (the New Year) was about to take place, the villagers wore wear red clothing along with hanging red lanterns and scrolls from their windows and doors. The villagers also used firecrackers to frighten away the Nian which never came to the village again. The Nian was even captured by Hongjun Laozu and has since been depicted as being mounted by the monk.

Hongjun Laozu and the Nian

An Obscenely Large Amount of Pad Thai

"Could Do" Versus "Should Do"

      As you may already know, Japan is the "Land of the Rising Sun".  During my time in South Korea, I discovered that I was in the "Land of the Morning Calm".  Now that I reside in Thailand, I've learned that this is the "Land of Smiles".  And while that would appear to be so, it is seemingly only true on the surface.  Although I'm met with a smile from the majority of Thais, I can't forget that there is a strict hierarchy at work here.  The Thai desire to "save face" – or have everything be as non-confrontational and uninsulting as possible – is paramount to each and every one of them.  If you were to question or correct someone, you'd certainly be humiliating them.   They'd flash that all-too-famous Thai smile while likely burning the bridge between you two.

      Being conscious of this behavior causes me to constantly be aware of what I say or what my actions are.  Ideally, I'll always err on the side of caution as not to offend.  Besides, it's a great lesson in cultural difference if nothing else.  There are certain moments, however, when one may be faced with displaying cultural respect or speaking up against an injustice or disservice.  This has been my struggle today.

      The students at my school not only have native English speakers (like myself) as teachers but Thais who instruct them in English as well.  It may seem like an odd concept at first but there's decent reasoning behind it.  I can not deliver the proper explanation to why certain English grammar rules exist or work the way they do to students in their native tongue.  This allows for much more fluent comprehension (IF done correctly).  However, the obvious drawback here is that the Thai teachers' lessons are bound by their own grasp of the English language.  Most leave a great deal to be desired.  This can and does lead to mistakes being made by the Thais.

      While in my office, I was approached by two of my students who wanted to know if an English assignment that I assisted them with had any incorrect answers.  Upon first glance, there were a few questions that I would have answered in a different manner and I explained why.  The students nodded in agreement and walked away.  Shortly thereafter, eight more students entered my office.  Same assignment, same questions marked incorrectly.  I offered an identical explanation and asked why this was coming up now, knowing that this assignment was completed a month ago.  I was informed that the questions were being graded by their Thai teacher, which suddenly brought to light that she was doing so incorrectly.  If this teacher is misguiding all of my students, it's likely the same for the entire Matthayom 6 grade level.  That's almost 1,000 students misinformed.

      No worries though.  I'll approach the Thai teacher and inform her of the correct reasoning behind these grammar examples.  Thankfully I said this aloud.  I was met with all eight students jumping into a frenzy!  "Teacher, no!  Please!  You can't!"  The students assumed that the Thai teacher would know that it was they who questioned her – an absolutely audacious thing to do.  The hierarchy system would utterly be thrown askew.  And they're not wrong.

      So now here I sit...knowing fully well that these students are being led down the wrong path.  If I respect the cultural norms, my hands are tied.  I can't correct a Thai teacher, I just...couldn't...could I?  Should I??