Here in Brisbane a few days ago I saw a group of Asian students (most probably Chinese) and one had the familiar spikey hair do that is quite common with young people (males) in China. It was strange for us - to note that it was the males that seemed to spend more money and time on their hairstyles.
Sure many girls were adventurous with their hair - but most had long straight hair and for the most part it was pulled back into a pony tail style, or let hang down long. Quite a few had short hairstyles, and some of them looked spectacular, but it seemed to be the boys that spent more time on their hair.
Many of the young men had hair dryers, and use product to hold their hair in strange spikey or similar styles. Also it seemed that most of the guys had longer fingernails than the girls too, often having a very long "pinky" finger.
It seemed quite strange to us "foreigners" and we often were fascinated by the hair colours - spray on colour for the most part - on display. Some had tried "blonding" treatment but the result was often an orange colour. Somehow the jet black hair of Chinese people does not lighten well.
And it seems to be same for Asian youths in Australia.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Teaching English in China
I am just completing nearly 12 months teaching English at a college/university (it changed status while I was here), and I have some comments to make about the industry.
First of all, I'd not talk anyone out of doing it. It has been an amazing and challenging experience, but somewhat fraught with dangers for the unwary. Things are being done to improve the industry here, and I hope, in those countries that supply "native English speakers."
One of the biggest challenges is the difference in our cultures. I think I could write 1000 pages on this issue alone, and still not cover it adequately. Chinese culture is SO DIFFERENT to anything in the west, and even Chinese academics who have studied and lived overseas, seem to be unable to make any changes from within the Chinese education system.
Some things I have observed are:
TRANSLATIONS AND EDITING - it is quite clear to me that there is no easy way to translate Chinese to English. We have so many more words, so things are defined in a different way, and translating Chinese word to English word and having English speakers clearly understand what is meant is almost impossible. One way to change this is to not only have the translators, but also have ENGLISH EDITORS and then there might be a way to make more sense our of the communication. A simple example of this is the contracts that teachers sign with the Chinese colleges. Many are in "Chinglish" and the meaning is not always clear. We get the idea, but it is not always understandable, but we sign them and hope for the best.
COMMUNICATION - as well as the language difficulty there are challenges with communication. Some interpretation is that the Chinese people are really so suspicious of foreigners that they tell us things that they think we need to know - just before or just after we need to know. Some might say it is because they procrastinate - they do find it hard to communicate with us, so leave it until the last minute, or not at all. They certainly don't understand that many of us are keen to "immerse" ourselves into Chinese culture - to see as much as we can possibly see, and learn as much as we possibly can. When a group of teacher wanted to go to Chinese Opera they were surprised but 13 of us went and enjoyed it even though we didn't understand a word. Even in the theatre they were amazed that foreigners had come!
In China employees are at the "beck and call" of the boss, so if there is a meeting called for 4 pm tomorrow for example we are expected to all be there, with no consideration that we might have other plans.
There's very little information in English and many just expect that somehow we manage to read Chinese characters and understand them.
LIVING CONDITIONS - most colleges provide accommodation for their foreign teachers. Many of the apartments are comfortable for us - but things break down. Often. Getting things repaired quickly, or at all, is often a challenge. The Chinese teachers do not have apartments as good as ours, and they are somewhat jealous. Doesn't help for good relationships between the two groups either!
Some accommodation provided is far below expectations. So if you are planning to teach in China, get photos of apartments, and see if you can communicat with others who were living there. Ask many questions.
TEACHING CONDITIONS - again I could write a lot. The classrooms and facilties may not be as good as one has been used to. Perhaps the classrooms are dirty and seldom cleaned, perhaps there are too many students both for the size of the class room and for the teacher to manage, especially for "oral" English.
Perhaps the objectives of the course you are to teach are not given to you, or are not clear. Perhaps the dates you are given are not right (something changes nearly every day), and the detail for examinations is not given to you until too late. Resources might be non existent.
(I was given all my class information in Chinese, including student lists, and course material for English lessons.) Sometimes complaining or seeking alternatives is not easy.
And so it goes.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! As much as I have had to endure some challenges, I enjoyed the overall experience and I hope to return one day.
First of all, I'd not talk anyone out of doing it. It has been an amazing and challenging experience, but somewhat fraught with dangers for the unwary. Things are being done to improve the industry here, and I hope, in those countries that supply "native English speakers."
One of the biggest challenges is the difference in our cultures. I think I could write 1000 pages on this issue alone, and still not cover it adequately. Chinese culture is SO DIFFERENT to anything in the west, and even Chinese academics who have studied and lived overseas, seem to be unable to make any changes from within the Chinese education system.
Some things I have observed are:
TRANSLATIONS AND EDITING - it is quite clear to me that there is no easy way to translate Chinese to English. We have so many more words, so things are defined in a different way, and translating Chinese word to English word and having English speakers clearly understand what is meant is almost impossible. One way to change this is to not only have the translators, but also have ENGLISH EDITORS and then there might be a way to make more sense our of the communication. A simple example of this is the contracts that teachers sign with the Chinese colleges. Many are in "Chinglish" and the meaning is not always clear. We get the idea, but it is not always understandable, but we sign them and hope for the best.
COMMUNICATION - as well as the language difficulty there are challenges with communication. Some interpretation is that the Chinese people are really so suspicious of foreigners that they tell us things that they think we need to know - just before or just after we need to know. Some might say it is because they procrastinate - they do find it hard to communicate with us, so leave it until the last minute, or not at all. They certainly don't understand that many of us are keen to "immerse" ourselves into Chinese culture - to see as much as we can possibly see, and learn as much as we possibly can. When a group of teacher wanted to go to Chinese Opera they were surprised but 13 of us went and enjoyed it even though we didn't understand a word. Even in the theatre they were amazed that foreigners had come!
In China employees are at the "beck and call" of the boss, so if there is a meeting called for 4 pm tomorrow for example we are expected to all be there, with no consideration that we might have other plans.
There's very little information in English and many just expect that somehow we manage to read Chinese characters and understand them.
LIVING CONDITIONS - most colleges provide accommodation for their foreign teachers. Many of the apartments are comfortable for us - but things break down. Often. Getting things repaired quickly, or at all, is often a challenge. The Chinese teachers do not have apartments as good as ours, and they are somewhat jealous. Doesn't help for good relationships between the two groups either!
Some accommodation provided is far below expectations. So if you are planning to teach in China, get photos of apartments, and see if you can communicat with others who were living there. Ask many questions.
TEACHING CONDITIONS - again I could write a lot. The classrooms and facilties may not be as good as one has been used to. Perhaps the classrooms are dirty and seldom cleaned, perhaps there are too many students both for the size of the class room and for the teacher to manage, especially for "oral" English.
Perhaps the objectives of the course you are to teach are not given to you, or are not clear. Perhaps the dates you are given are not right (something changes nearly every day), and the detail for examinations is not given to you until too late. Resources might be non existent.
(I was given all my class information in Chinese, including student lists, and course material for English lessons.) Sometimes complaining or seeking alternatives is not easy.
And so it goes.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! As much as I have had to endure some challenges, I enjoyed the overall experience and I hope to return one day.
Addicted to mobile phones?
I wonder. I know people around the world use their mobile phones regularly - often. But I get the feeling that many Chinese people are addicted to their phones.
It can be overwhelming and strange. For example in the bus the phones ring constantly, and the person who answers the phone shouts loudly - which I suspect is not necessary for the caller to hear the words - but that is what happens. Though we do notice that it is not just for the phones that the Chinese shout - but they do not seem to have a quiet conversation and funnily can carry on a conversation with their friends even if one is in the front seat of the bus and the other in the back of the bus.
But, this post is about mobile phones.
I've recorded elsewhere the distraction they are in class. They are not supposed to be 'on' in class, but they usually are. I've had students interrupt an 'oral' examination to answer their phones. Strangely it is often their mother or father, so they tell me. You'd think the parents are paying money for them to be education would want, but oddly enough it is often them that ring in class time, and expect their darlings to answser.
Ban phones in class? Oh, I've tried unsuccessfully! One reason is given that many of their cell phones have their dictionary in it, and they need it to determine the meaning of words I have used.
If you go to the theatre in China, more often than not some one will be on the phone. We went to the Shanghai to see the acrobats, and there were folk on their phones - texting or speaking quietly.
I was at a conference where phones were supposed to be "in a state of libration" whatever that means, but the rest of the message indicated that phones were not to be used in the conference room, but that instruction was largely ignored by the Chinese attendees.
When the students come out of class at night, you can see their faces glowing asd they have their phones active and the light from the phones light up their faces.
We in the west hear warnings about young people and mobile phones. It the risk of damage is high, these young people are in the high risk category for the amount of time they spend listening or playing with their phones.
Much of the phone activity is games - and many Chinese young people are also "addicted" to online games with their cell phones or their computers.
Addicted? I reckon they are.
It can be overwhelming and strange. For example in the bus the phones ring constantly, and the person who answers the phone shouts loudly - which I suspect is not necessary for the caller to hear the words - but that is what happens. Though we do notice that it is not just for the phones that the Chinese shout - but they do not seem to have a quiet conversation and funnily can carry on a conversation with their friends even if one is in the front seat of the bus and the other in the back of the bus.
But, this post is about mobile phones.
I've recorded elsewhere the distraction they are in class. They are not supposed to be 'on' in class, but they usually are. I've had students interrupt an 'oral' examination to answer their phones. Strangely it is often their mother or father, so they tell me. You'd think the parents are paying money for them to be education would want, but oddly enough it is often them that ring in class time, and expect their darlings to answser.
Ban phones in class? Oh, I've tried unsuccessfully! One reason is given that many of their cell phones have their dictionary in it, and they need it to determine the meaning of words I have used.
If you go to the theatre in China, more often than not some one will be on the phone. We went to the Shanghai to see the acrobats, and there were folk on their phones - texting or speaking quietly.
I was at a conference where phones were supposed to be "in a state of libration" whatever that means, but the rest of the message indicated that phones were not to be used in the conference room, but that instruction was largely ignored by the Chinese attendees.
When the students come out of class at night, you can see their faces glowing asd they have their phones active and the light from the phones light up their faces.
We in the west hear warnings about young people and mobile phones. It the risk of damage is high, these young people are in the high risk category for the amount of time they spend listening or playing with their phones.
Much of the phone activity is games - and many Chinese young people are also "addicted" to online games with their cell phones or their computers.
Addicted? I reckon they are.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Walk on the red carpet - if you dare!
Red is a popular colour in China - it is the colour of the Chinese flag, it is the colour of the lanterns for festivals, it is a colour that brides wear because it is good luck (even if they only wear red shoes with their white bridal gown). Red is important.
Many places have red carpet at the entrance. Carpet? Well, I guess we'd probably call it felt or something. Not "real" carpet.
This red carpet is at the entrance to a museum in Shaoxing, but the photo captures some of the hazards. The "carpet" is applied and held down with wide sticky tape, which often does not do the job properly, so that walking on it one can slide somewhat. It is loose and it is easy to slip.
It is a common sight near entrances to buildings. Especially if they are new - in fact I have seen a whole street covered in this red covering.
Just take care, I suggest.
Friday, January 2, 2009
When is a "river" not a "river".
What is a river? In my understanding a river was a wide stream of water, wider than a creek. Much wider. When I Googled the definition of river among the responses was this "a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)"I'm not sure how to explain Chinese "rivers" but many I would describe as canals are actually in maps as rivers. When we stayed at Ningbo a few weeks ago, the hotel was described as being on a river. When I saw it - I saw that it was not a wide expanse of water I had expected, but what I would have called a "canal".
Are they man made or was there a natural waterway? That I do not know. When I looked at the map of Lu Xun's Native Place, I saw it surrounded by "rivers" which I found confusing. No wide expanse of water here.
These photos are of one of the rivers - which at best is 10 feet wide - not a "river" as I would know it, but here in China, that is a river.
In one photo you can see the old buildings with the "river" going through - and the other are Shaoxing boats, little wooden boats (sampan style) with black bamboo hoods that the boatmen propel with their bare feet, although in this cold maybe they put something warm on their feet!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Changing Scenery
One of the things that we westerners notice is the ever changing scenery. I don't mean the natural scenery so much although that does and I will explain that later.
Vacant blocks can almost overnight have multi storied buildings erected. OK, that's an exaggeration, but it almost feels like that. I would suggest that one of our teachers who remained in Australia this semester would feel a little disorientated if he returns to Shaoxing and expect to see the same place he left.
On campus there was a muddy hole, which now is a construction zone. Since September or October when I rode my bicycle past it, it has transformed and now a three storied building is there - and they are going higher. No doubt to 6 floors, which is what they can do here without installing elevators.
I see the skyline from the street (SPT Street) as I walk to the West Gate to catch the bus, a massive multi storied building has appeared in the distance. I watch in amazement as each couple of weeks another level has been added and the massive cranes are one or two levels higher.
Along from Westgate was an old building - which had at sometime been the showroom, and offices of "Shanghai Volkswagen" judging by the faded lettering on the facade.
Last semester we noticed some activity there - and when we returned from summer break there were small "shops" there - some selling food, several with pool tables which seem to get a good workout, several hairdressers, two fashion stores and a supermarket. Later on another hairdresser, a cake shop and mobile phone shop appeared.
About two weeks ago a lot of "flyers" appeared and we heard fireworks as another supermarket, (bigger then the others) has appeared in the big showroom area. As you can imagine the streetscape has been transformed.
Yesterday walking in the village which is adjacent to the above complex, we noticed new shops opening (old owners gone and new owners appeared), and there was a shop fitter busily working and at the end of the lane some deconstruction and reconstruction going on with a new brick wall. (Recycled bricks of course). All this and I doubt that there is any need for government approvals of any kind.
In downtown Shaoxing it is the same. New buildings rapidly get constructed, old ones completely revamped, and the ever changing retail area where one day a store is there and a couple of days later, some other business looks as if it has been operating there for ages.
The gardenscape changing? A tree dies? Not long after another one - not a small version of the deceased plant, but another one about the same size is there. Huge trees are put in new gardens in a way that is quite surprising.
Vacant blocks can almost overnight have multi storied buildings erected. OK, that's an exaggeration, but it almost feels like that. I would suggest that one of our teachers who remained in Australia this semester would feel a little disorientated if he returns to Shaoxing and expect to see the same place he left.
On campus there was a muddy hole, which now is a construction zone. Since September or October when I rode my bicycle past it, it has transformed and now a three storied building is there - and they are going higher. No doubt to 6 floors, which is what they can do here without installing elevators.
I see the skyline from the street (SPT Street) as I walk to the West Gate to catch the bus, a massive multi storied building has appeared in the distance. I watch in amazement as each couple of weeks another level has been added and the massive cranes are one or two levels higher.
Along from Westgate was an old building - which had at sometime been the showroom, and offices of "Shanghai Volkswagen" judging by the faded lettering on the facade.
Last semester we noticed some activity there - and when we returned from summer break there were small "shops" there - some selling food, several with pool tables which seem to get a good workout, several hairdressers, two fashion stores and a supermarket. Later on another hairdresser, a cake shop and mobile phone shop appeared.
About two weeks ago a lot of "flyers" appeared and we heard fireworks as another supermarket, (bigger then the others) has appeared in the big showroom area. As you can imagine the streetscape has been transformed.
Yesterday walking in the village which is adjacent to the above complex, we noticed new shops opening (old owners gone and new owners appeared), and there was a shop fitter busily working and at the end of the lane some deconstruction and reconstruction going on with a new brick wall. (Recycled bricks of course). All this and I doubt that there is any need for government approvals of any kind.
In downtown Shaoxing it is the same. New buildings rapidly get constructed, old ones completely revamped, and the ever changing retail area where one day a store is there and a couple of days later, some other business looks as if it has been operating there for ages.
The gardenscape changing? A tree dies? Not long after another one - not a small version of the deceased plant, but another one about the same size is there. Huge trees are put in new gardens in a way that is quite surprising.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
