Despite my excitement about language exchange the first time. And despite my second attempt. I have spoken to 4 people and they all made me feel uncomfortable to some extent. My “uncomfortable” signs:
- My cheeks get red
- I feel people want to annoy me
- I look at a piece of paper with words: “10 seconds and expand”
“10 seconds and expand” mean if the situation makes you angry or any other negative emotion: wait 10 seconds and try to look beyond, give the benefit of the doubt, expand, be creative. .But not react emotionally.
In any situation it is important to be polite and don’t take things personal!
Robert Downie Jr. gives the benefit of the doubt at first
Look! It takes Steve Jobs just 7 seconds!
Important:
Of course, if there is direct violence toward you (physical or verbal). And the intentions of a person are clearly to hurt you, get out of this situation as soon as possible!
Why I still believe in the idea of language exchange.
Because I already experienced successful practice of the language after which people were happy and glad. It was in a Korean language school focused on conversation. They call such places a language cafe. But people don’t eat there 🙂 Just practice the language in a casual atmosphere. You can see the example of a language cafe in Seoul on Facebook (Hm, but actually it wasn’t exactly the language Exchange, but English speaking practice for Koreans)
So what was in a language cafe in Korea. And probably why it worked:
- Neutral territory (not our homes when online)
- Nice atmosphere
- Formal establishment/organization “over” us
- People who come there actually want to talk and share experiences and culture
- People pay money for the sessions at a language cafe
- Interaction in person? I assume people take the communication more “seriously” when really see each other’s eyes
- there are other people actively speaking around you – motivational
People we meet are not our friends. Not our enemies. They are our teachers. Who help us learn our life lessons.
Orange goes to America my comic story in Korean
To continue my orange story from Day 35
- 오렌지는 여가 활동을 있어요. 극장에 관심이 있어요. 일은 재미없어서 매일 너무 바빴어요. 연극에서 있고 싶어서 미국에 가고 싶어요.
- 오늘은 미국 여행 전에 미국 경기에 가야 돼요. 오렌지는 재미있는 사람이에요. 이야기하고 즐거워요. 재미있는 시간을 보냈어요. 경기를 잘 했어요.
- 미국 여행 전에 준비하고 빠바서 좋은 연극을 만들었어요. 미국에 갔고 날씨가 더워서 귀찮고 휴식을 해요. 호텔에서 경치가 정말 멋있어요. 오렌지는 미국 재미있는 장소를 보고 싶고 예쁜 사진을 찍고 싶어요.
- 오렌지는 미국 경기에 왔어요. 새로운 친구를 만나고 즐거워요. 연극 전에 나가서 갔고 같이 음식을 먹었어요. 연극 시간이에요. 저녁에는 안 더워서 날씨가 좋아요. 오렌지는 많이 산나요. 아주 좋은 연극을 만들었어요. 연극 후에 친구는 축하하고 “잘 됐어요” 이야기해요!
Translation:
Orange has a leisure activity. He is interested in theatre. Work wasn’t fun, so he was too busy every day. He wants to be in the play, he wants to go to America.
He has to go to the competition today before his trip to America. Orange is a funny guy. He talks and it’s fun. He had a great time. He did well at a competition.
He prepared before his trip to the U.S. and made a good play. He went to the U.S. and the weather was hot, so he was bothered and relaxed. The view from the hotel is really nice. Orange wants to see some interesting places in America and take pretty photos.
Orange came to the U.S. game. He enjoys meeting new friends. Went out before the play and ate food together. It’s theatrical time. It’s not hot in the evening so the weather is good. Orange is very excited. He made a very good play. After the play, his friends congratulate him and say, “Well done”!
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