Tales From Kate School . . .

In between classes Chanta and I were hanging out with several students in the lobby of the school. They were teaching us hand games, the chanting, sing-song, clapping games popular amongst little girls in every culture. They taught us the Korean version of slap-slap “Jingle Bells,” we taught them “Say, Say, My Playmate.” One of the Mr. Kims (we call him Little Kim, because he’s the youngest) walked into the lobby. Yun Soo, a student of both of ours (whose favorite answer to any question in class is, “I’m sleepy”) giggled hysterically. She kept saying, “orun tung” and laughing. After a moment, Chanta and I realized she was saying, “orangatang” and pointing to Little Kim. Chanta and I both put on our teacher faces. Chanta said, “Yun Soo, that’s very disrespectful. You must not call adults rude names like that.” At which point Yun Soo lowered her eyes, said, “Yes, teacher. I meant, Good Orangatang.” At which point Chanta and I both had to excuse ourselves to keep from bursting out laughing. It would have ruined the teachable moment. . . .

And from the Elementary class . . .

We were reading a selection about filling out forms. Ben, the character in our book, was applying to a sports club. Our class was discussing the various entries on the form. Name, address, birthdate, sex, marital status. I wrote the words “marital, marriage, marry” on the board to explain the meanings and to show the common roots. Ben’s marital status was “single.” I asked the class, “What is Ben’s marital status?” Ki Woon (a Korean 10/American 8 year old) who had been fidgeting all throughout class, perks up, smiles, and says, “Player. He’s a player. A multi-player.” Who put him in the elementary class. . . .

When Yes Really Does Mean No . . .

In a Korean conversation, after every statement, the listener says, “yes” to indicate he or she understands, not necessarily that he or she agrees with the speaker. This can cause great confusion in English. Witness:

Teacher: Please take out your homework. (comes to student who doesn’t have any papers out) You don’t have your homework?

Student: Yes.

Teacher: Okay, where is it?

Student: No.

Teacher: You didn’t do your homework?

Student: Yes.

Teacher: You did do your homework or you didn’t do your homework?

Student: Yes. I didn’t do my homework.

And Finally, From the Teachers’ Room . . .

Chanta received an email highlighting a word contest by the Post, whereby contestants chose any word, changed it by one or two letters, and gave it a new meaning. One she especially liked was “reintarnation” – the reincarnation in the form of a hillbilly. After she read it out loud another teacher replied, “I’ve got a better one. Koreincarnation – punishment for deeds done in a previous life whereby one returns to earth as an English teacher in Korea . . .”