Okay, let's talk about teaching English in China – it’s a country where sometimes staying silent feels like an Olympic sport, except you can't medal just *for* being quiet without asking why they're keeping score. Imagine posing something seemingly simple, like "What film do you enjoy watching?" and facing silence thicker than Shanghai fog; not even the rustle of paper as students pretend to take notes.
Seriously? It's baffling! You might think this is avoidance or plain old shyness, but nope – it’s culture. Deep cultural currents dictate a cautious approach. Fear isn't just a word here; it's a driving force behind that hush because getting things wrong can be deeply embarrassing, especially when "face" hangs so preciously in the air.
Think of 'face' not as an ego, but as this incredibly vital social currency where one slip-up can lose precious status points. A student who speaks up and provides the *wrong* answer is risking a dent to their dignity – it’s far better to err on the side of quiet until you’re absolutely certain (which for many, might take decades). When I ask questions in class, especially ones designed to prompt discussion or debate, my mind races like a pinball inside those heads while they wait. What am I supposed to do? Just sit there hoping someone else speaks up?
It’s more than just teaching English grammar; it's gently navigating this complex social landscape where every utterance requires careful consideration and respect for the unspoken rules governing participation in conversation, all without ever pulling out your phone or a dictionary as an escape. You're not dismantling generations with PowerPoint slides – you are respectfully coaxing them towards expression one hesitant sentence at a time!
Categories:
Teaching, English, Quiet, Without, Especially, Face, Speaks,
