This week we have mostly focused on our TEFL course which has left me feeling like I'm in school again, much to my dismay. Maybe it's the heat, the new environment or the dry material but I'm finding it hard to concentrate for a full day again. Thankfully on Thursday we took a break from TEFL and started a Thai culture course. It's a requirement for all foreign teachers in Thailand, but the course isn't standardized. Our course jam packs language, art & music, culture, etiquette and customs into three busy days.
Thursday morning was devoted to language. We learned basic phrases and some words that will be helpful in the classroom as well like "sit down" "great job" and "where is your book?" Learning Thai is incredibly tedious since it almost needs to be translated twice. The Thai language uses a different and very intricate alphabet (around 50 characters) so the word needs to be read aloud by a native speaker, then the sounds need to be translated into the English alphabet, then paired with the corresponding English word. Confused? Yea, so am I. Basically, since you can't read the word in Thai for boy or dog, you have to focus on sound the word makes, so noting the rise and fall and length of time each sound is held becomes incredibly important. Studying Thai is so daunting but I'm determined to learn enough to get around confidently.
Thursday afternoon was not much of a break as we had a lesson in Thai etiquette. We started the lesson by receiving a thick packet with all of the different ways to perform a wai (pronounced why). The wai, or bow, is the traditional Thai greeting and takes a different form depending on the status of the people involved. In simple terms, the higher the hands, placed in prayer form, are in relation to the head and the lower the bow, the more respect or reverence the giver of the wai is showing. Hands placed on the forehead is reserved for the king (although they said you would most likely be on the ground in that case); hands between the eyebrows for a monk; at nose level for elders and bosses; and the chest for children. In all honestly, it's a practice I find stressful and overwhelming. I am so worried about forgetting to do it, doing it to soon, placing my hands to high or too low, not bowing enough, etc. Seriously, how am I going to remember all this? Children here learn to wai at a very young age so it comes natural to them, but I am still so intimidated
by it. Three more months to practice!
Today as part of our culture lesson we visited a local school for their Activities Day (I used to call it Field Day) celebrations, and being English teachers we were there as distinguished guests. As soon as we got into town were were rushed into the middle of the craziness. We had sashes to represent our home country thrown onto our shoulders, flowers put on our heads and were swiftly shoved into the parade. We marched on forever carrying a banner and getting our picture taken by what I'm sure was every single person in town until we finally arrived at the outdoor assembly. Since we were English teachers, we were invited to meet the school director (my first test at the wai - it could have been better) and sit in the tent with the other teachers and big shots. The speeches were long, especially so when you don't know what they are saying, but I was just thankful to be sitting down and out of the sun.
The real fun started and the children performed a few traditional Thai dances, in full costume and make up in the 90 degree heat mind you. It was impressive and beautiful. Most of the children were wearing shorts and t-shirts, ready to compete for their respective teams, but many of the girls looked like they would feel right at home on the stage of a beauty pageant or the streets of Brazilian Carnaval. They wore large headpieces; detailed costumes full of feathers and jewels; and loads of make-up. The costume and spectacle for a school activity was new to say the
least, but this is Thailand and they will find any excuse to have a
party.After all of the song and dance it was time to play. The first game up was a form of hot potato, but instead of a ball, the children pass around a bottle of talcum powder. Adding insult to injury, the one stuck holding the bottle when the music stops has to cover his or her face in a handful of the stuff. Really hilarious to see. I wish we could have stayed longer to watch more games but it was lunch time so once again we were whisked away. The whole day was a bit surreal and strange but can easily be summed up by the mantra "just go with it."
One more day each of culture training and TEFL and then I'm off to my new school. I'm sad to be leaving the comfort of the Twin House and all of my new friends but I am hoping to meet them in Bangkok for a weekend before they leave. I am looking forward to not living out of my suitcase, having a real address again and finally feeling settled. Stay tuned for a birthday post and more pictures. For now I need to go study some Thai so I can go across the street and have a beer.
Love from Thailand
-Meg
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