It's difficult to think of any situation in which one might call Americans too subtle. I've come to realize, however, that in terms of modulating our speech into respectful modes, we are. Korea, on the other hand, is too obvious. If all the bowing didn't give it away, there's constant linguistic reminders (verb endings, pronouns, extra particles, ( Read more... )

While in Oregon, I bought two nice Made-In-Oregon Myrtlewood pens to give to my vice-principal and principal. I visited the two offices with Maggie, a new coteacher who will be helping out next semester, and handed over each pen box with 2 hands and a bow. Both the principal and vice-principal smiled, and the principal, showing off his command of ( Read more... )

Out of the blue in the office this morning ( Read more... )