Observations on the TF-LEaRN Exchange programme at Nanayang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. This one is all about interactions with people :)
1. Get used to this.
This will happen a lot. In your head. In reality of course, you'll just go rigid for a bit, blink rapidly and try to explain what a shame that movie is, and how your country, as immensely surprising as that is, is NOT a giant shit-and-mud-hole.
2. Not everyone knows about Abel Rosnovski. Yes, not even the Poles.
Just because this book was such a big part of your life, do not be disappointed if your new Polish friend has never heard of Wladek-turned-Abel. Though after you're done staring dumbly in astonishment at their ignorance, they will recommend watching The Pianist, whose main character is called Wladyslaw. Lovely movie.
3. There will be times you will not know what the hell is being spoken.
You'll recognize some words, but not the meaning, and you'll wonder if you're forgetting the English language or simply going insane. Don't worry about the la's and sia's though. Welcome to Singlish. Ask them to repeat, and try deciphering that sing-song accent.
4. Australians love Kangaroo meat.
Yeah, I nearly did a Joey in surprise. You know, where his eyeballs nearly fall off from popping out so much.?
5. If this is true, you're so screwed.
I mean, you can't survive. They live on this stuff here.
6. Nobody thinks this is funny.
The various road directives of "hump ahead" are so giggle-worthy to me. But don't try and exchange winks with anyone here; they just don't see the humour.
7. Your German teacher will be annoyed with you for thinking a girl is feminine.
Translating to "die Mädchen" in a test will drive her right up the wall. Spontaneous outbursts of "Das ist schlecht" at your results accompanied by wild hand movements to punctuate her sorrow will be embarrassingly common.
8. Sometimes Yu Jing will surprise you by blurting "Aiyo!"
I swear, I nearly died of suffocation when I heard this one. I was complaining about taking two language courses and getting completely confused, when the Oriental guy next to me exclaimed "Aiyo!" sympathetically. I couldn't breathe for two minutes, I was left laughing so hard. The professor gave me an odd look, probably pity for my obvious insanity. Cultural integration in Singapore : you gotta love it.
9. Sometimes the above influence is so strong, you will surprise everyone by opening your mouth.
"But you don't have an Indian accent!" will be said to you all the time. Um, which one again?
10. The half-Indonesian girl in Spanish class will exclaim, "Oh, what long eyelashes you have!"
Hm. The better to bat at you with.
1. Get used to this.
This will happen a lot. In your head. In reality of course, you'll just go rigid for a bit, blink rapidly and try to explain what a shame that movie is, and how your country, as immensely surprising as that is, is NOT a giant shit-and-mud-hole.
2. Not everyone knows about Abel Rosnovski. Yes, not even the Poles.
Just because this book was such a big part of your life, do not be disappointed if your new Polish friend has never heard of Wladek-turned-Abel. Though after you're done staring dumbly in astonishment at their ignorance, they will recommend watching The Pianist, whose main character is called Wladyslaw. Lovely movie.
3. There will be times you will not know what the hell is being spoken.
You'll recognize some words, but not the meaning, and you'll wonder if you're forgetting the English language or simply going insane. Don't worry about the la's and sia's though. Welcome to Singlish. Ask them to repeat, and try deciphering that sing-song accent.
4. Australians love Kangaroo meat.
Yeah, I nearly did a Joey in surprise. You know, where his eyeballs nearly fall off from popping out so much.?
5. If this is true, you're so screwed.
I mean, you can't survive. They live on this stuff here.
6. Nobody thinks this is funny.
The various road directives of "hump ahead" are so giggle-worthy to me. But don't try and exchange winks with anyone here; they just don't see the humour.
7. Your German teacher will be annoyed with you for thinking a girl is feminine.
Translating to "die Mädchen" in a test will drive her right up the wall. Spontaneous outbursts of "Das ist schlecht" at your results accompanied by wild hand movements to punctuate her sorrow will be embarrassingly common.
I swear, I nearly died of suffocation when I heard this one. I was complaining about taking two language courses and getting completely confused, when the Oriental guy next to me exclaimed "Aiyo!" sympathetically. I couldn't breathe for two minutes, I was left laughing so hard. The professor gave me an odd look, probably pity for my obvious insanity. Cultural integration in Singapore : you gotta love it.
9. Sometimes the above influence is so strong, you will surprise everyone by opening your mouth.
"But you don't have an Indian accent!" will be said to you all the time. Um, which one again?
10. The half-Indonesian girl in Spanish class will exclaim, "Oh, what long eyelashes you have!"
Hm. The better to bat at you with.
