I got a new oral teacher from the US this term. But I find it difficult to communicate with him.
When I asked if I could pay him a visit at weekend, he just said, "I'm sorry, I don't know my schedule for my weekend. So maybe another time."
And I've already asked the same question a couple of times; his answers are almost the same. What's wrong? Why didn't he just refuse me or arrange a time for my visit?
What's the character of a typical American?
Please give me as much advice as you can on how to communicate with an American. Thank you in advance!
2006-12-06 15:35:18 · 17 answers · asked by Lynn 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
He's just being polite. Americans aren't the brash types you see on TV - at least not all of us. He probably works quite hard during the week and wants to spend his free time on other things. As a student, you are work related as his role would be back as the "teacher" - not as himself.
Why are you trying to intrude on his personal life/free time? He isn't just an American or your teacher - he is also a person, and can spend his free time as he sees fit with whomever he wishes to hang out with.
You probably just freaked him out a bit. In America students don't try and invite themselves over to a teachers home, it is inappropriate.
I have gone out to a pub for drinks with some friends and a professor myself, but that was college. And the teacher asked us. I think you are imposing yourself and he is trying to graciously side step you without hurting your feelings.
2006-12-06 15:54:43 · answer #1 · answered by slipstreamer 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think it's really easy to communicate with Americans, these people are hardly ever rude. What I don't understand is why you want to see him at weekend. He probably doesn't understand this either, so that's why he's trying to decline the invitation in a very polite way. If you want to talk to him about school/work, well, you can do this at school. But otherwise, it's not allowed (and it's downright suspicious) to have a personal relationship with your teacher. Someone has already explained this: your teacher does not want to find himself in jail because of a relationship with a student.
Yes, when I was in college, our professors did hang out with us some time, but we never invited ourselves to their place. It's simply inappropriate.
2006-12-07 02:47:58 · answer #2 · answered by Ruxie 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm an American and I want you to know that all Americans aren't flakes. We don't have the same personalities- I'm sorry about your oral teacher. He doesn't sound like a real great guy..... but just a tip about talking to him: be direct. Give him a specific day or time, or ask him when would the best time for the two of you to meet up.
2006-12-06 23:43:54 · answer #3 · answered by HH 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I don't think it's because he's American, I reckon you need to grasp the notion that it's just not appropriate for a teacher to have contact with a student outside of the classroom. He is being perfectly polite about this. And why on Earth would you invite yourself round to his place?!!! Maybe you need to look again at your own motives.
2006-12-07 03:59:08 · answer #4 · answered by JMac 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
t the lingo barrier does get in the way, i have loads of american friends and yes at first the lingo was a problem,best way is not to get irrated over it just explain that your not understanding him and could he explain what he means,Americans are great people once you get used to there lingo and the way they think.
The other way of looking at it is is your oral teacher understanding your question,.......you really should'nt be meeting outside of school/college time so he is in the right by saying no to you.
dont think there is a 'typical' american just like i dont think there is a 'typical' brit we as them are all different,
2006-12-07 03:55:48 · answer #5 · answered by HappilyConfused 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think there is such thing as a typical American, seen as there's a continent full of them (way of speach). Everyone is different. Maybe you should try communicating with humans, not Americans or Europeans.
2006-12-06 23:39:31 · answer #6 · answered by Jazz 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Stop asking, that is a polite way for him to say 'no'. It is inappropriate for a teacher and student to have a relationship outside of the school
2006-12-06 23:39:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
He is politely telling you that he can't see you. He doesn't want to end up in the newspapers or in jail! He is your teacher, so visiting him "out of school" would be inappropriate.
2006-12-07 02:18:11 · answer #8 · answered by Martin 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The guy does not want to work weekends, Ask him to meet you at his convenience during the school hours.
2006-12-06 23:46:36 · answer #9 · answered by ascendent2 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the character of the average American is always exceptionally polite in their country and when i meet them in the UK especially
2006-12-07 03:51:29 · answer #10 · answered by srracvuee 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋