u/ergounum

I’m currently living in my TL country and I speak the TL quite well, but I still meet people who default to English just because they associate my skin color and appearance with people they would never associate with learning or wanting to learn their language. Sometimes, I find myself having to snap them out of it and say “Hey, I speak TL!” — and I don’t let it bother me, of course. I understand why people don’t expect me to speak their native language. If I spoke their native language horribly, then I’d feel a lot worse doing that, but given I speak at a highly functional level (B2), I figure that it’s just a normal procedure at this point.

Have you guys had any similar experience while living in your TL country? I’d love to hear some funny anecdotes :)

I'm also wondering how many unique lesson plans each week would be normal.

I'm curious to know this. The school I'm hired to work at wants me to make around 8 unique lesson plans each week and that sounds like a lot of work.

I discussed a performance-based bonus before, but it turns out that most of the offered salary will be “performance-based”.

I’m not sure if this is a red flag or not…

Doesn’t this seem like a bit much to ask? They also want me to give up my 2 year visa without sending me a contract. Does anyone know why they might do this?

Anyone know the secret?

Maybe this is trying to do too much?

I'm thinking of leaving Xi An early morning to Guangyuan. Checking out Guangyuan for a couple hours in the morning and then going to Jianmen pass for early afternoon. Then taking bus to Langzhong and doing evening in Langzhong. Then I will spend the next day in Langzhong before heading to Chengdu.

Is this a good idea?

I know borax is used a lot in processed meats for Banh Mi but I don't know where to get it.

https://preview.redd.it/lc780vdp6u4h1.png?width=1360&format=png&auto=webp&s=68acf45112e14e9143b03ea34f8af3e74a960e20

Edit 1: Looks like I already offended a few people 🗣️

I should add a trigger warning ⚠️

Edit 2: I've been called a narccisist, a dick, told to leave the country (by tây khác). Maybe it can be seen as narccistic to talk about my own success, but that's just my truth. And my way to learn is to speak and to speak, and to speak some more. Vietnamese is truly one of the hardest languages in the world, it requires complete and total focus, unfaltering consistency, and true passion.

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I feel that the hardest part about learning Vietnamese if forcing yourself to speak Vietnamese in all situations. At times I can feel like a bit of a dick because I know many Vietnamese people want to take advantage of the fact that I am a westerner to practice their English -- in the beginning this was harder.

Now that my Vietnamese is frequently much better than the English of the people who want to practice their English with me, it can sometimes become a little difficult. I have gotten in situations where I've been insulted for wanting to speak Vietnamese instead of English, but I try to look past that and continue because that's the only way.

Maybe sometimes Vietnamese people may feel that they are losing a chance to practice their English with me because I speak such good Vietnamese compared to most foreigners, but at the end of the day, it's normal to speak Vietnamese in Vietnam right? When Vietnamese people come to my country they are expected to speak only in my language and no questions are asked.

That being said, speaking only in Vietnamese is in some ways a great filter for making friends because you immediately filter out all of the people who only want to meet you to practice their English and level up their IELTS. I've managed to make some authentic connections here with people who see me for who I am, and I'm lucky in that sense.

Can anyone relate to my experience? It can be a bit tiring sometimes but I know this is the only way to keep going, even if people get upset sometimes that I only speak Vietnamese.

Hello all,

I'm planning to use my 10-day transit visa to get to know China for the first time.

My currently plan is:

Beijing -> Datong -> Pingyao -> Xian -> Langzhong -> Chengdu

I want to have a very historic and informative experience as I am going alone and am a little shy when it comes to giant tourist places. Does this sound like good way to experience China in the month of June?

Best regards,

ERGOUNUM