Today is the first day of my one and only Danish language course in 2006. It was interesting, I would say. As with most foreign language courses, there are participants from many different countries who speak different languages. There was this girl who was dressed very elegantly. Chanel jacket and high heels...wow!!! What an impression.
The general atmosphere of the class seems to be very low in energy levels. Everyone seems to be quite individualistic to a slight extent. Or perhaps it is just that I could not feel any of their vibes in learning the language?
Anyway, it was really fun for me. FIrst of all, I was so excited and amazed at the language that I kept smiling to myself. Then the teacher asked me why I was smiling and I replied that the pronunciation is so different. Perhaps she thought I was somewhere else. Throughout the entire lesson, whenever there is an opportunity, she would ask me questions and practise the sentence structures with me. WHy is this so? I wonder. Or perhaps she thought that I was laughing at the language or at her? Or perhaps her behaviour is typical of a teacher. A stern look and serious attitude.
ANd when I listen hard to make sure that I got the correct pronunciation of the teacher, I looked intensely at her. There was a direct and all-consuming connection. Did I scare her with my "stare" too? Hmmmm.....
THis incident really brought my attention to the idea of learner behviour. When children are excited and smile alot or talk a lot, is that something negative? Should teachers be happy that the students are responding or should they be concerned with the other extreme end of thought that the kids are thinking about something else? Or is this just basic human curiosity? We want to know things which has a mysterious outlook? Or is it the idea of being included? Part of our biological make up requires us to be included in groups for protection and sense of identity. When someone exhibits behaviour which appeals to the other person, the other person would want to be included. Was I sending that signal to the teacher such that she wanted to be included in my train of thoughts too?
It is interesting to think about this incident because there are just so many possibilities and this incident confirms that there was a connection made between me and my teacher.
I guess, my reactions and body langauge simply amazed the teacher because I was so happy, exhilerated, enthusiastic, earnest and fervent. Danish is afterall not a popular language as compared to maybe English or German or French. People learn Danish mainly because their spouses are Danish or they have to be stationed in Denmark for some time. Hence, motivation levels are not of a first-degree, rather, they are of a second-degree measurement. Hence, one of the conclusions could be that she has never seen such an ardent student like me!
Nevertheless, it was a good start. The pace was alright. We covered quite a fair bit during the three hours. Now it is back to my responsibility to revise and do the homework!
See ya!
Dear Lord
A simple "Thank you" for this wonderful experience!
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen!
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