The Korean Government Gains an Entry Into the 영어선생 Hall of Shame
The Korean Government has handled educational policy very poorly for a very long time. That said, it is a very complex problem. On one hand, the fact is that learning English is important. This fact is unlikely to change anytime soon. The Seoul Gyopo Guide has stated it on a number of occasions. On the other hand, Korea is trying to promote a society which promotes social mobility in which the economically challenged still have the opportunity to pursue their dreams. It has done so clumsily, and yet another example has exhibited itself.
Korea to Ban "English Kindergartens."
Today, this story appeared in the Korea Herald. These are selected excerpts from the article.
“According to the law, English is excluded from regular kindergarten curriculum. Some hagwon operators have been providing English programs in the form of regular nursery education, misleading the parents and their children,” a ministry official said.
The bill aims to crack down on hagwon that pretend that they are also licensed kindergartens.
“Since (some kindergartens) are registered as private institutes rather than regular kindergartens, they are not subjected to government regulations on fees,” he said.
The qualification of the facilities was also brought into question. Recently, a mass food poisoning took place in an “English pre-school” in affluent southern Seoul. Investigators said the operators had served outdated foods and admitted that tight hygiene regulations were not applied to hagwon.
This is a Public Policy Issue, Not A Legal Issue
This law is to try to ban English kindergartens in order to prevent the children of the wealthy from getting a head start. Anything else is a ruse. Read the reasons in the article, where the government officials point out that there are problems with hagwons that are representing themselves as kindergartens. The article continues to mention that there may be health issues at some of these "English Kindergartens."
If any of that were true, the correct remedy would be better enforcement of the existing law, not a new law that bans "English Kindergartens." If hygiene were the problem, and parents were upset, then the parents have the right to address the matter with the hagwon directly. There is a Korean term for this which is "치마바람" which is literally the "skirt's wind," but in reality means that mothers will try to get an edge for the well-being of their children. In other words, the consumers (mothers) could, and would, effectively punish that individual hagwon if there were really a problem. If there were such a thing as consumers' rights in Korea, then this would be effective, and that particular English Kindergarten would be effectively put out of business.
Either the government is acknowledging that its existing laws are poor and inadequately enforced, or there is something else at the heart of the matter. The Seoul Gyopo Guide believes that it is the latter: the Korean Government is trying to change its public policy under the guise of accusing hagwons of doing things that were originally illegal.
Conclusions
This article is far too short. The Korean Government is having difficulty in trying to level the playing field among the economically privileged and economically challenged. Its measures to date have been a total failure due to poor planning and poorer execution. It is another example of two central themes of the Seoul Gyopo Guide.
From previous posts, the Seoul Gyopo Guide has pointed out the following:
It is the notion that the law is subject to change on the whim of parliament due to market pressure or political opinion that is the problem. Secondly, Korea has deserved its place among a very few privileged nations, but its social and legal structure must match its fully-developed economy.
There are other problems that this law creates, such as the fact that investors, once again, cannot invest in business in Korea with any confidence, because the law changes at the whim of the government that is in power at that point in time. This is very similar to the bond investors' case, and the KEB debacle. The law changed on investors after the investment had already been established. In this respect, Korea compares very unfavorably to Japan (that is a quite an admission from The Lost Seoul indeed). In any case, the Korean Government, somewhat unsurprisingly, has earned its place in the 영어선생 Hall of Shame.
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Showing posts with label 영어선생 Hall of Shame. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 영어선생 Hall of Shame. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
영어 선생 Hall of Shame Entry #7: 110 Korean Children Expelled From The Philippines
110 Korean Children Expelled From The Philippines While Learning English
Today, this news story came out of the Philippines. The Korean students have been expelled out of the country, and the organizers have been jailed inside the Philippines. As I would like to say, you can't make this stuff up. There is a list of people that deserve a place in the 영어 선생 Hall of Shame.
What were the parents thinking?
The idea of going abroad for a short period of time to learn English is not new. There are all sorts of camps, etc set up in English-speaking countries for just this reason. There is the concept of "homestudy" where a student stays with a family in another country, and enters the local public or private school. Many mothers bring their children to temporarily live outside Korea to enroll their children in a school of an English-speaking country. How many of those students do this without the proper visa authorization is unknown. However, the risk taken is not small. Are the children, aged 10-16, supposed to know these rules? Absolutely not: it was the parents' responsibility.
Coordinators Have Definitely Done Their Share
Let's call these people the Coordinators. Their role here is to organize and liase with both the parents and the educators (teachers/school or facilities) in order to provide the English learning school. These people really have no excuse whatsoever. There are two possibilities. Either they were inexperienced and did not understand or plan for the risks associated with not have the proper visas for the students. Or, they were experienced and chose to overlook these rules. Whichever one it is, the Coordinators also have a great deal of responsibility and deserve a place in the 영어 선생 Hall of Shame.
The Educators Are Also to Blame
The Seoul Gyopo Guide suggests that the blame largely rests on the parents of the students. Nevertheless, the educators could have also established the institution as a vacation, or a camp, assuming that the students were not there on a permanent basis (i.e. longer than the 90 day visitation allowance). The facts in the newspaper are not clear on this matter, so it is difficult to tell. However, there are plenty of other students in foreign countries that have not been deported. Whether or not this is simply due to insufficient enforcement of the law is unknown. In any case, the educators should have known that there was a risk, and before accepting the students, that proof of a visa should have been verified. At universities in the U.S., for example, this is an absolute requirement.
Conclusion
Who is to blame in this case is unclear. It is irrelevant. Parents, Coordinators and the educators richly deserve a place in the 영어 선생 Hall of Shame. One thing is absolutely clear, however. The students, 10-16 years old, are undoubtedly the victims.
Today, this news story came out of the Philippines. The Korean students have been expelled out of the country, and the organizers have been jailed inside the Philippines. As I would like to say, you can't make this stuff up. There is a list of people that deserve a place in the 영어 선생 Hall of Shame.
What were the parents thinking?
The idea of going abroad for a short period of time to learn English is not new. There are all sorts of camps, etc set up in English-speaking countries for just this reason. There is the concept of "homestudy" where a student stays with a family in another country, and enters the local public or private school. Many mothers bring their children to temporarily live outside Korea to enroll their children in a school of an English-speaking country. How many of those students do this without the proper visa authorization is unknown. However, the risk taken is not small. Are the children, aged 10-16, supposed to know these rules? Absolutely not: it was the parents' responsibility.
Coordinators Have Definitely Done Their Share
Let's call these people the Coordinators. Their role here is to organize and liase with both the parents and the educators (teachers/school or facilities) in order to provide the English learning school. These people really have no excuse whatsoever. There are two possibilities. Either they were inexperienced and did not understand or plan for the risks associated with not have the proper visas for the students. Or, they were experienced and chose to overlook these rules. Whichever one it is, the Coordinators also have a great deal of responsibility and deserve a place in the 영어 선생 Hall of Shame.
The Educators Are Also to Blame
The Seoul Gyopo Guide suggests that the blame largely rests on the parents of the students. Nevertheless, the educators could have also established the institution as a vacation, or a camp, assuming that the students were not there on a permanent basis (i.e. longer than the 90 day visitation allowance). The facts in the newspaper are not clear on this matter, so it is difficult to tell. However, there are plenty of other students in foreign countries that have not been deported. Whether or not this is simply due to insufficient enforcement of the law is unknown. In any case, the educators should have known that there was a risk, and before accepting the students, that proof of a visa should have been verified. At universities in the U.S., for example, this is an absolute requirement.
Conclusion
Who is to blame in this case is unclear. It is irrelevant. Parents, Coordinators and the educators richly deserve a place in the 영어 선생 Hall of Shame. One thing is absolutely clear, however. The students, 10-16 years old, are undoubtedly the victims.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
영어 선생 Hall of Shame Entry #6: The Chosun Ilbo (English edition). No One is Immune from the 영어 선생 Hall of Shame
The Chosun Ilbo Has Nothing More Interesting to Report?
I have no idea why this article was posted. Let's try to speculate.
1. The Chosun Ilbo wanted to brighten the mood of all those in Korea that don't like studying English, and give those people some justifiable reasons for not studying. "Look mom, English is doomed, so I'm going to practice for the Star Craft (video game) tournament." Does that work?
2. The Chosun Ilbo wants to decrease the stress level of the population resulting from learning English. OK, maybe this is why. There is no doubt that the stress level of Korean life in general is highly stressful for a number of reasons. I'm not sure that this article alleviates that, but let's give the newspaper the benefit of the doubt.
This Article Does More Harm Than Good
1. Even if it were true, Koreans in Korea need to learn English. Even if the article was true, there is no mention regarding how long it will take for English to fade into oblivion. The Seoul Gyopo Guide will take all bets from those that think that we will live to see that day.
2. It distracts Korean people from reality: Korea is too geographically small, and the population is too well-educated to support a completely self-absorbed economy and society. So, unless South Korea plans to annex huge amounts of land from other countries filled with people and natural resources, Koreans will need to interface with people from other nations, who communicate in English. The Seoul Gyopo Guide still believes that learning Japanese is largely a waste of time. If you want to claim that studying Mandarin is a more useful endeavor, then the Seoul Gyopo Guide would agree with that. However, the amount of effort necessary may be overwhelming. Another factor to consider is that Chinese are learning English as well, so the Chinese have two languages: Mandarin and English. One thought is that Koreans may try to "level the playing field" by making English the language of business transactions with the Chinese.
Now, Koreans are used to the idea that there is considerable manipulation of the press. However, it might be better to suggest that Koreans change their study habits when studying English, as suggested here. That would potentially reduce the almost-unbelievable amount of resources currently being used.
Sadly, this article is on the list of the Most Read articles if you visit the website right now. In any case, given the harm this article does for those who don't want to study English in the first, place, The Chosun Ilbo wins a place in the 영어 선생 Hall of Shame.
I have no idea why this article was posted. Let's try to speculate.
1. The Chosun Ilbo wanted to brighten the mood of all those in Korea that don't like studying English, and give those people some justifiable reasons for not studying. "Look mom, English is doomed, so I'm going to practice for the Star Craft (video game) tournament." Does that work?
2. The Chosun Ilbo wants to decrease the stress level of the population resulting from learning English. OK, maybe this is why. There is no doubt that the stress level of Korean life in general is highly stressful for a number of reasons. I'm not sure that this article alleviates that, but let's give the newspaper the benefit of the doubt.
This Article Does More Harm Than Good
1. Even if it were true, Koreans in Korea need to learn English. Even if the article was true, there is no mention regarding how long it will take for English to fade into oblivion. The Seoul Gyopo Guide will take all bets from those that think that we will live to see that day.
2. It distracts Korean people from reality: Korea is too geographically small, and the population is too well-educated to support a completely self-absorbed economy and society. So, unless South Korea plans to annex huge amounts of land from other countries filled with people and natural resources, Koreans will need to interface with people from other nations, who communicate in English. The Seoul Gyopo Guide still believes that learning Japanese is largely a waste of time. If you want to claim that studying Mandarin is a more useful endeavor, then the Seoul Gyopo Guide would agree with that. However, the amount of effort necessary may be overwhelming. Another factor to consider is that Chinese are learning English as well, so the Chinese have two languages: Mandarin and English. One thought is that Koreans may try to "level the playing field" by making English the language of business transactions with the Chinese.
Now, Koreans are used to the idea that there is considerable manipulation of the press. However, it might be better to suggest that Koreans change their study habits when studying English, as suggested here. That would potentially reduce the almost-unbelievable amount of resources currently being used.
Sadly, this article is on the list of the Most Read articles if you visit the website right now. In any case, given the harm this article does for those who don't want to study English in the first, place, The Chosun Ilbo wins a place in the 영어 선생 Hall of Shame.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
영어 선생 Hall of Shame Entry #5: Exercises Are Useless Without Explanations
This morning, this link appeared on Twitter. Now, there is nothing wrong with practice. However, one reason that studying English in Korea is inefficient is that there endless repetition without reason. Here is yet another example.
It may be the case that the author is completely fluent and completely qualified to teach English. Nevertheless, the last thing that Korean students need are drills, drills and more drills without explanation. Koreans have been taught in this way for too long, and it has resulted in the waste of precious time.
The internet, of course, can be a powerful learning tool. The Lost Seoul has questioned whether or not Twitter is helpful in learning English. There is no doubt that the internet should be an invaluable resource for learning English. However, this exercise isn't, until there are reasons given addressing why the original sentences are wrong.
It may be the case that the author is completely fluent and completely qualified to teach English. Nevertheless, the last thing that Korean students need are drills, drills and more drills without explanation. Koreans have been taught in this way for too long, and it has resulted in the waste of precious time.
The internet, of course, can be a powerful learning tool. The Lost Seoul has questioned whether or not Twitter is helpful in learning English. There is no doubt that the internet should be an invaluable resource for learning English. However, this exercise isn't, until there are reasons given addressing why the original sentences are wrong.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
영어 선생 Hall of Shame Entry #4: "It's not a slang but shortened used for chatting." Wrong.
영어 선생 Hall of Shame Entry #4: "It's not a slang but shortened used for chatting." Wrong.
Yesterday, a person on twitter.com asked the question, "What's lotta?"
The Lost Seoul's answer: "lotta = lots of. it is slang"
The recipient of the 영어 선생 Hall of Shame Entry #4 responded:
"It's not a slang but shortened used for chatting."
This response is wrong for two reasons.
First, it is grammatically incorrect in two ways.
(x) It's not a slang but shortened used for chatting."
(o) It's not slang but shortened to be used for chatting."
There were plenty of characters left, so there can be no excuse.
Second, the response is factually incorrect.
For example, a simple look at the Macmillan Dictionary has the definition of "lotta" as
"a way of writing ‘lot of’ that shows how it sounds in informal conversation
Yesterday, a person on twitter.com asked the question, "What's lotta?"
The Lost Seoul's answer: "lotta = lots of. it is slang"
The recipient of the 영어 선생 Hall of Shame Entry #4 responded:
"It's not a slang but shortened used for chatting."
This response is wrong for two reasons.
First, it is grammatically incorrect in two ways.
(x) It's not a slang but shortened used for chatting."
(o) It's not slang but shortened to be used for chatting."
There were plenty of characters left, so there can be no excuse.
Second, the response is factually incorrect.
For example, a simple look at the Macmillan Dictionary has the definition of "lotta" as
"a way of writing ‘lot of’ that shows how it sounds in informal conversation
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of lottaIn addition, if you look at "lotta love" on http://www.google.com/, you will find not one, not two, but multiple songs that use the phrase "lotta love." If it were the case that "lotta" was for the internet only, then how did the term make it into those songs, two of which existed before the internet did?
Once again, user #Fr33S0uL on http://www.twitter.com/, you are the recipient of a place on the 영어 선생 Hall of Shame.
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks."The Lost Seoul
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks."The Lost Seoul
Sunday, October 31, 2010
영어 Hall of Shame Entry #3: LG English Speaking Twitter - LG 영어 대화/연습 트위터 모임 is a disservice
영어 Hall of Shame Entry #3: LG English Speaking Twitter - LG 영어 대화/연습 트위터 is a disservice
I don't know whether to laugh or cry. I'll try to do neither, and I will just be embarrassed that these type of people still exist in Korea. Here are his details, and they can be found here. I could (and should) create an entirely new blog on the number of reasons that I entirely disagree with this person's attitude.
Here is an actual sentence from the description of the group:
혹시 Native 수준의 직원분들 자랑하러는 오시지 말세욤~.
This person, I believe, is serious. Here are some of the perspectives from which I totally disagree.
1. Tell me Mr. Jeong, how is it exactly that you or the people will improve if you do not learn from experts? Let's say that I wanted to learn Korean, should I learn from an Englishman who studied for a couple of years at 연대? I strongly doubt that you can answer "yes" to that question.
2. 눈치때문입니까? 웃긴 것 치지마세요. What good would it do to show off to total strangers who will have no effect on my future, earnings, or anything else? Instead, you are worried about a native speaker showing off? In exchange, you will accept non-perfect English language advice. It is ludicrous that this attitude exists and it I do not believe (because I have seen it) that Mr Jeong's attitude is his alone. 눈치 itself limits the progress of Korea. It certainly has no place in learning a foreign language. 저의 눈을 볼 수 없자나요. 그래두 이렇게 생각하세요? Unbelievable.
3. If you really want to learn English, here is my sincere advice. Leave your ego at the door (means "Forget about your ego"), and ask me any questions that you may have, at any level. I have exchanged advice and received grateful messages when I have done so. I appreciated the kind messages I have received. There is no such thing as 눈치 on the internet because we do not know each other.
I must protest, and will continue to do so when I have seen something this blatantly disserving all Koreans. Mr. Jeong, twitter id FR33SOul, you are the recipient of a place in the 영어 선생 Hall of Shame.
The Lost Seoul
I don't know whether to laugh or cry. I'll try to do neither, and I will just be embarrassed that these type of people still exist in Korea. Here are his details, and they can be found here. I could (and should) create an entirely new blog on the number of reasons that I entirely disagree with this person's attitude.
Here is an actual sentence from the description of the group:
혹시 Native 수준의 직원분들 자랑하러는 오시지 말세욤~.
This person, I believe, is serious. Here are some of the perspectives from which I totally disagree.
1. Tell me Mr. Jeong, how is it exactly that you or the people will improve if you do not learn from experts? Let's say that I wanted to learn Korean, should I learn from an Englishman who studied for a couple of years at 연대? I strongly doubt that you can answer "yes" to that question.
2. 눈치때문입니까? 웃긴 것 치지마세요. What good would it do to show off to total strangers who will have no effect on my future, earnings, or anything else? Instead, you are worried about a native speaker showing off? In exchange, you will accept non-perfect English language advice. It is ludicrous that this attitude exists and it I do not believe (because I have seen it) that Mr Jeong's attitude is his alone. 눈치 itself limits the progress of Korea. It certainly has no place in learning a foreign language. 저의 눈을 볼 수 없자나요. 그래두 이렇게 생각하세요? Unbelievable.
3. If you really want to learn English, here is my sincere advice. Leave your ego at the door (means "Forget about your ego"), and ask me any questions that you may have, at any level. I have exchanged advice and received grateful messages when I have done so. I appreciated the kind messages I have received. There is no such thing as 눈치 on the internet because we do not know each other.
I must protest, and will continue to do so when I have seen something this blatantly disserving all Koreans. Mr. Jeong, twitter id FR33SOul, you are the recipient of a place in the 영어 선생 Hall of Shame.
The Lost Seoul
Saturday, October 30, 2010
영어 Hall of Shame Entry #2: "Same here" is not a useful expression. "As well" is much better
영어 Hall of Shame Entry #2: "Same here" is not a useful expression.
Today, I saw the following on the internet.
Expression of the Day
오늘 배울 표현은 ‘Same here’입니다. ‘Me, too’와 유사한 표현으로 사용하시면 됩니다. 또한 흔히 사용하는 표현으로 ‘Same to you’도 함께 알아 둡시다. 이 표현은 ‘You, too’와 유사하게 사용됩니다. 예를 들어, ‘Have a good day’라고 상대가 말하면,‘Same to you’라고 대답하면 됩니다
Well, at least it isn't totally wrong.
However, the term "same here" isn't quite appropriate.
I would have written this entry as:
Speaker 1. I am having a bad day.
Speaker 2. (x) Same here.
Speaker 2. (o) I am having a bad day as well.
Speaker 2. (o) I am as well.
The pattern would be:
Speaker 2. "Repeat what speaker 1 said" and add "as well."
Speaker 1. I hope that we can meet again.
Speaker 2. I hope that we can meet again as well.
It is simple, correct, and shows Speaker 1 that you have paid attention to what has been said, so it would be considered to be a polite, appropriate response. You could have used "as well" in each of the cases in the first paragraph, instead of "me, too," "same to you," and "same here." None of those is technically wrong, but they are too casual in a business setting. In addition, there are 3 phrases that you need to learn, whereas The Lost Seoul thinks that all you need is 1 phrase.
Again, The Lost Seoul wants native Korean speakers to speak correctly in language that is commonly used. In addition, The Lost Seoul wants native Korean speakers to not use unnecessary time and effort.
Once again, http://www.ciobiz.co.kr/ has earned a place in the 영어 선생 Hall of Shame.
http://www.seoulgyopoguide.com/
www.twitter.com/thelostseoul
Today, I saw the following on the internet.
Expression of the Day
오늘 배울 표현은 ‘Same here’입니다. ‘Me, too’와 유사한 표현으로 사용하시면 됩니다. 또한 흔히 사용하는 표현으로 ‘Same to you’도 함께 알아 둡시다. 이 표현은 ‘You, too’와 유사하게 사용됩니다. 예를 들어, ‘Have a good day’라고 상대가 말하면,‘Same to you’라고 대답하면 됩니다
Well, at least it isn't totally wrong.
However, the term "same here" isn't quite appropriate.
I would have written this entry as:
Speaker 1. I am having a bad day.
Speaker 2. (x) Same here.
Speaker 2. (o) I am having a bad day as well.
Speaker 2. (o) I am as well.
The pattern would be:
Speaker 2. "Repeat what speaker 1 said" and add "as well."
Speaker 1. I hope that we can meet again.
Speaker 2. I hope that we can meet again as well.
It is simple, correct, and shows Speaker 1 that you have paid attention to what has been said, so it would be considered to be a polite, appropriate response. You could have used "as well" in each of the cases in the first paragraph, instead of "me, too," "same to you," and "same here." None of those is technically wrong, but they are too casual in a business setting. In addition, there are 3 phrases that you need to learn, whereas The Lost Seoul thinks that all you need is 1 phrase.
Again, The Lost Seoul wants native Korean speakers to speak correctly in language that is commonly used. In addition, The Lost Seoul wants native Korean speakers to not use unnecessary time and effort.
Once again, http://www.ciobiz.co.kr/ has earned a place in the 영어 선생 Hall of Shame.
http://www.seoulgyopoguide.com/
www.twitter.com/thelostseoul
영어 선생 Hall of Shame Entry #1: "chitchat" is barely used, and definitely NOT in a business setting.
영어 선생 Hall of Shame: "chitchat" is barely used, and definitely NOT in a business setting.
I saw a post of this sample dialogue on the Internet here.
There are two things about this dialogue that I believe are inappropriate in a business setting.
The word "chitchat" is almost never used, even in casual English among friends.
(x) I hope I will have an opportunity to chitchat with you all later.
(o) I hope that I will have the opportunity to meet with you all.
(o) I hope that I will have the opportunity to personally speak with you all later.
The Lost Seoul has made some recommendations on native Koreans can improve their English. The list can be found here. One of the key points is that there should not be a focus on vocabulary. You have already been overwhelmed with word lists, vocabulary books, etc. Most are NOT USED. In Korean, the language changes, the phrases and uses change, and at a far faster pace than in English. There is no need for useless phrases, such as "chitchat."
http://www.ciobiz.co.kr/, you are the winner of a position in the 영오 선생 Hall of Shame.
http://www.seoulgyopoguide.com/
www.twitter.com/thelostseoul
I saw a post of this sample dialogue on the Internet here.
There are two things about this dialogue that I believe are inappropriate in a business setting.
The word "chitchat" is almost never used, even in casual English among friends.
(x) I hope I will have an opportunity to chitchat with you all later.
(o) I hope that I will have the opportunity to meet with you all.
(o) I hope that I will have the opportunity to personally speak with you all later.
The Lost Seoul has made some recommendations on native Koreans can improve their English. The list can be found here. One of the key points is that there should not be a focus on vocabulary. You have already been overwhelmed with word lists, vocabulary books, etc. Most are NOT USED. In Korean, the language changes, the phrases and uses change, and at a far faster pace than in English. There is no need for useless phrases, such as "chitchat."
http://www.ciobiz.co.kr/, you are the winner of a position in the 영오 선생 Hall of Shame.
http://www.seoulgyopoguide.com/
www.twitter.com/thelostseoul
Friday, October 29, 2010
영어 선생 "Hall of Shame": Exposing the English "Experts" Who Are Not Experts
What is the "영어 선생 Hall of Shame?"
The Lost Seoul will point out tweets, websites, books, and any other materials that are attempting to teach English incorrectly. If there are errors in grammar in an English lesson or message, then the teacher (or author) will be exposed on the 영어 선생 "Wall of Shame."
Why is the "영어 선생 Hall of Shame" Necessary?
As you probably know, Korea is full of very studious people. However, it is also a society that follows fads and trends too easily. In many cases, a teacher may not be strictly qualified to teach. That is very heartbreaking to The Lost Seoul because Koreans' hard-earned money and studious attitude are being wasted. The objective of the "영어 선생 Hall of Shame" is to improve the quality of English language education in Korea, and to help Koreans that are sincerely trying to learn English correctly.
It is even more annoying when the "experts" are native Koreans.
You can read The Lost Seoul's opinion about Business English hagwons here. I can actually understand when 외국인 come to Korea in order to find employment after graduating from university. These young people are just trying to make a living, and the fact that they may or may not have been stellar students in the past is absolutely undertandable. HOWEVER, native Koreans try to market their expertise as a "native speaker," when they are frequently not. To those of you that fit this description, beware of being nominated to the "영어 선생 Hall of Shame." The Lost Seoul thinks that you are a waste of time and money, and that you contribute to the reluctance of Koreans to overcome their fears.
There is one more reason for the "영어 선생 Hall of Shame" Koreans need to stand up for their rights.
As I have stated in the past elsewhere, Korean do not question authority very aggressively. However, there are ways to do so peacefully. When there is incompetence found, then consumers must demand change. Only by insisting on the highest quality will the best teachers be provided. For example, a new HDTV in Korea will not sell at all if the features are not excellent, and the picture is not clear. However, Koreans accept poor English teaching and accept it when teachers make errors. Perhaps it is that you do not know when these errors even occur. Revealing those errors is the purpose of the "영어 선생 Hall of Shame."
This should be fun. Finding candidates will be pretty easy.
The Lost Seoul
www.twitter.com/thelostseoul
http://www.seoulgyopoguide.com/
The Lost Seoul will point out tweets, websites, books, and any other materials that are attempting to teach English incorrectly. If there are errors in grammar in an English lesson or message, then the teacher (or author) will be exposed on the 영어 선생 "Wall of Shame."
Why is the "영어 선생 Hall of Shame" Necessary?
As you probably know, Korea is full of very studious people. However, it is also a society that follows fads and trends too easily. In many cases, a teacher may not be strictly qualified to teach. That is very heartbreaking to The Lost Seoul because Koreans' hard-earned money and studious attitude are being wasted. The objective of the "영어 선생 Hall of Shame" is to improve the quality of English language education in Korea, and to help Koreans that are sincerely trying to learn English correctly.
It is even more annoying when the "experts" are native Koreans.
You can read The Lost Seoul's opinion about Business English hagwons here. I can actually understand when 외국인 come to Korea in order to find employment after graduating from university. These young people are just trying to make a living, and the fact that they may or may not have been stellar students in the past is absolutely undertandable. HOWEVER, native Koreans try to market their expertise as a "native speaker," when they are frequently not. To those of you that fit this description, beware of being nominated to the "영어 선생 Hall of Shame." The Lost Seoul thinks that you are a waste of time and money, and that you contribute to the reluctance of Koreans to overcome their fears.
There is one more reason for the "영어 선생 Hall of Shame" Koreans need to stand up for their rights.
As I have stated in the past elsewhere, Korean do not question authority very aggressively. However, there are ways to do so peacefully. When there is incompetence found, then consumers must demand change. Only by insisting on the highest quality will the best teachers be provided. For example, a new HDTV in Korea will not sell at all if the features are not excellent, and the picture is not clear. However, Koreans accept poor English teaching and accept it when teachers make errors. Perhaps it is that you do not know when these errors even occur. Revealing those errors is the purpose of the "영어 선생 Hall of Shame."
This should be fun. Finding candidates will be pretty easy.
The Lost Seoul
www.twitter.com/thelostseoul
http://www.seoulgyopoguide.com/
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