Every morning I go through the same routine with the students I see on the way to school.
Student: Hello!
Me: Hello, ________ (assuming I remember his/her name and know how to correctly pronounce it without him/her laughing at me)
Student: How are you? (sounds more like "How ah yu!")
Me: I'm good, thanks. [Polite smile] How are you?
Student: [slight hesitation] Uh, I'm OK!
And the student runs off giggling.
I don't mind this little interaction most of the time. I'm glad when students acknowledge my presence and feel comfortable shouting at me in the streets. But there is one thing about it that has been bothering me lately…
The students all learned at some point that the answer to the question "How are you?" is "I'm OK." I, and most other Americans, generally answer "I'm good," and when something other than good is answered it is an indication of a slightly better or worse mood. Am I right?
Lately, I've been ok. Not good. Not bad. But ok. When the English teachers at my school ask me how I am, I answer, "I'm OK," and they go on about their business thinking everything is normal. Maybe it's because I've been outside of America for so long now that I don't remember what it's really like to go through the "How are you?" routine, but I feel like the reaction would be different with someone that I see and work with everyday. I would expect a response such as "OK? What's going on?" Or even just "Your OK…?" And then, it's not like I would ever delve into a therapy session right then and there, but I feel like I would at least answer with a "Yeah, just a little frustrated. So what class do you have next?" Or perhaps "Yeah, not a great day. But no big deal. Anyway, where are you headed?" You know, something like that. An acknowledgement of the fact that everything is not perfect, and then we move on with the conversation.
Am I just making it up in my mind that this is how these things go in America?
Anyway, that's all my point was – that sometimes I feel like I just need acknowledgment of the fact that I chose to say "I'm OK" instead of "I'm good" because something is going on. No, I don't want to talk about it. No, I'm not going to burst into tears in front of you. And don't worry, I'll probably be "good" by tomorrow or next week. But, if I'm a little more impatient, or not as bubbly or talkative… that's why.
So, I'm OK. Acknowledged? Thank you.
… And how are you?
5 comments:
I'm good, thanks. How are you? Just ok? I'm sorry.
Yeah, you remember correctly. "Ok" should definitely elicit an extra short response.
Although, I guess we should all be saying "I'm doing well" because as Tracy Jordan pointed out "Superman does good. You're doing well. You need to study your grammar, son."
Yes you are correct. Perhaps next time you should just tell them exactly what is going on so you cut out the language barrier. For example-good day responses could be: I lost weight, I found some money, I finally am done being sick after eating your food, I kissed an attractive man. Bad day responses: your horse meat tastes like dog treats, I fell in the outdoor bathroom, you smell, I have cramps. I love you girl. I hope the ok get upgraded to good soon. I'm thinking of you and think you are great.
Yup, when someone I know says, "I'm OK" I take it as a prompt to figure out what's ACTUALLY going on. I'm sorry you're doing just "OK", but given that that was a few days ago, maybe you're better than OK now?
Holly, I have also been OK lately, and sometimes have burst into tears when people want to talk. But that only lasts a short while, because now I'm "much better." That also implies 'things could be better, but also could be much worse!" Anyway, I've been reading up on Kazak cuisine. Thank goodness for the Shaw's because I don't find the following dishes appealing: shuzhuk, zhaya, or kuyrdak. I think I'd have to seriously consider going back to vegetarianism! How's Spencer? Okay? Love you, Auntie Connie
I guess OK, but we'll know for sure in a few months.
Post a Comment