I used to take Japanese language module in NUS for a year. Despite the heavy workload, I must say I enjoyed it thoroughly. Taking up this course really makes me have a greater understanding about japanese culture and their people.
For this module, there are always alot of home assigments to hand in for every tutorial lesson and we have 3 tutorial lessons per week. We were always told to hand in our assignments at the start of the class and each assigment will be counted towards our final grade. When I just started on this module, there was once we need to hand in 2 assignments at the beginning of the class. For some reasons (I guess it slip my mind or something), I only hand in one assignment at the start of the class. When the class end and I start to pack and leave, I realised that my other assignment is still in my file.
When I went up to my tutor and handed her my assignment, I was told that I won't be graded for that particular assignment because she considered me as handing in late. Nevertheless, she will still mark it for me. I was dumbfounded for a moment as it was the first time I ever encountered such an incident. Initially I thought my tutor would accept my home assignment readily like my previous tutors. The same incident happened to my tutorial mates as well who were new to the module. They have forgetten to bring their assigments to class and as they stay in hostel, they promise to go back and get their assignments when the class end but the tutors also refuse to grade them.
From the above, I realise that Japanese really keep their word and are very particular about punctuality. Ever since then, I always make sure that I always bring all my assignments whenever I go for my japanese class and hand in my assignment ON TIME!!!! Haha..
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Dear Sherri,
ReplyDeleteI didn’t know Japanese are actually that particular about punctuality because you actually handed in the assignment on the same day but at the end of the lesson. I guess this is how Japanese work as they view efficiency very importantly in their society.
Hence, I think it is important for us to know the culture of the person we are working with to avoid unhappiness and to ensure a pleasant working experience.
Cheers,
Li Yun
Hi Sherri, I think in many cultures, punctuality is actually a virtue and lateness is generally frowned upon. However, in some western societies, they like to be 'fashionably late', meaning that you're 5-10 minutes late so that you can make an entrance, yet not overdo the lateness part such that you may irritate your hosts. Do you know that's why sometimes I go late for ES class? haha
ReplyDeleteLester
Hey Sherri,
ReplyDeleteI guess the demanding Japanese work ethic could be the primary cause of work-stress related deaths in Japan! Most Japanese organisations are highly rigid and they do require a strict observation of punctuality. This work ethic might not be a bad thing as the Japanese are known for their effeciency and quality products. I guess it keeps everyone on their toes. =)Nice post anyway!
Rgds,
Hanrong
Hey sherri,
ReplyDeleteFirstly, I would like to sympathize with you as your assignment would not counted towards your final grade. As a student, I feel that it is ridiculous for the teacher to do this. I believe for language modules, every assignment is important in determining your final grade. I feel that things would not have turned out to be so ugly if the tutor was a Singaporean.
As Singaporeans, we understand that people can be forgetful at times. However, this does not apply to foreigners. They have a different working style and adhere closely to their principles. The only advice is that we as students have to be sensitive and act according to different culture. (commented by ramani)
Hey Guys,
ReplyDeleteThanks for comments :) Want to answer particularly to lester, I finally understand why you are late. hahahah...