Remembering the first few day of orientation in NUS during my first year, I was given the great opportunity to get to know many people. From the fellow year to the seniors, it was a big mingling session. It was, however, also a very pressurizing moment. Exciting as it may be to meet new people, the fear of leaving a bad impression is always there. Yet, the social skills needed in meeting new people are going to be needed for the very long future ahead that I have in my life.
With many ways to leave a bad impression on a fellow student which ranges from having a glum look to unpleasant behavior, I have just begun to realize how communication is an essential tool in leaving this good, lasting impression.
This is especially true when I had the first hand experience with communication failure after having seen this particular student from China who had problems communicating with the class in one of my tutorials. This, in turn, resulted in a lack of common topics to be formed between us and retarding the progress of a conversation. However, it was fortunate that this lack of communication skills had not caused any misunderstanding between him and our other classmates.
I do hope that my communication skills will improve as I transit into this new life of mine. Without it, I would be vulnerable to many possible scenarios of miscommunication as well as the inability to connect with friends. I believe, precise and effective communication, through the right choice or words, tone and body language, will get me to where I wish to be…
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Hi Ximin,
ReplyDeleteWhat you mentioned is very true and I have experienced what you have gone through. But I also notice that this miscommunication is not just one way, but rather both ways. Just like the way you did not understand the Chinese student, they do not understand the Singaporean ‘singlish’ as well. This also applies to all the other accents out there as well.
I personally feel that being honest in these situations is the best. Instead of misunderstanding one and other we should politely tell the other party that you find it difficult to understand him/her and maybe he/she could slow down or speak louder etc. Though some may be offended by such comments, but I believe if we say it in a very humble and understandable manner most would accept your remarks.
Your blog post (language) is simple and easy to understand and I believe I was able to fully comprehend what you were trying to convey. As for the content, I am really happy that you have bought up this topic of miscommunication between the students/lecturers from various countries, as most NUS students would have experienced this one way or another.
Cheers,
Keerth
Hello Ximin,
ReplyDeleteThis issue that you have brought up regarding communication problems between different ethnic groups is certainly a pertinent one. Singapore, being a cosmopolitan city, has such a rich diversity, but it comes with a whole new set of problems. I am sure that what you have highlighted is something that most of us would have come across at some point or another; or have even been one of the parties involved. (as Keerrthanaa would be quick to testify :)) What you have written is very relevant and I can empathise with your experience quite readily. Your blog post is cohesive and you manage to draw the reader in by the sequential order of events.
However, there is just a minor mistake in your starting line. It should be “first few days” instead of “first few day”. In addition, this sentence “Yet, the social skills needed in meeting new people are going to be needed for the very long future ahead that I have in my life” does not seem very concise. Perhaps you could say “ However, these social skills are important and would remain relevant even in the future.”
Cheers, and looking forward to your next post!
Regards
Russell
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