Based on my Primary School Leaving
Examination (PSLE) results, I was delighted to hear that I was offered an
opportunity to take up a third language. Upon much consideration, I decided to
take up French as a third language in the Ministry of Education Learning Centre
(MOELC), which is situated at Bishan.
I was slightly late for class on my first
day as it took time for me to leave my secondary school which was in Serangoon
and travel to Bishan.
When I reached my classroom, my teacher was already in
class writing something on the whiteboard. I knocked on the door, apologised
for being late and requested to enter and take my place in class. My Professor,
Monsieur Fremont, did not entertain me immediately. After I knocked a little
longer, he approached me with a stern face and reprimanded me for being late.
Later I learnt that the French appreciated punctuality and expected the other
party to arrive on time for any appointment. From then on, I always made special effort to
reach class on time (though I fail miserably sometimes).
As the lessons progressed on, I realised
that Monsieur Fremont established a noticeable amount of physical contact with
his students. I was culturally shocked when he placed his hands around my
shoulders as we were walking out of class together one day. At that time, I was
unsure on how to react to this sudden and unusual display of affection. When I
returned back home that day, I was feeling very disturbed. My parents sensing
my distress came to have a chat with me. After much probing, I explained the
incident to them very clearly.
After some thought my father enlightened me
that the Singapore culture is very conservative and physical contact between
people of the opposite gender in public is still viewed as disturbing or taboo.
However in the French culture, physical contact is deemed as vital to make an
interpersonal relationship more sincere. So my father advised that I should be more
open and adaptable to new cultures and that I should cultivate the maturity to react
appropriately. I felt so much better after that little talk with my parents.
Towards the end of our semester, Monsieur Fremont had already taught the class
to kiss each other on the cheek as a way of French greeting. Thanks to my
parent’s advice, I was able to respect and accept the French culture.
PS: Furthermore,
Monsieur Fremont was so hot that I would have accepted the French style of
greeting anyway ;)
 |
| I swear he looked just like this~drools~ |
