a walking oxymoron

The teacher at the end of the staff room speaks to me reluctantly.

The teacher who sits opposite me sheepishly mutters おはよう  as I take my seat directly opposite his paper covered desk and tea stained cup.

And quivering and sweet teacher still seems unable to grasp the concept that I am unable to understand 日本語.

Everyday it’s the same drill: me no speak English, please don’t speak to me, please try not to ask me anything I may not understand!

But wait, can we just pause a moment!?……These aren’t history,math, or Japanese teachers…God, if only I could get them to stop practising their English on me! These meek, unconfident teachers comprise of the head of the English department, one of my team teachers and a third year English teacher! 

I’m not offended! I understand that people are reserved, shy or just quiet! But when I have been told numerous times that these teachers just don’t want to talk to me because they are too embarassed to speak English I sigh in dismay!

…Maybe I’ll become a math teacher yet avoid talking to anyone about the 20% I got on a jacket in the Christmas sales. Better still, a history teacher and talk only about things which are happening in present time just to avoid any chance of dealing with the fulcrum of my profession.