Headache


Act 1:
Three years ago, when I came here to study, I was one of the few international students that my department took in. I was also the only 'non-Chinese' student. Some might wonder what the Chinese are doing in sociology? Well, there's demography...and...well, there's demography. But the department made sure that students don't swim their way across either choosing just theory courses or methods courses -- some were mandatory. So whether they liked it or not, they had to take some theory courses and I often happened to be the only non-White student who spoke decent English.

A couple of them became good friends and they felt comfortable to discuss the readings with me (especially when they had to do presentations). Because it was their first year, their English was very hard to understand and making them understand what I was saying didn't seem any easier. Something that I cannot forget about those 2-3 hour conversations is the ensuing headache. It's not so much their accent or my frustration with "explaining things", it's the prolonged state of heightened concentration to hear every word (then match it with a word that made the best sense in that context and so forth). Any activity that requires you to have that kind of concentration for that kind of time is bound to have a bad side effect. Zoning out, like I used to do in schools and colleges, was not an option because it's a conversation that requires you to say more than "hmm, interesting", "that's so cool", "really? neat!" etc.

Anyway, eventually I was done with my coursework, they got better at their English and we moved on. I was more than relieved that the episode(s) was over.

Act 2:
When it's too cold to play anything outside, I just sit home and play chess, online. But I easily get suckered in those egomaniacal marathons that before you know, the room is no longer bright with sunlight. By now you've been staring into black and white squares and moving little pieces with absolute precision (at least as far as the physical motion is concerned) for hours together in a CRT monitor. This is the kind of thing that makes you wear glasses. But it has other effects on me as well: starting with the proverbial headache and then the annoying "I want to throw up" feeling. After all, it is one of "those" activities.

One of "those" days: it was last Saturday and I had been playing chess for at least 4 hours without moving an inch. I finally gather some "courage" and decide to break the cycle. I wanted to expose my eyes to wider boundaries and let my pupils relax. I tell myself, "ok, this is the last game. Get up even if you lose in 20 moves, I cannot take it anymore". Just then I hear someone knocking my door. I simply resign the game, get up and open the door. Wow, great! It's my new Chinese friend.

6 comments:

Manki said...

LOL. Hope you had a "good time" with the Chinese friend :)

sloth108 said...

I sympathise with you. It's not just about being unable to communicate with them as you wish, but also your language skills slowly but steadily erode themselves...

And perhaps try opening the windows a little fresh air may stop you turning into another square ;)

Mahendiran P said...

Hi Suresh,

Eppadi Irukkeenga? Though I write this comment under "Headache", it is not about it.. :) I have been listening to your podcasts (started with Mahabharatham) for the past few weeks. I like your way of presentation (though you can avoid certain bad words which will improve / showcase the inner true quality of the contents). Definitely you are a great asset to this world. The world needs more such social caring persons with such straight-forward attitude, out-of-the-box-thinking way, like you... Keep up all the great work! By the way, Dont ask for excuses and please restart and complete the Mahabharatham soon. You have started so well but... we do not like the long gap :) Best Regards,
Mahendiran P (mahendiranp@gmail.com)

Anonymous said...

I am sure Suresh has had enough of explaining why he didn't continue the Mahabharat.

He is now not the same Suresh that started the series long time back. People change and he is not that enthusiastic about Mahabharat and some of its interpretations. It is clear from the podcast itself. This lack of time is a vetti excuse. So forget about the Mahabharat series.

I hope someone else comes along and does that in English or in Sanskrit. Yeah, I am learning Sanskrit. I am not sure why, though.

Anonymous said...

we are expecting some podcast from you abt hogenkkal issue !

Suresh ET said...

Manki - adhu seri

Sloth - I guess you're right

Mahendiran - I think Subhash has said what I wanted to say. But...but, I may start it again. Thanks for compliments, though. pull arikkudhu. :)

Anon - I wanted to do it last Sunday, I'll do one before this weekend.

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