"Lost in Translation"

One of my favorite parts about being a teacher

is listening to the students

as they piece English together,

one word at a time.

- - -

At the end of one of my lessons today,

a boy said to me,

"You are a beautiful place."

And I was flattered.

That meant he had paid attention to my lesson,

atleast, somewhat.

{We read a script about the Lake District in England.}

- - -

But,

there are moments when teaching is

less than desirable.

For example,

when I am asked to translate

certain Japanese words that I haven't bothered to learn yet.

- - -

A student asked the teacher for a translation today,

and the teacher responded, "Ask Harmon-sensei."

I froze.

"No, don't ask Harmon-sensei.

Harmon-sensei doesn't know what you said,"

thought I.

{All the while chewing myself out

for not taking my Japanese studies more seriously.}

- - -

Google Translate succeeded in cheering me up

after that little instance of stupor.

I looked up:

ムカつくな人

which means, "an irritating person"

and received this translation.

Google Translate is now speaking in full sentences.

I am quite pleased.

{Photo via Shae C}