The Thai people are pathologically shy. Combine that with…
![“The Thai people are pathologically shy. Combine that with a reluctance to lose face by giving a wrong answer, and it makes for a painfully long [ESL] class. Usually I ask the students to work on exercises in small groups, and then I move around and check their progress. But for days like today…” quote by Jodi Picoult](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/7e0/jodi-picoult-45_english-as-a-second_the-thai-people-are-pathologically-shy-c_1770987.jpg)
““The Thai people are pathologically shy. Combine that with a reluctance to lose face by giving a wrong answer, and it makes for a painfully long [ESL] class. Usually I ask the students to work on exercises in small groups, and then I move around and check their progress. But for days like today, when I'm grading on participation, speaking up in public is a necessary evil. "Jao," I say to a man in my class. "You own a pet store, and you want to convince Jaidee to buy a pet." I turn to a second man. "Jaidee, you do not want to buy that pet. Let's hear your conversation." They stand up, clutching their papers. "This dog is reccommended," Jao begins. "I have one already," Jaidee replies. "Good job!" I encourage. "Jao, give him a reason why he should buy your dog." "This dog is alive," Jao adds. Jaidee shrugs. "Not everyone wants a pet that is alive." Well, not all days are successes...””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker describes cultural shyness and fear of losing face in Thai ESL learners, using role‑play to force speaking despite discomfort.
In simple terms: Thai students are shy and avoid mistakes, so teacher uses forced conversation to practice.
Key Takeaway
Create low‑stakes speaking tasks that push comfort zones.
Themes
cultural anxiety
language learning
classroom dynamics
Mood
empathetic
reflective
Type
pedagogical
anecdotal
When to use this quote
- ESL class
- group activities
- participation grading
Key Concepts
face‑saving
group work
role‑play
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance encouragement with respect for cultural norms?
- What alternative methods reduce anxiety while still promoting speaking?
A Different Perspective
Students may feel embarrassed, limiting authentic communication.