Issue 7 July 2000
Letters to DPDF
Thank you for your newsletter - it is fresh and lovely and brought me right back to Bali.  I had a two-week Indonesian course in January 1999.  Most of the other students were Australian and knew a lot about Indonesia; they helped me by sharing their experience. It was my homestay family who taught me what the Balinese harmony means and how a Balinese family lives.  This was the cultural program that was the most important.  The little everyday things also matter: I was taught, by the example of my hostess, Deny, 16 years old, how to eat, what to ask for in a restaurant, the polite forms of asking and saying 'thankyou' and about the life of a teenager in a family in Bali.

Most of my necessary vocabulary was force-fed to me by my family's housekeeper, Ibu Loh.  I'll never forget her - when I got home she hugged me and taught me about ten new words in one sitting - and checked I had not forgotten what she had taught earlier.  Every time I got something right she said "PINTERRR!"

(Sinikka Jappinen, Helsinki, Finland)


In one of my assignments, I am analysing some cultural differences between English-speaking countries and non-English speaking countries such as Indonesia. Some of the students' experiences in DPDF have been used for analysis.  I just want to know how native speakers of English view directness and indirectness.  It is believed that English speakers are more direct and straightforward, whilst non-English speaking people tend to 'beat around the bush' (are less direct) and sometimes hide their feelings.  Is this true?

(Pudjie, Deakin University)

(Please send in your comments on this question and we will publish them in the next issue - Editor)
 		 I am staying at International House, UNSW.  I've experienced many things here, and most are wonderful, exciting moments that I won't have if I live outside.  At IH I meet people from many countries, particularly from Asia.  I learned how to get to know people, their character, cultures, habits, etc.  I have also had the chance to promote Indonesia through the food, national dress, batik (my friends admire it!), and also traditional arts.  I always give a leather wayang bookmark as a souvenir for my friends who are leaving.  However, I also have had a hard time as an Indonesian, especially if some friends ask me about the political situation or riots in Indonesia.  The second thing that I like at IH is the activities, particularly sport.  I like sport and I like to try something new.  I never imagined that I would enjoy soccer, rowing and water polo.  But here at IH I did just that.  Don't ask me about the score, because the IH team is inexperienced and we only play for fun. 

But it's not only fun.  I'm doing a research Masters in chemistry.  So far I've found it OK.  My relationship with my supervisor is quite good.  He always helps me to find the solution if I have trouble with my experiments. 

(Yuni, UNSW)


There are two main cultural experiences that I've had to learn since I arrived.  The first one is I have to be familiar with saying "How are you?" when people greet you or answer the telephone directly.  I notice that they are quick in producing this phrase.  The second is to talk into a telephone answer machine.  It's good that now I feel confident to leave messages on the voice mail when I can't get the person directly.  That's all the news from me.

(Hilda Nalley, University of Sydney)

Spotlight on Cambodia

Krista Gerschwitz, an Australian working in Cambodia, writes about Cambodians' efforts to catch up on culture.

Cambodians are very keen to learn English.  Besides the large established language schools, there are over a hundred small, backyard schools.  Many people who can speak some English start their own classes for friends or children in the neighbourhood.  High school students, businessmen and women and government employees attend classes.  As English lessons are so popular, some people choose to study before school or work.  These classes start at 6 am!

Over 20 years ago, during the Khmer Rouge regime, there was no opportunity to get an education.  All schools and universities were closed.  People who had an education of any sort were seen as elitist and so were killed.  Even people who wore glasses were killed.  The speaking of foreign languages was forbidden and all foreign and Cambodian books were burned.  Some people secretly studied English by themselves and kept their books hidden.

As a result of this period, most Cambodians have practically no general knowledge and very little awareness of other cultures.  So learning English is also an opportunity to learn about the world.  That's one reason why Cambodians are so keen to learn.  They also learn English in the hope that they can get a better job, or just as a hobby so they can talk with foreigners.

If you have something to share regarding cross-culture, DPDF would like to hear from you.  Please send your stories, news, comments, poems, suggestions to:

IALF-Bali, Jalan Raya Sesetan 190, Denpasar 80232, Indonesia  or  e-mail  dpdf@ialf.edu

We can send DPDF both within Indonesia and internationally.  If you would like to receive copies, please send us your postal address.

 Farewell from the Editor:  For the last 10 years I have been working in Indonesia, but shortly I will be taking up residency in Australia.  For all their help with the last two issues, thanks to students and staff who shared their ideas in their Class Journals, and to our overseas alumni.  Special thanks to Bundhowi, who designed the newsletter logo and cartoons, Sarah & Denise for proofing and to Indah for their help with the word-processing.
In This Issue
Featured Topic - Relationships
My Western Boss
Different Perspectives
Supportive Lecturers
A Comment from Melbourne
Teacher Student Relationships
The Stranger
Comparing Supervisors
In the Doghouse
Saving Face
Family Relationships
Superman
Saying No
Tut Tut
One Shuttlecock Please
Some Australian Mannners
Body Language
 Ask Bruce and Sheila

Do it Yourself

New Arrival

Letters to DPDF

Spotlight on Cambodia

Farewell from the Editor

www. ialf.edu