meg2589  +  69422 Sun, 23 Jan 05 09:35 AM My company has appointed a new teacher. We all wear a little formal dress during our work, though it is not compulsory. That new co-worker comes in very casual dress. Though no body said something about this, but I know nobody liked it either. I want to write him a friendly e-mail about this dress code. I don't want him to feel bad. How should I convey my message to him in a polite manner? Please help me. meg2589 Joined on Thu, Jul 22 2004 Japan Junior Member 77

	Mister Micawber  +  69447 Sun, 23 Jan 05 12:52 PM Hi Meg, Why don't you give a try at composing a first draft, so that we can have a look at it? Meanwhile, I am moving your thread over to the Letter Writing Forum. Mister Micawber Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004 Yokohama Veteran Member 30,822 'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.' Letter Writing

	meg2589  +  69551 Mon, 24 Jan 05 02:02 AM Thanks MM for moving my post to appropriate section! Well, it is difficult, though I try to write: Hi xyz, How was your weekend? Hope you are enjoying your life in Japan. How do you like Japanese food, its culture and people? ....... Now, I am stuck! It is really difficult for me to bring the topic of formal dress code here. The problem is, I am not a Japanese but don't belong to his culture either (I AM FROM VENUS ). Please, please help me writing this mail. Thanks! meg2589

	Mister Micawber  +  69621 Mon, 24 Jan 05 09:28 AM [ENGLISH-STYLE LETTERS DO NOT NEED CASUAL CONVERSATION AT THE BEGINNING BEFORE YOU INTRODUCE THE POINT-- IT ACTUALLY IRRITATES SOME ENGLISH SPEAKERS IF YOU DO NOT GET TO THE TOPIC PROMPTLY] Dear XYZ, We are happy to have you here teaching us, and we hope you are enjoying Japan as much as we all enjoy your classes. There is one thing that makes us uncomfortable, however, and that is your wearing such casual clothes to class. Our office has a formal dress code, and we would feel that you are more a part of us if you would dress a little more like we do-- for instance, wearing a tie and slacks, and maybe a jacket would be enough. I hope this candidness does not offend you, but frankly, we did not know quite how to make this suggestion. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to seeing you at our next class. Sincerely yours, Hitachi Evening Class 2 [THIS IS ABOUT AS KINDLY WRITTEN AS POSSIBLE, MEG-- BUT THE TEACHER MAY GET FLUSTERED ANYWAY, DEPENDING ON HIS PERSONALITY. AS FOR THE CORRECT CLOTHING-- PLEASE CHANGE THE LETTER TO YOUR ACTUAL REQUIREMENTS. GOOD LUCK.] Mister Micawber

	meg2589  +  69638 Mon, 24 Jan 05 11:28 AM It's really very helpful to know how to deal with such situation. Thank you very much dear MM. I hope this will help me to suggest my co-worker without making him irritated or angry. Thanks again for your help! meg2589

	nona the brit  +  69735 Mon, 24 Jan 05 06:20 PM What culture does he come from? This might make a difference, for example, in Britain it is perfectly normal for teachers to dress casually if they want. As there is no formal code, your colleague might not appreciate dress advice from a co-worker. If he is inadvertently breaking an 'unwritten rule', it might be better for his supervisor to have a quiet word as this should have been mentioned to him at this induction. The supervisor just needs to say 'Sorry this was obviously missed out when you started, but we have a dress code in the office. You need to wear a shirt and tie/3 piece suit/we do not allow shorts/ whatever. nona the brit Joined on Wed, Sep 22 2004 England Veteran Member 11,713 The name says it all.