The Language Works ~ Journal Entries ~ Spencer 1

S1~2: Grandparents, Food, and Memories

 

"My grandma died when I was a kid¡¦ And those of you who know me

 

know that I'm on the "look out" for another one. Somebody's, anybody's grandma

 

to cook for me and make me feel everything's gonna be OK."

 

Anthony Bourdain: Southern Italy Episode 8 Season 10  (Parts Unknown) (31:30)

 

1) Have you had any similar experiences with your grandparents? Please tell your story.

 

2) When you are in "the kitchen" preparing food do you allow others "in" to help you? Explain.

 

3) What did your grandmother(s) and grandpa(s) make or do for you (food or other)?

 

4) Is there anything that you eat that brings back memories? Tell.

 

5) Are family members always close friends? Can friends be better help in difficult times? Explain.

 

6)What do you do when you miss someone who has passed away? What memories can you share?

 

7) Are there any stories you can share about your grandparents. Why are they important to you?

 

 

S1~3: Oranges and Borrowed Language

 

Most oranges are orange and there are more than 400 varieties grown around the world. Each type is unique.

 

"Loan translation" is a word or phrase borrowed from another language. For example, mandarin oranges were first named as

a "Chinese apple". Perhaps it was first used in the 18th century when the Chinese term "mandarine" was adopted (borrowed)

by the French for this fruit. This is an example of a loanword and/or borrowed language. Further, the word "tangerine"

was originally an adjective meaning of or pertaining to, or native to Tangier in Morocco. So there¡¯s no need to split hairs.

(Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_(fruit)  

"English doesn¡¯t borrow from other languages. English follows other languages down dark alleys,

knocks them over and goes through their pockets for loose grammar."     James D. Nicoll

 

1) What are other examples of  loan translation or borrowed language you know of. How about from your language? Tell.

 

2) When you go to the market, what vegetables/fruits/other do you buy? How do you choose? Explain.

 

3) Some people think borrowed language taints their native language. Do argue about language/vocabulary? Why?

 

4) Can you give examples of borrowed language that seems inaccurate? (paprika vs bell pepper vs chilies or powder) Tell.

 

5) Do you eat fruit? How often? What fruit? What season? How do you prepare it? Tell your story?

 

6) If you travel (domestic or abroad) what/who/where/ do you miss when you are away? Tell (or forget it).

 

7) Are there any stories you can share about picnics? Where/When/Who with/What occasion/Why?

 

S1~5: Democracy and Billionaires 

 

We can¡¯t speak about democracy without talking about the extreme rich and the extreme poor.

Social media would have us "educated" about the pets of the rich and famous rather than unemployment.

In the inauguration of Trump, there were a number of billionaires socializing in the limelight:

1) Elon Musk  (460 Billion)

2) Jeff Bezos   (250 Billion)

3) Mark Zuckerberg   ( 220 Billion)

The oligarchy = a small group of wealthy people controlling smaller groups of  their population

Most people  = often living from month to month on meager salaries/wages

Maybe Andrew Carnegie would have something to say...

 

1) Do you think "American" (the USA) democracy deserves its name? Is it changing? Explain.

2) Is there an oligarchy in your country? What do you call it? How much power do they have? Explain.

3) Are you a fan of Elon Musk? What has he done to elevate humanity? What are his negative points?

4) Do you ever use Amazon.com? What do you buy online? Are products less expensive? How/Why?

5) How do social media companies make their profits? Is it all advertising? Is it a service you enjoy?

6) Tell about your good and bad or strange and funny experiences using social media.

7) What kind of things do the extreme rich do for entertainment? What about the extreme poor? Tell.

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S1~1: How to Make a Journal Entry

 

Writing a journal for English study, in my opinion, is essential. You can see it as a reflection of your inner speech.

 

Yet, each person has his or her own style: clothing, food, personality, friends, life choices, everything¡¦

 

So journal writing is the same. People are unique. Your journal will reflect this and the process should be celebrated:

 

how about a cocktail or just a walk in the park. Brainstorm and jot down ideas and words. Don¡¯t think about grammar

 

or spelling nor punctuation or format. Make a paragraph or two. The important thing is that you enjoy it. So begin. Write.

 

1) Does writing (in your own language) come easy to you? Do you have any qualms about writing? Tell.

 

2) What subjects are you interested in? What do you want to learn about? Explain.

 

3) Is there anyone in your family or perhaps a friend that has a "knack" for writing? Explain.

 

4) Do you have any favorite writers, poets, essayists, playwrights, or directors? Tell.

 

5) Can you name a play written by Shakespeare? What is it about? Tell.

 

6) How do you think television dramas are written? Do you think writers collaborate or create them themselves? Explain.

 

7) Do you think it¡¯s possible for an AI (Artificial Intelligence) program to write a best-selling novel or poetry? Explain.

 

 

~ TLW ~ Short Essays ~ Let's Discuss ~ Group One ~

S1~4: What is ¡°Greenland¡±

 

Greenland is an autonomous territory in the Kingdom of Denmark. It is the largest of three constituent parts of the kingdom,

the other two being metropolitan Denmark and the Faroe Islands; the citizens of all territories are full citizens of Denmark.

With the melting of the ice due to global warming, its abundance of mineral wealth and its strategic position between Europe, North America and the Arctic zone, Greenland is of interest to great powers.

 

1) Is it ethical (or even legal) for one country to buy another? How does Greenland react to such attempts?

2) Why does "melting ice" have anything to do with an "abundance of mineral wealth"? Explain.

3) What kind of minerals are necessary for tech development? What are the negative sides to mining them?

5) Why is Greenland "strategic" in the present world? Are there any other such strategic countries/places in the world?

6) Have you or would you ever want to travel. To Greenland or other Northern or Scandinavian countries?

7) How would you explain the current situation (including pop culture) in your own country at this time? Explain.