Thursday, January 26, 2012
My students are creative!
As I have noted before, it is important to do something (anything!) English related outside of your English classroom. Some of my students are wonderful examples of this. One young lady keeps a diary and asks me to check it for her. Another has written a few essays on her thoughts related to her job. And one gentleman, despite his full-time work schedule, writes short stories and poetry when he gets a chance. One student wrote something- but kept it a secret! All in English. These creative works, although sometimes simple or including some mistakes, are wonderful. I cannot praise these students enough. They take the initiative to put their brains to use and make something- something beautiful or witty or thought-provoking. I hope others will follow their example, even if it's just a few sentences. It really helps improve not only your writing skills, but also conversation.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Michael Sandel and Justic on NHK
Looks at this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKtPI8IMuOM
These Tokyo University students are not speaking English. Why is that?? The Shanghai students (and of course Harvard) are speaking English with no difficulty. The Chinese kids are confident, high level English speakers. People around the world have been interested in Sandel these days- and people around the world will watch these videos, especially those focusing on the earthquake and nuclear issues. These university students (from the best universities in Japan) should be speaking English. They are highly intelligent people.
I watched this show last Saturday evening. From what I saw, only one Japanese girl spoke English to Sandel. She was able to communicate without a translator. Good for her! Now what about the rest of them? NHK should have chosen kids that can speak English. This video an embarrassment to the nation.
It is NOT that these kids are dumb or inferior to other Asians. Something is wrong with the education system. And there is a severe problem with confidence and social skills. As an educator and resident of Japan, I am disappointed. Hopefully the next generation will show more ability.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKtPI8IMuOM
These Tokyo University students are not speaking English. Why is that?? The Shanghai students (and of course Harvard) are speaking English with no difficulty. The Chinese kids are confident, high level English speakers. People around the world have been interested in Sandel these days- and people around the world will watch these videos, especially those focusing on the earthquake and nuclear issues. These university students (from the best universities in Japan) should be speaking English. They are highly intelligent people.
I watched this show last Saturday evening. From what I saw, only one Japanese girl spoke English to Sandel. She was able to communicate without a translator. Good for her! Now what about the rest of them? NHK should have chosen kids that can speak English. This video an embarrassment to the nation.
It is NOT that these kids are dumb or inferior to other Asians. Something is wrong with the education system. And there is a severe problem with confidence and social skills. As an educator and resident of Japan, I am disappointed. Hopefully the next generation will show more ability.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Obon....America
Recently, students have asked me if there is an obon holiday/festival in America.
No. There is nothing similar to obon that I can think of. Actually, we really don't have a custom to visit graves (at least at a specific time of the year). Some people visit the graves of friends/family at various times throughout the year. For example, on the dead persons birthday, or wedding anniversary if the deceased is a spouse. If a person is Christian, they will most likely pray at home or in church, to their dead loved ones rather than take a trip to the cemetery. The good thing is- they can do this anytime! In general, the grave itself is not so important.
Also, often a person is buried far away from home, or the relatives are all in different places. Some people have "famliy" graves, but some do not. Some people are cremated, others buried.
And...there are many different belief systems and religions in the US, so there are various ways to honor the dead. This is often a private matter to people.
We do have fireworks on the 4th of July (Independence Day). Some towns have summer events- things like strawberry festivals or jazz festivals.
And we have a lot of barbecues and family gatherings throughout the summer. Students have 2 or 3 months off from school, so they have a lot of time to see family, take a vacation, or a day trip to the beach or mountains. Adults will often take a week off of work sometime during the summer.
No. There is nothing similar to obon that I can think of. Actually, we really don't have a custom to visit graves (at least at a specific time of the year). Some people visit the graves of friends/family at various times throughout the year. For example, on the dead persons birthday, or wedding anniversary if the deceased is a spouse. If a person is Christian, they will most likely pray at home or in church, to their dead loved ones rather than take a trip to the cemetery. The good thing is- they can do this anytime! In general, the grave itself is not so important.
Also, often a person is buried far away from home, or the relatives are all in different places. Some people have "famliy" graves, but some do not. Some people are cremated, others buried.
And...there are many different belief systems and religions in the US, so there are various ways to honor the dead. This is often a private matter to people.
We do have fireworks on the 4th of July (Independence Day). Some towns have summer events- things like strawberry festivals or jazz festivals.
And we have a lot of barbecues and family gatherings throughout the summer. Students have 2 or 3 months off from school, so they have a lot of time to see family, take a vacation, or a day trip to the beach or mountains. Adults will often take a week off of work sometime during the summer.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
楽しみ！
～（すろの）を楽しみにする
I'm looking forward to～
examples (with a verb):
I'm looking forward to seeing the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie.
I'm looking forward to studying French.
I'm looking forward to going out with you this weekend.
or (with a noun)...
I'm looking forward to the weekend.
I'm looking forward to Sunday night.
I'm looking forward to dessert.
Try it!!
I'm looking forward to～
examples (with a verb):
I'm looking forward to seeing the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie.
I'm looking forward to studying French.
I'm looking forward to going out with you this weekend.
or (with a noun)...
I'm looking forward to the weekend.
I'm looking forward to Sunday night.
I'm looking forward to dessert.
Try it!!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Book Off!!!
Strange name for a bookstore...
Anyway, I went there last night and they have many good English books (easy level books too). Some of them are very cheap. Lots of books for adults and children, and some magazines too. So if you can't afford those high-priced Maruzen books, go check out Book Off!
Anyway, I went there last night and they have many good English books (easy level books too). Some of them are very cheap. Lots of books for adults and children, and some magazines too. So if you can't afford those high-priced Maruzen books, go check out Book Off!
English times
Noon= 12 o'clock in the afternoon
For example: "Let's meet at the station at noon."
Midnight= 12 o'clock at night
You cannot use midnight if you are talking about 2 am, or 4 am, or any other random time during the night. It is ONLY for 12:00.
For example:"The new Harry Potter movie starts at midnight." or "I fell asleep at midnight."
So use it carefully. ^-^
For example: "Let's meet at the station at noon."
Midnight= 12 o'clock at night
You cannot use midnight if you are talking about 2 am, or 4 am, or any other random time during the night. It is ONLY for 12:00.
For example:"The new Harry Potter movie starts at midnight." or "I fell asleep at midnight."
So use it carefully. ^-^
Friday, July 8, 2011
British v. American English
some differences:
British American
bath bathtub
bedsit studio apartment (small apartment, one room only)
cloakroom half bathroom (bathroom with just a toilet and sink- no tub)
flat apartment
tap faucet
toilet bathroom
wardrobe closet
British American
bath bathtub
bedsit studio apartment (small apartment, one room only)
cloakroom half bathroom (bathroom with just a toilet and sink- no tub)
flat apartment
tap faucet
toilet bathroom
wardrobe closet
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