Apologizing

Out topic for July 6th is about apologizing. This week, think about how and when you say you are sorry. Choose ONE of the questions below and answer it in the comments.

1. When was the last time you sincerely apologized for something? Did it improve the situation?

2. Are you aware of any cultural differences in apologizing in other countries?

3. Can you think of any famous apologies?

4. Would you ever apologize for something that wasn't your fault? If yes, give an example. If not, why not?

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Current Events and Issues

Next class we will discuss issues and events that are happening right now! Please read a news article or research a little about an issue that interests you and be able to talk about it to your group.

Below are some ideas about where you can get information (but you can choose your own sources too):

Al Jazeera

Good

The Guardian

National Public Radio

Radio Netherlands

Russia Today

Slate

Ukraine News

Wired News

Xinhua News

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Diaspora

A map showing the countries with large numbers of people from the Greek diaspora

The word "diaspora" comes from Greek, meaning "a scattering of seeds". In English, it describes the movement of many people from their home country to other countries or even within their home countries. The reasons can range from economic, political, environmental or others.

Diasporas have happened throughout history. The Jews were expelled from Palestine 2600 years ago and experienced another diaspora when the Nazis wrecked havoc across Europe in the mid-20th century. Some modern diasporas include the tens of thousands of Iraqis who have left their country due to the occupation by the US military as well as the 1.3 million people who left New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

Please click on one of the diasporas below, find some interesting information and write about it in the comments.

African

Australian


Basque


British


Chinese


Indian


Japanese


Korean


Polish


Ukrainian

Pure Language: Jamaican English

We will talk about what it means when we talk about language - for example, what is "pure" English? Is it the English they speak in England? But the United States has more speakers... Why not Jamaican English? Check out the video HERE and learn a little bit of Jamaican Patois then answer ONE of the questions below.

1. What is your impression of Jamaican English?

2. What is your experience with different types of English? (i.e. did you have an Australian teacher, but then went to Canada for a homestay?)

3.Do you have an opinion about what "pure" Japanese is?

4. In France, the French Academy is a group of scholars that decides what "pure" French language is. What is your opinion? Should Japan have an academy like this? Is it possible to control a language? Should we try to keep our languages "pure"?