Tag Archives: teachable moments

It’s not what you say, it’s what they hear…

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I’m in to my 4th day of learning Nepali (नेपाली) and before I get all stressed out and start thinking I will not be able to do it I am re-visiting my October 30, post 31 days of randomness to remind myself to “brush myself off” and keep trying.  It was a post I had actually Re-blogged from another very intelligent person.

Please wish me luck. (कृपया मुझे शुभकामनाएँ) Namaste (नमस्ते)

वैसे, 3 दिन पर मैं कोई भी इस बात का नेपाली में नहीं लिखा था.यह गूगल अनुवाद किया है तो मुझे माफ कर अगर लिप्यंतरण समझ नहीं पड़ता है.तुमने क्या उम्मीद ..मैं केवल 3 दिन पर हूँ.

By the way, on day 3 I did not write any of this in Nepali.  It is google translated so forgive me if the transliteration does not make sense.  What did you expect.. I’m only on day 3.

For anyone else who is learning a language.. the below instructions are awesome advice for language learners.  Enjoy.

Looney Toon-y Advice for Speaking a New Language

Learning a new language can be tough, and learning how to get comfortable using that language is even harder!   After you learn how to properly pluralize toilet paper, you still have to gear yourself up to ask a stranger where the bathroom is.  Most of my relatives speak English as a second language, and it didn’t take me long to realize that Looney Tunes teaches you everything you need to know about being comfortable using a newly-learned language.  So here it goes, Advice from the Toons:

Porky Says :  Don’t Panic — If you can’t say it one way, say it another.

Porky the Pig is known for his stutter, but he compensates by replacing words that are hard for him to say with words that are easier.   It’s a simple technique, but an effective one.  Often times, new language learners get so focused on saying one word properly that they don’t just try to complete their thought in a new way.

For example: If you want to find the library, but don’t know the right word for library or don’t feel comfortable saying it, try asking where you can get or borrow a book.

Sylvester Says :  Over Pronounce — Don’t be afraid to over do it.

Sylvester the Cat is known for his spitty, overly pronounced word usage.  The truth is, most languages involve an emphasis that doesn’t come naturally to most new learners.  So whether it’s rolling an R, distinguishing between a B and V, or pronouncing a sound that you’ve never had to make before — just over-do it.  People will understand!

For example: Where I grew up, it’s common for people to drop the H from words that start with an H.  Like “heat” instead of “eat”.  But since you wouldn’t want someone to EAT THE PIE that you just asked them to HEAT, it’s important to over emphasize the sound you know you struggle with.

Bugs Says :  Get Visual — Use props and body language.

Bugs Bunny is known for references that his demographic most certainly does not understand, and using words incorrectly.  Instead of fretting over the incorrect word choice, though, Bugs just points to things around him, pulls out handy reference items, and uses body language to make sure the point gets across.  New language learners often forget to use the world around them as a tool!

For example: If you want to know if a dish on a menu is spicy, but don’t know how to ask– point at the menu and then make the universal gesture for “I just ate something hot!”.  (You know, wave your hand in front of your open mouth and bulge your eyes out a bit.)

Tweety Says :  Repeat — Repeat, repeat, and then say it again

Tweety speaks Birdy as a first language, so when he speaks in English, he often has to repeat what he said.  Sometimes in different ways!  Many new language learners feel embarrassed when someone asks them to repeat something — but remember that quite often, they just didn’t hear you, or maybe didn’t understand that particular phrasing.  Try asking the question in a way that repeats your questions as much as possible.

For example:  If you need directions to the supermarket say the equivalent of, “Can you help me find my way? I’m trying to get directions to the supermarket.  If I go left, will I arrive at the supermarket?”  rather than just “How do I get to the supermarket?”

Daffy Says :  Get Loud — Mumbling is for Natives.

Daffy has a lisp, but it doesn’t stop people from understanding him because he speaks loudly and clearly.  If you’re patient with your speech, assertive in your delivery, and loud enough in volume, you have much greater odds of being understood.  Many new language learners mumble because they’re afraid of making a mistake, but the safest bet is to speak loud enough for people to hear you.

For example: If you’re looking at your feet and mumbling when you ask where the bathroom is, people will probably rely on your body language to fill in the blanks that they didn’t hear.  They’ll assume they’re talking about your shoes, and you will get very confusing advice!

Pepé Says :  Be Proud of your Multilingual Abilities — Language is a beautiful gift.

Pepé is French, and isn’t trying to hide it.  If he doesn’t know the word in English, he says it in French. If he can say it best in French, then he does and explains why.  Language is about communication, and communication is a two-way street.  People are open to learning more about your language if your language gets the point across better.

For example: The French phrase “je ne sais quoi” has been nearly fully adapted into English because it’s simply the best way to say it.

_____________

In summary– don’t be so hard on yourself, and take it easy.

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31-days-of-randomness-personal-inspiration-28- Brush it off

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In continuation of my 31 days of randomness  – Day 28 – Try and Try again.

This song applies in so many ways at so many different times in my life.  With work, with friendships and with love.  Most recently I would have to say it really applies with language. While in Korea I learned approximately 8 Korean words.  I spent 5 months learning Spanish and 2 years living in the country and still.. I struggle.  I will soon be spending 7 months learning Nepali for work and I have to tell you I am a bit nervous at my lack of ability to catch on to the nuances of languages.   So my inspiration for today and for approximately the next year is to just brush myself off and try again, try again.

I was inspired to write this blog by a very well written blog which I have cut and pasted below (I have trouble withe the “re-blogging” option.  I don’t like the format.  I wish I had read this blog approximately 10 years ago, it would have been posted in my bilingual 1st and 2nd grade classes, all of my Korean classrooms and subsequently given to all of my language teachers.

Looney Toon-y Advice for Speaking a New Language

Learning a new language can be tough, and learning how to get comfortable using that language is even harder!   After you learn how to properly pluralize toilet paper, you still have to gear yourself up to ask a stranger where the bathroom is.  Most of my relatives speak English as a second language, and it didn’t take me long to realize that Looney Tunes teaches you everything you need to know about being comfortable using a newly-learned language.  So here it goes, Advice from the Toons:

Porky Says :  Don’t Panic — If you can’t say it one way, say it another.

Porky the Pig is known for his stutter, but he compensates by replacing words that are hard for him to say with words that are easier.   It’s a simple technique, but an effective one.  Often times, new language learners get so focused on saying one word properly that they don’t just try to complete their thought in a new way.

For example: If you want to find the library, but don’t know the right word for library or don’t feel comfortable saying it, try asking where you can get or borrow a book.

Sylvester Says :  Over Pronounce — Don’t be afraid to over do it.

Sylvester the Cat is known for his spitty, overly pronounced word usage.  The truth is, most languages involve an emphasis that doesn’t come naturally to most new learners.  So whether it’s rolling an R, distinguishing between a B and V, or pronouncing a sound that you’ve never had to make before — just over-do it.  People will understand!

For example: Where I grew up, it’s common for people to drop the H from words that start with an H.  Like “heat” instead of “eat”.  But since you wouldn’t want someone to EAT THE PIE that you just asked them to HEAT, it’s important to over emphasize the sound you know you struggle with.

Bugs Says :  Get Visual — Use props and body language.

Bugs Bunny is known for references that his demographic most certainly does not understand, and using words incorrectly.  Instead of fretting over the incorrect word choice, though, Bugs just points to things around him, pulls out handy reference items, and uses body language to make sure the point gets across.  New language learners often forget to use the world around them as a tool!

For example: If you want to know if a dish on a menu is spicy, but don’t know how to ask– point at the menu and then make the universal gesture for “I just ate something hot!”.  (You know, wave your hand in front of your open mouth and bulge your eyes out a bit.)

Tweety Says :  Repeat — Repeat, repeat, and then say it again

Tweety speaks Birdy as a first language, so when he speaks in English, he often has to repeat what he said.  Sometimes in different ways!  Many new language learners feel embarrassed when someone asks them to repeat something — but remember that quite often, they just didn’t hear you, or maybe didn’t understand that particular phrasing.  Try asking the question in a way that repeats your questions as much as possible.

For example:  If you need directions to the supermarket say the equivalent of, “Can you help me find my way? I’m trying to get directions to the supermarket.  If I go left, will I arrive at the supermarket?”  rather than just “How do I get to the supermarket?”

Daffy Says :  Get Loud — Mumbling is for Natives.

Daffy has a lisp, but it doesn’t stop people from understanding him because he speaks loudly and clearly.  If you’re patient with your speech, assertive in your delivery, and loud enough in volume, you have much greater odds of being understood.  Many new language learners mumble because they’re afraid of making a mistake, but the safest bet is to speak loud enough for people to hear you.

For example: If you’re looking at your feet and mumbling when you ask where the bathroom is, people will probably rely on your body language to fill in the blanks that they didn’t hear.  They’ll assume they’re talking about your shoes, and you will get very confusing advice!

Pepé Says :  Be Proud of your Multilingual Abilities — Language is a beautiful gift.

Pepé is French, and isn’t trying to hide it.  If he doesn’t know the word in English, he says it in French. If he can say it best in French, then he does and explains why.  Language is about communication, and communication is a two-way street.  People are open to learning more about your language if your language gets the point across better.

For example: The French phrase “je ne sais quoi” has been nearly fully adapted into English because it’s simply the best way to say it.

_____________

In summary– don’t be so hard on yourself, and take it easy.

That’s all, folks!

This all started from a random site I found called thenester.com.  Apparently there is a group of people who have committed to posting a topical theme a day for 31 days.  31 Dayers 2012
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All as one

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“An anthropologist proposed a game to children in an African tribe. He put a basket full of fruit near a tree and told the children that whoever got there first won the sweet fruits. When he told them to run, they all took each others hands and ran together, then sat together enjoying their treats.

When he asked them why they had run like that when one could have had all the fruits for himself, they said, ‘UBUNTU, how can one of us be happy if all the other ones are sad?’ (‘UBUNTU’ in the Xhosa culture means: ‘I am because we are.)” – Success Nation

I love this story. I especially love it because stories like this seem to have become harder and harder to find.  It seems that daily our world becomes more and more skeptical, hard and pessimistic.

I find it interesting that, “One bad apple ruins the bunch,” meaning that if one is bad all are bad.  Or, that we focus so intensely on “the cycle of violence or poverty,” meaning that if you observe or are exposed to something bad you will probably be bad as well.  It seems that so many just assume the most negative of every person or every situation.  There are help groups and preventative organizations to catch what we must expect and accept due to the negative elements in our world.

If you ask most people if the world would be a better or worse place 100 years from now, not surprisingly most will respond worse.  (Supposedly this is a scientific research project).  Why is this?  If you watch television news or read the daily papers, how much of what you read is bad news?  How much is bad news in locations that you have no connection to, that are too far away or too long-lasting and historical that you feel you cannot do anything about it?  Most of it, I would guess, is bad or has negative connotations.  Look at politics, campaigning, top business coverage. Even the stories that are listed as “strange” have ominous undertones. I tried to find short news compilations to represent my point and one of the shortest I could find was 2:38 min and only 2 of the 10 stories had an ever-so-slight positive tone.  The shortest I found was only flash imagery and all of it looked bad to me.  Well aside from one picture of the royal wedding.

   

Even the reporters seem angry but can you blame them?

On the flip side when I tried to find positive news reels, this is what I found:

Woah.. sorry guys, it said, “Good: Top Stories..” My bad.  There were a couple positive notes in this one so I guess it works.  So actually I did not find any good news compilations.

Is it possible that bad news is the only news that exists?  Is it possible that our world is as bad as the papers and the telly indicate?  I don’t think so. I do think bad news grabs our attention.  Maybe it makes us feel better because someone has it worse than we do.  Bad news is easier and more interesting than good news.  Right?  Honestly, I prefer CSI, Criminal Minds, Dateline or 48 hours to some sappy, everyone wins after-school program or life-time show.  Why? These things are interesting from a psychological perspective for sure and these are the things that do exist in our society. Still.

What I think is that we need to occasionally put down the papers, shut off the television and start trying to be the change in the world we wish to see.  Pessimism is contagious.  It’s good to be aware.  If you are not aware you can’t fix anything or work towards a better world.  However, it is important to find balance, be aware of the evils but surround yourself with the postive.

Don’t get me wrong, good news is out there.  Granted you have to actively seek it out, work hard to maintain it and sometimes even create those moments all by your wee little self.. but they are out there.  You probably aren’t going to find them in any compilation, unless you create one yourself.

If you feel compelled to find your positive while sitting in front of the t.v. or only in your local neighborhood.  That’s fine. I read a quote from Voltaire that stated we should all cultivate our own gardens.  I mis-read it or didn’t read it completely as I later found out but I plan on keeping my own interpretation.  We each need to create the optimism we want to liv in, hope for the best and plan for the worst.  Surround ourselves with positive influences and in turn pass on the positive to others, pay it forward.  Here are some of my favorite positive inspirations or movies or songs.  Some are inspirational and some just make me laugh.

    

My final point and then I will get off my soapbox here, I recently had a teacher friend contact me through email and ask for some of the materials I had used while teaching at University.  She said that her students were not interested in anything she had prepared and she was now looking to re-vamp her curriculum with some motivational materials.   Motivational to her as well as her students.

Per Wikipedia- TED was founded in 1984 as a one-off event.  The annual conference began in 1990, in Monterey, California.[4] TED’s early emphasis was technology and design, consistent with its origins in the Silicon Valley. The events are now held in Long Beach and Palm Springs in the U.S. and in Europe and Asia, offering live streaming of the talks. They address a wide range of topics within the research and practice of science and culture, often through storytelling.[5] The speakers are given a maximum of 18 minutes to present their ideas in the most innovative and engaging ways they can. Past presenters include Bill Clinton, Jane Goodall, Malcolm Gladwell, Al Gore, Gordon Brown, Richard Dawkins, Bill Gates, educatorSalman Khan, Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, and many Nobel Prize winners.[6] TED’s current curator is the British former computer journalist and magazine publisher Chris Anderson.

During my teaching era, one of my favorite sites to visit was TED (Technology, Entertainment, and Design).  This is a site that started up in which featured well-done represents the best things about the Internet … and sometimes the world, for that matter. With the click of a button you can be inspired, educated, encouraged, wowed, or entertained by speakers from all walks of life.

Whether you’re looking to inspire or entertain your students, the following TED talks have terrific lessons embedded in fascinating talks.While not every single talk may float your boat, there are likely a few that you should think about showing to students this year.

O.K. now go on.. give someone a hug or a high five.. and don’t forget to give yourself one as well.. go spend time with friends and family and have some fun and make someone smile.  Have a great day.

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