An article “Some Friends and I started Talking: Conversation and Social Change” by Margaret J. Wheatley explorers possibility of conversation in our life. Wheatley describes many social changes begun with having a conversation; the power of conversation is emphasized in the article. But she also reveals that social change is not going to happen with any kind of conversation; she states, “Change doesn’t happen from a leader announcing the plan. Change begins from deep inside a system, when a few people notice something they will no longer tolerate, or when they respond to someone’s dream of what’s possible” (Wheatley par. 5). The author suggests that the conversation which make the society different is the one attract people’s will. Following two tips change ordinary conversation to powerful conversation. One is welcome others opinion; the author suggest, “What’s important at the start is that everyone’s voice gets heard, that everyone feels invited into the conversation” (18). Another tip is that being open to one’s criticism; Wheatley mentions. “Another surprising but important element of conversation is a willingness to be disturbed, to allow our beliefs and ideas to be challenged by what others think” (20). Conversation becomes deeper and stronger by openness; this nurtures unified and thoughtful ideas which trigger social change.
When I read this article, I reminded the importance of openness in the conversation, because I have learned how important to be open-minded especially when I have crucial conversation with group of people through my personal experience. When I think my opinion is right, I tend to be close-minded; this result in blocking others’ opinion since I feel listening to others is wasting my time; as a result, others feel offended by my blocking attitude, since many of them may feel that I am treating them as inferior through not listening to them. Then, ironic language starts appearing in the conversation; consequence is more likely having a quarrel rather than having a conversation. I have had many experiences like this when I was talking with friends who seemed not wise to me. However, my living experience in the U.S. changed my attitude toward any kind of people in conversation. My first living experience away from my parents in foreign country with foreign country made me feel ignorant due to lack of knowledge in the culture and the language. This feeling help me to listen to others, since I was not sure what is ideal among American People; there was necessity to learn from other’s opinion. Another reason which made me open-minded was noticing diversity in the U.S. I noticed there are so many racial and cultural backgrounds here and everybody thinks differently; I became very interested in listening one’s opinion because diversity of opinion entertained me through hearing something I never imagined. Through the process, I became aware of how important to be open-minded. I realized that people become very friendly when I listen to them; they can feel that I respect them and their opinion through listening their opinion; they become open to my opinion as well since I demonstrate care to them. And I also realized that Iistening to others may bring some point of view, I have never thought about. Since everyone thinks differently, one’s opinion varies as well; this approach from others open my eyes to come up some fresh ideas. I noticed that my action of listening to others serves sort of ice breaker to the people to open their mind, which more likely to result in meaningful honest conversation without ego and pride. People who seemed unwise was actually holds unique idea ; in fact, they were wise, I was the unwise person who was blocking others’ opinion, which missed opportunity to elaborate my idea. Now, I know how important to listen to others in order to make them feel involved which helps my opinion to be elaborated and approved. I strive to be open-minded always, sometimes, it is not easy to accomplish, and however, I believe it comes with practice. I am more open-minded than before, which make my life more interesting and smoothes. I am looking forward to be more productive and unbiased through listening others’ opinion.
Work Cited
Wheatley, Margaret J. “Some Friends and I Started Talking: Conversation and Social Change” Exploring Language. Ed. Gary Goshgarian. New York: Longman, 2008. 311-15. Print.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Nonverbal Cues Talk More than Words
Have you had experience that you kept distance from someone who was dressed far away from others? Or have you felt your friend who has comical expression is making fun of you even though his words contain sense of consolation? These situations occur very often to everyone, because either strongly or weakly, we more likely determine our mind based on nonverbal cues rather than actual words. Let’s analyze how my body language, the way I talk, my facials expressions, dress style, and mental attitude give vibes to the people around me, to see how powerful nonverbal cues are.
First, many people use body language to emphasize their expression. It is very common nonverbal cue used in the speech. I personally believe that when I use appropriate amount of body language accompanying the words contents, I attract audience. For instance, when I am talking about something “big,” spreading my both arms widely emphasize the meaning and it reinforces audience’s understanding. However, when I use body language exaggeratedly, many listeners start laughing even though the content I am talking is nothing comical. If I do not use body language at all, many audiences would think that I have no passion toward subject I am talking. Therefore people get influenced by body language to determine their mind.
The way I talk can influence people’s thought strongly as well. For example, when I talk in same tone like a robot, many people would lose their interest even though I am talking something what exactly people want to hear. Talking passionately always attract audience’s interest by making them pay attention.
How about my facial expressions? I believe most of people receive message through facial expression than actual words when there is contradiction between them. When I have sad expression, and tell my friends that “I am happy,” they are more likely to think that I am sad. It is very common to hear somebody claiming that “you are not sorry!” when I say “sorry” with laugh, because he prioritizes my facial expression over what I am talking.
Dress style is another strong nonverbal cue which influence people’s mind. When I was dressed very casually, I felt that some people are not really listening to me and not agreeing with me. However, when I dressed formally, my audience was looking at me and listening to me seriously even though I was talking exactly same matter; their feedback were very positive. People’s reaction varied through judging my dress style. Wearing suits when we have business reunion is anther evidences that we care how we dress, because we unconsciously know that our dress style affects customers thought strongly.
Finally, mental attitude affects others around me strongly; unlike other nonverbal cues, this cue actually affects our word choice. When I have positive mental attitude, I usually have appreciative and supportive attitude, which nurture compliment and encouragement. On the other hand, when I have bad mental attitude, I often end up choosing criticizing and denial word choices. Mental attitude affects the verbal cues strongly.
As we examined, nonverbal cues play crucial role in the speech or conversation. In order to convey right thought, we should consider how our nonverbal cues influence the audience, because those cues are very powerful; they more likely win against verbal cues. We should avoid conflict between verbal and nonverbal cues in order to convey our thoughts correctly. Now, I will try to focus on non verbal cues to avoid misunderstanding by others.
First, many people use body language to emphasize their expression. It is very common nonverbal cue used in the speech. I personally believe that when I use appropriate amount of body language accompanying the words contents, I attract audience. For instance, when I am talking about something “big,” spreading my both arms widely emphasize the meaning and it reinforces audience’s understanding. However, when I use body language exaggeratedly, many listeners start laughing even though the content I am talking is nothing comical. If I do not use body language at all, many audiences would think that I have no passion toward subject I am talking. Therefore people get influenced by body language to determine their mind.
The way I talk can influence people’s thought strongly as well. For example, when I talk in same tone like a robot, many people would lose their interest even though I am talking something what exactly people want to hear. Talking passionately always attract audience’s interest by making them pay attention.
How about my facial expressions? I believe most of people receive message through facial expression than actual words when there is contradiction between them. When I have sad expression, and tell my friends that “I am happy,” they are more likely to think that I am sad. It is very common to hear somebody claiming that “you are not sorry!” when I say “sorry” with laugh, because he prioritizes my facial expression over what I am talking.
Dress style is another strong nonverbal cue which influence people’s mind. When I was dressed very casually, I felt that some people are not really listening to me and not agreeing with me. However, when I dressed formally, my audience was looking at me and listening to me seriously even though I was talking exactly same matter; their feedback were very positive. People’s reaction varied through judging my dress style. Wearing suits when we have business reunion is anther evidences that we care how we dress, because we unconsciously know that our dress style affects customers thought strongly.
Finally, mental attitude affects others around me strongly; unlike other nonverbal cues, this cue actually affects our word choice. When I have positive mental attitude, I usually have appreciative and supportive attitude, which nurture compliment and encouragement. On the other hand, when I have bad mental attitude, I often end up choosing criticizing and denial word choices. Mental attitude affects the verbal cues strongly.
As we examined, nonverbal cues play crucial role in the speech or conversation. In order to convey right thought, we should consider how our nonverbal cues influence the audience, because those cues are very powerful; they more likely win against verbal cues. We should avoid conflict between verbal and nonverbal cues in order to convey our thoughts correctly. Now, I will try to focus on non verbal cues to avoid misunderstanding by others.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Global Language English and Its Future
Nowadays, the term globalization is heard everywhere in the world. The place I have lived before, Japan, Ecuador, and the U.S. all countries focus on this concept every day. Globalization increased the necessity of having communication tool among people all over the world. One of the vital communication tools is a language. Now many people from choose to use English as their tool to communicate with whom has different language background. Many people claim English as a global language; it is second most spoken language after Chinese Mandarin, and it is most spoken foreign-language in the world. According to Carla Power’s “Not the Queen’s English,” “English now outnumber native speakers 3 to 1” (Power 199). This suggests that how English is spread all over the world as foreign communication tool. Power also acknowledges that “Within a decade, 2 billion people will be studying English and about half the world—some 3 billion people—will speak it” (199). It seems there is no doubt English is encouraged language in the world. I remember that I used English to communicate with my friend from Holland when I was in Ecuador. I speak with my Korean and Chinese friends with English as well. In most of Japanese public school system adapt English as a second language in their curriculum. In Ecuador, English is emphasized even for elementary school students. It seems English dominates foreign language choice for many countries, and knowing English is a key tool to succeed in global environment now. However, will this language remain the dominant as a global language in 20, 50 or even 100 years from now? In order to forecast future of the global language, we have to know the reason what makes particular language prominent. According to David Crystal in his article “Why a Global Language?” he illustrates, “A language has traditionally become an international language for one chief reason: the power of its people—especially their political and military power” (Crystal 183). I strongly agree with his opinion since England constructed one of the strongest empires to influence the world, and now United States is the strongest country politically, militarily, and economically. However, we do not know if English speaking country is going be prominent in the future. For instance, China is nurturing its economical power dramatically over this 25 years; Chinese government is increasing its political power and military power as well; in fact, Chinese GDP is said to exceed Japanese GDP this year to be number two highest GDP country in the world. The problem of the United States faces now is lack of skilled labor within the country due to citizen’s lack of education. Douglas McGray in his article “Lost in America,” suggests that “Soon, we hear, the United States will become a nation of baristas and retail clerks, while Asians leave their kids with the Nannybot” (McGray 204). This may trigger serious economical downturn in the future. Therefore I forecast, English speaking population decreases little by little. However hope is potential countries such as China and India currently are focusing on educating citizens with English. Therefore, I believe English is going to be most spoken foreign language in 20 years from now. How about 50 years from now? It is harder to forecast. According to Barbara Wallraff’s “What Global Language,” she states, “In 2050…the world will hold 1,384 million native speakers of Chinese, 556 million of Hindi and Urdu, and 508 million of English” (Wallraff 190). It seems there will be big Chinese influence in the world; If American economy does not remain strong, I think many other countries decide to shift English to other language which is spoken in the country with strong economy and political power such as Chinese in 2060. How about a century from now? This one is almost impossible to forecast, but I believe it depends on how English speaking countries act on developing their counties; most prominent language can be English, Chinese, or Hindu. Since many countries emphasize on English as their second language, it is easier for English to maintain its strong position, therefore I believe there will not be another language replaces English soon. However, if English countries fail to succeed in economic, political, and military power, another language which is spoken in influential country is going to replace it, because foreign countries are not adopting English as their mother tongue, the rise of another language is possible. It is hard to practice only one global language for such diverse world.
Work Cited
Cristal, David. “Why a Global Language?” Exploring Language. Ed. Gary Goshgarian. New York: Longman, 2008. 178-86. Print.
McGray, Douglas. “Lost in America” Exploring Language. Ed. Gary Goshgarian. New York: Longman, 2008. 203-10. Print.
Power, Carla. “Not the Queen’s English” Exploring Language. Ed. Gary Goshgarian. New York: Longman, 2008. 198-202. Print.
Wallraff, Barbara. “What Global Language?” Exploring Language. Ed. Gary Goshgarian. New York: Longman, 2008. 187-97. Print.
Work Cited
Cristal, David. “Why a Global Language?” Exploring Language. Ed. Gary Goshgarian. New York: Longman, 2008. 178-86. Print.
McGray, Douglas. “Lost in America” Exploring Language. Ed. Gary Goshgarian. New York: Longman, 2008. 203-10. Print.
Power, Carla. “Not the Queen’s English” Exploring Language. Ed. Gary Goshgarian. New York: Longman, 2008. 198-202. Print.
Wallraff, Barbara. “What Global Language?” Exploring Language. Ed. Gary Goshgarian. New York: Longman, 2008. 187-97. Print.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Back to the Basic
This week, I have read essays related to language construction and its influence. I learned many methods which affect certain way. This is useful to know in order to enhance my critical reading and writing skill. I read ten essays; the subjects vary from how choice of font may affect readers feeling to how knowing audience helps to choose and shape information. But one of the most informative essays to me is “The Case for Short Words” by Richard Lederer. The author explains how short words are powerful comparing to long words. This article changed my idea toward English writing upside down!
How many of you tried to impress audience by using big words or bureaucratese to show your intelligence? I think many of you tried such method to decorate your idea; I was not the exception. When comes to the writing, I tend to search more difficult or complicated words as possible, rather than simple short words, to make it look gorgeous. But Lederer points out that how use of short words effect audience positively in his essay. He states, “Big words can make the way dark for those who read what you write and hear what you say. Small words cast their clear light on big things…Big words at times seem strange to the eye and the car and the mind and the heart. Small words are the ones we seem to have known from the time we were born, like the hearth fire that warms the home” (Lederer par. 2). This idea clicked my brain to remind that how I used to use short words to explain something new to that person; I often takes a while to understand the concept explained by big words. In addition, I tend to use simple words when I communicate with others. I may confused my audience through use of big words; because my motivation of using big words was, making my essay looks more complicated, rather than telling my thought directly, in order to show my skill of expression to the audience; I distorted some of my idea slightly different from my original thought by using big words.
Lederer also acknowledges us how short words were used in the work of one of the most famous writers in the history as following, “Nobody used the short word more skillfully than William Shakespeare” (par. 8). When I read this fact, I was very surprised that Shakespeare accomplished his famous works without much big words. This fact encourages me to use powerful simple words.
After reading Lederer’s essay, I became aware of using big words does not equal to better writing; I felt extremely relieved since I became released by pressure of using big words; now I can enjoy being me by writing with simple words which is more likely my natural reflection in writing, since I do not talk or express myself as politician. Of course there are cases big words are necessary for essay when those add understanding, however, now I have an idea that use of the language has to be clear to the audience if I want to correctly acknowledge or inform my audience, so I will focus on analyzing the fact that if my word choice deliver my idea clearly rather than focusing on decorating my essay. I saws short words in new light; now, I am not afraid to use such basic words.
Work Cited
Lederer, Richard. “The case for Short Words” Exploring Language. Ed. Gary Goshgarian. New York: Longman, 2008. 122-24. Print.
How many of you tried to impress audience by using big words or bureaucratese to show your intelligence? I think many of you tried such method to decorate your idea; I was not the exception. When comes to the writing, I tend to search more difficult or complicated words as possible, rather than simple short words, to make it look gorgeous. But Lederer points out that how use of short words effect audience positively in his essay. He states, “Big words can make the way dark for those who read what you write and hear what you say. Small words cast their clear light on big things…Big words at times seem strange to the eye and the car and the mind and the heart. Small words are the ones we seem to have known from the time we were born, like the hearth fire that warms the home” (Lederer par. 2). This idea clicked my brain to remind that how I used to use short words to explain something new to that person; I often takes a while to understand the concept explained by big words. In addition, I tend to use simple words when I communicate with others. I may confused my audience through use of big words; because my motivation of using big words was, making my essay looks more complicated, rather than telling my thought directly, in order to show my skill of expression to the audience; I distorted some of my idea slightly different from my original thought by using big words.
Lederer also acknowledges us how short words were used in the work of one of the most famous writers in the history as following, “Nobody used the short word more skillfully than William Shakespeare” (par. 8). When I read this fact, I was very surprised that Shakespeare accomplished his famous works without much big words. This fact encourages me to use powerful simple words.
After reading Lederer’s essay, I became aware of using big words does not equal to better writing; I felt extremely relieved since I became released by pressure of using big words; now I can enjoy being me by writing with simple words which is more likely my natural reflection in writing, since I do not talk or express myself as politician. Of course there are cases big words are necessary for essay when those add understanding, however, now I have an idea that use of the language has to be clear to the audience if I want to correctly acknowledge or inform my audience, so I will focus on analyzing the fact that if my word choice deliver my idea clearly rather than focusing on decorating my essay. I saws short words in new light; now, I am not afraid to use such basic words.
Work Cited
Lederer, Richard. “The case for Short Words” Exploring Language. Ed. Gary Goshgarian. New York: Longman, 2008. 122-24. Print.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Power of the Speech
Martin Luther King Jr. is well known Black civil rights leader in 1950s and 1960s who dedicated his life to earn equality for colored people. His passion and the idea such as nonviolent direct action to abolish inequality in the Southern states in the United States inspired many American citizens to abolish such injustice laws. One of his most knows speech is “I have a dream” speech, which is delivered on the steps of Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. in 1963. Why this speech became so popular and claimed as a one of the most powerful speeches in American History? Today, I will analyze the greatness of his “I have a dream” speech by critical thinking skill I have acquired in the English class.
One of the most important factors which made this speech great was the location and the time period. 196os was one of the most active decades which Black Civil Rights movement took place. Elijah Mohammad’s Nation of Islam, Black Panthers, and Freedom riders, many types of organization were active to fight against inequality in the South. Especially, Martin Luther King Jr. guided non violent direct action despite of violent southern governor’s treatment against such protestors. If speech was made a decade earlier, I believe it would not have that strong impact as it did in 1960s, because terrible actions of southern police toward nonviolent African Americans were not known widely. Thus, the time speech was made was a crucial factor which made the speech so powerful.
The location of the speech where took place was another important factor. Lincoln Memorial, which represents spirit of President Lincoln, was significant as well; Lincoln was the leader of Abolitionists who guided to terminate harsh slavery. Therefore Lincoln can be seen as a symbol of freedom for African Americans. Therefore, giving speech where resides freedom spirit of Lincoln was very important; the President of the United States represents the nation as well as American spirit; It seemed Martin Luther King Jr. inherited Great Spirit of Lincoln and represented the idea to whole America from its capital. If it was made in any other location, it would not have same impact as Lincoln Memorial; because there is no place represents America’s political heart and the father of abolitionists.
Other facet which made this speech remarkable is its way of delivering message. Some of the words and phrases are highly repeated. For example, word justice and injustice are both repeated more than 3 times during the speech; those words trigger human nature’s conscience to fight for inequality. Also repeating the phrase “I have a dream” has strong impact on American people, since many Americans are aware of American dream; I believe there is a message of that, African Americans are also like other Americans, who should be able to dream and have right to dream come true. I am sure that many listeners were touched and became emotional to hear the phrase.
Addressing landscapes in each state as a symbol of freedom was another unique way of delivering the message. I believe Martin Luther King Jr. intended to express how sublime freedom is by making connection to the Mother Nature, may be acknowledges audience that freedom is beautiful as God’s creation.
In conclusion, unique rhetoric use of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech, combined with location and the time period, made the speech one of the most variable speeches in the history. Now, I understand why I felt this is great. We all get feeling when we read, see, or listen. We usually take it for granted, however, analyzing the reason behind the feeling lead toward some interesting discoveries of myself. This discovery can be used to improve my life as a useful tool. Therefore, I would like to continue the journey of critical thinking through this blog.
One of the most important factors which made this speech great was the location and the time period. 196os was one of the most active decades which Black Civil Rights movement took place. Elijah Mohammad’s Nation of Islam, Black Panthers, and Freedom riders, many types of organization were active to fight against inequality in the South. Especially, Martin Luther King Jr. guided non violent direct action despite of violent southern governor’s treatment against such protestors. If speech was made a decade earlier, I believe it would not have that strong impact as it did in 1960s, because terrible actions of southern police toward nonviolent African Americans were not known widely. Thus, the time speech was made was a crucial factor which made the speech so powerful.
The location of the speech where took place was another important factor. Lincoln Memorial, which represents spirit of President Lincoln, was significant as well; Lincoln was the leader of Abolitionists who guided to terminate harsh slavery. Therefore Lincoln can be seen as a symbol of freedom for African Americans. Therefore, giving speech where resides freedom spirit of Lincoln was very important; the President of the United States represents the nation as well as American spirit; It seemed Martin Luther King Jr. inherited Great Spirit of Lincoln and represented the idea to whole America from its capital. If it was made in any other location, it would not have same impact as Lincoln Memorial; because there is no place represents America’s political heart and the father of abolitionists.
Other facet which made this speech remarkable is its way of delivering message. Some of the words and phrases are highly repeated. For example, word justice and injustice are both repeated more than 3 times during the speech; those words trigger human nature’s conscience to fight for inequality. Also repeating the phrase “I have a dream” has strong impact on American people, since many Americans are aware of American dream; I believe there is a message of that, African Americans are also like other Americans, who should be able to dream and have right to dream come true. I am sure that many listeners were touched and became emotional to hear the phrase.
Addressing landscapes in each state as a symbol of freedom was another unique way of delivering the message. I believe Martin Luther King Jr. intended to express how sublime freedom is by making connection to the Mother Nature, may be acknowledges audience that freedom is beautiful as God’s creation.
In conclusion, unique rhetoric use of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech, combined with location and the time period, made the speech one of the most variable speeches in the history. Now, I understand why I felt this is great. We all get feeling when we read, see, or listen. We usually take it for granted, however, analyzing the reason behind the feeling lead toward some interesting discoveries of myself. This discovery can be used to improve my life as a useful tool. Therefore, I would like to continue the journey of critical thinking through this blog.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Language: Powerful Tool to Have Better Life
The power of the language is enormous; it can break misunderstanding and even stereotyping. I have learned this lesson through my living experiences in the countries where do not speak my mother tongue.
I was born in New Jersey but when I was 6 months old, my Japanese parents took me to Japan. So I grew up with Japanese language without any inconvenience in communication. I have encountered my first language barrier when I started home staying program in Pennsylvania. I did not study English when I was in Japan, so I was almost unable to communicate with my new American family; I was very frustrated that I cannot express what I wanted to say. I felt like I returned to 3 years old child who cannot take care himself; I was desperate to go back to Japan as soon as possible. But gradually I start learning and talking English, this made my life more interesting by knowing my American family who are very kind and thoughtful people. Eventually, I decided to stay in the U.S. longer than I planned because of fond of the language and communicating with new people. This English learning process guided me to go to the College in country side in Oklahoma, in order to be banned from Japanese language in order to concentrate in learning and talking in English. During college life in Oklahoma, I experienced something I never expected; I had not talked in Japanese for such a long time, I realized that I had hard time talking in Japanese when my friend made international call; he told me that I speak like a foreigner. I realized that if I do not use it, I lose it, even though Japanese was my mother tongue. It is all about practice.
My best friends in the college were mainly Latinos and they were mainly talking in either Spanish or Portuguese. This experience encouraged me accept the kind offer my best friend gave me; which was going to Ecuador to learn Spanish and Latin Culture. It was a quite experience!
May be due to the geographical distance and also cultural distance between Asia and Ecuador, most of people do not know about Asia and they have misunderstanding and stereotyping against Asian people. Some of them just want to make fun of Asians, or some are really aggressive. I heard it used to be not rare to through stones to Asian people. Fortunately, the situation got better than before. However, it was common to be teased or yelled when I was walking in the street, or having dreadful customer service because of my appearance; It was very frustrating experience. I often got mad in being such situation which made situation even worse.
But one day, I realized that I also have stereotyping and biased idea toward Ecuadorian people through meeting many wonderful Ecuadorian people. I became to understand that if I wanted to be treated with respect, I have to have positive attitude to break the stereotyping and misunderstanding. Then I started to communicate with people who already have attitude towards me; for example start conversation about weather today with a smile. Usually, this little tip changes their attitude significantly in a good way, and usually talking to them in their own language make them surprised and loosen; in fact, some of them told me that they did not expect that I speak Spanish and they all sudden became very interested in me, which provided the opportunity to explain about Japan and its culture; this works toward breaking misunderstanding and stereotyping. When I encountered teasers, now I have humor to yell them back with the joke; this make them laugh and also embarrassed by the joke which was made by the person who is not expected to response in their language. Finally I have recognized how the language can be used to improve our life. The language can make life better or worse; it all depends on our decision.
I was born in New Jersey but when I was 6 months old, my Japanese parents took me to Japan. So I grew up with Japanese language without any inconvenience in communication. I have encountered my first language barrier when I started home staying program in Pennsylvania. I did not study English when I was in Japan, so I was almost unable to communicate with my new American family; I was very frustrated that I cannot express what I wanted to say. I felt like I returned to 3 years old child who cannot take care himself; I was desperate to go back to Japan as soon as possible. But gradually I start learning and talking English, this made my life more interesting by knowing my American family who are very kind and thoughtful people. Eventually, I decided to stay in the U.S. longer than I planned because of fond of the language and communicating with new people. This English learning process guided me to go to the College in country side in Oklahoma, in order to be banned from Japanese language in order to concentrate in learning and talking in English. During college life in Oklahoma, I experienced something I never expected; I had not talked in Japanese for such a long time, I realized that I had hard time talking in Japanese when my friend made international call; he told me that I speak like a foreigner. I realized that if I do not use it, I lose it, even though Japanese was my mother tongue. It is all about practice.
My best friends in the college were mainly Latinos and they were mainly talking in either Spanish or Portuguese. This experience encouraged me accept the kind offer my best friend gave me; which was going to Ecuador to learn Spanish and Latin Culture. It was a quite experience!
May be due to the geographical distance and also cultural distance between Asia and Ecuador, most of people do not know about Asia and they have misunderstanding and stereotyping against Asian people. Some of them just want to make fun of Asians, or some are really aggressive. I heard it used to be not rare to through stones to Asian people. Fortunately, the situation got better than before. However, it was common to be teased or yelled when I was walking in the street, or having dreadful customer service because of my appearance; It was very frustrating experience. I often got mad in being such situation which made situation even worse.
But one day, I realized that I also have stereotyping and biased idea toward Ecuadorian people through meeting many wonderful Ecuadorian people. I became to understand that if I wanted to be treated with respect, I have to have positive attitude to break the stereotyping and misunderstanding. Then I started to communicate with people who already have attitude towards me; for example start conversation about weather today with a smile. Usually, this little tip changes their attitude significantly in a good way, and usually talking to them in their own language make them surprised and loosen; in fact, some of them told me that they did not expect that I speak Spanish and they all sudden became very interested in me, which provided the opportunity to explain about Japan and its culture; this works toward breaking misunderstanding and stereotyping. When I encountered teasers, now I have humor to yell them back with the joke; this make them laugh and also embarrassed by the joke which was made by the person who is not expected to response in their language. Finally I have recognized how the language can be used to improve our life. The language can make life better or worse; it all depends on our decision.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
My First Blog Ever
Hi everybody, this is Jun who is an ESL student in College striving to improve critical thinking through English literatures.
I have thought in blogging many times since many of my friends have own blog and they express themselves through this tool; they sometimes write very interesting things which I never heard from them through regular conversation; traditional blog has to be published through writing, this process may guide them to think thoroughly via converting ideas to solid writing. Therefore I think blog is very fascinating. However, it is little bit embarrassing to me to express myself through blog. I am sure that I will get used to it though.
In the blog, I plan to express my thought related to my reading accompanied with critical thinking. Hopefully I can show the improvement in critical reading, writing, and thinking step by step through uploading my blog. But what does “critical thinking” mean? To me, critical thinking means to analyze the idea thoroughly; it includes and not limited to: find the purpose of idea, confirm creditability of idea, analyze the consequences after implementing the idea, and so on. This skill helps us to have better decision in our life. When I read critically, usually think what the purpose behind of characters’ action is; when I think critically, I usually try to find conflict in the statement to find the real reason behind. We use it sometimes without thinking; for instance, when we buy groceries, we tend to analyze price and feature of the products comparing to similar products; we also refuse suspicious sales call, otherwise, we would be deceived; we tend to vote someone reliable for president through not believing candidates statement without proving it , otherwise, we would vote for political hypocrite; We prove our points backed up with critical thinking when we discuss in the class, otherwise, the points are not strong enough to convince the class mates. However, there are so many critical thinking approach exist and some of the approach will be new to me, so I have to learn them and also apply them in actual life in order to take advantage of full benefit from critical; they are tough process, but I believe they will bring good result; I expect mastering the skill would guide me to view the world from different approach and it eventually results in discovering hidden facets which are hard to find. Actually, writing a blog is a good idea to practice critical thinking, especially to me, since it will be published to the public through world wide web; this fact will remind me that I have to work well in order to have good thought to the public because I would be embarrassed to post something I am not sure about or too obvious. As a result, I will examine my thought thoroughly before posting through many critical approaches.
Being an ESL student is not easy when it comes to English reading and writing, especially with critical approach; but without challenge, there will not be improvement. I have heard “no pain no gain” many times from many people, I am big fun of this word; I know it will not be easy but I am looking forward to apply and improve my critical thinking through this blog in order to have productive and fun life. I will upload my though based on reading Animal Farm by George Orwell soon!
I have thought in blogging many times since many of my friends have own blog and they express themselves through this tool; they sometimes write very interesting things which I never heard from them through regular conversation; traditional blog has to be published through writing, this process may guide them to think thoroughly via converting ideas to solid writing. Therefore I think blog is very fascinating. However, it is little bit embarrassing to me to express myself through blog. I am sure that I will get used to it though.
In the blog, I plan to express my thought related to my reading accompanied with critical thinking. Hopefully I can show the improvement in critical reading, writing, and thinking step by step through uploading my blog. But what does “critical thinking” mean? To me, critical thinking means to analyze the idea thoroughly; it includes and not limited to: find the purpose of idea, confirm creditability of idea, analyze the consequences after implementing the idea, and so on. This skill helps us to have better decision in our life. When I read critically, usually think what the purpose behind of characters’ action is; when I think critically, I usually try to find conflict in the statement to find the real reason behind. We use it sometimes without thinking; for instance, when we buy groceries, we tend to analyze price and feature of the products comparing to similar products; we also refuse suspicious sales call, otherwise, we would be deceived; we tend to vote someone reliable for president through not believing candidates statement without proving it , otherwise, we would vote for political hypocrite; We prove our points backed up with critical thinking when we discuss in the class, otherwise, the points are not strong enough to convince the class mates. However, there are so many critical thinking approach exist and some of the approach will be new to me, so I have to learn them and also apply them in actual life in order to take advantage of full benefit from critical; they are tough process, but I believe they will bring good result; I expect mastering the skill would guide me to view the world from different approach and it eventually results in discovering hidden facets which are hard to find. Actually, writing a blog is a good idea to practice critical thinking, especially to me, since it will be published to the public through world wide web; this fact will remind me that I have to work well in order to have good thought to the public because I would be embarrassed to post something I am not sure about or too obvious. As a result, I will examine my thought thoroughly before posting through many critical approaches.
Being an ESL student is not easy when it comes to English reading and writing, especially with critical approach; but without challenge, there will not be improvement. I have heard “no pain no gain” many times from many people, I am big fun of this word; I know it will not be easy but I am looking forward to apply and improve my critical thinking through this blog in order to have productive and fun life. I will upload my though based on reading Animal Farm by George Orwell soon!
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