(For Language I)
Check her out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-FBtoMHmjY
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
On Conversation... otra vez
A little while back... pre-Obama posting that is... I wrote about the possibility of starting up a conversation group (see the May 7th entry entitled "Comments vs. Posting... & Conversation"). Anyway, I didn't receive any answers. So, I ask again. What do you think about meeting in a park or in a bar every once in awhile to practice English? Or Spanish? Or just to talk? Let me know! Talk to you soon! Besos, Andi
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Obama[ the first black president of USA
At some point during the political campaign of the last election in the U.S.A. Obama was clearly beating Hillary within his party and then the polls also showed that he was ahead the opponent party. But some people close to me kept saying that he was not going to win the election, that it was impossible for a black man to become the president of the USA, that somehow Americans were not going to allow that. Fortunately my friends were wrong. Evidently the election´s results showed that the voters didn´t take account of the colour of his skin. I think that fact was really a great step in the struggle against racial discrimination in American´s society.
Displacement: Darfur and Advocacy
Links for Language I:
On Darfur
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR): Voices from Darfur
http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/events/opendoc.htm?tbl=EVENTS&id=433943dc4
On Advocacy & Celebrity Ambassadors
Angelina Jolie Visits Chad Province in 2004
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no_yViscKWc&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fvideo.google.com%2Fvideosearch%3Fsource%3Dig%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D%26%3D%26q%3Dangelina%2520jolie%2520africa%2520movie%26um&feature=player_embedded
On Darfur
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR): Voices from Darfur
http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/
On Advocacy & Celebrity Ambassadors
Angelina Jolie Visits Chad Province in 2004
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
...Obama...
Well, I'll better continue my post.
In my point of view it would be important to mention some of the situations Obama had to struggle with since he was a child.
'Coon' and 'Nigger' are some phrases that were said (and that might be still said) to refer to black people, but in an offensive way. These were words Obama listened most of the time. Maybe, people who mentioned this sort of words don't know the reason for calling black ones like this. This might be a social problem, and they may become familiar with them since their childhood.
Obama, and most black people, had to be careful with the words he used while taljing with white people and those he used while talking with black ones, too.
This is what made him feel confused with himself. He didn't find the differences between black abd white people, but the society was showing him these differences between them all the time.
In my opinion, our country has at least this advantage of not having to handle with this big differences between people. I wish this sort of ploblems come to an end as soon as possible, not only in U.S.A. but also around the world; due to the fact that discriminated people suffer a lot because of it, and this situations are remenbered by them every minute of their life.
In my point of view it would be important to mention some of the situations Obama had to struggle with since he was a child.
'Coon' and 'Nigger' are some phrases that were said (and that might be still said) to refer to black people, but in an offensive way. These were words Obama listened most of the time. Maybe, people who mentioned this sort of words don't know the reason for calling black ones like this. This might be a social problem, and they may become familiar with them since their childhood.
Obama, and most black people, had to be careful with the words he used while taljing with white people and those he used while talking with black ones, too.
This is what made him feel confused with himself. He didn't find the differences between black abd white people, but the society was showing him these differences between them all the time.
In my opinion, our country has at least this advantage of not having to handle with this big differences between people. I wish this sort of ploblems come to an end as soon as possible, not only in U.S.A. but also around the world; due to the fact that discriminated people suffer a lot because of it, and this situations are remenbered by them every minute of their life.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Andi!
Hi Andi! and hi everybody! I´m Soledad from 4th year and I just wanted to make a short contribution to the blog by letting you know that I think this blog was a great idea of you Andi!
Well, you already know some stuff about myself, but anyway, in case you don´t remember I will introduce myself again. As I already mentioned I´m Soledad, but eveybody call me "Sol", that´s my nickname! I´ve been living in Rosario for 9 years now but I´m not from this city, my hometown is 120 km from Rosario and my family in living there, I´m 26 years old and I´m really fond of studying English, I love this subject and I also like this oportunity that the Institute is giving us, to have you here helping us studying, learning and brushing up our English every single day. Thank you very much for that Andi!
I think you are a really nice and sweet person that is always willing to help us eventhough you don´t know us! Besides, I think you really know a lot, not only about English Language and Literature but also a little bit about everything! that´s great! Congrats!
Well Andi, this is all for now, hope you are feeling well here in Argentina, and everybody treats you with the greatest respect, like you deserve to be treated.
love, xxx
Well, you already know some stuff about myself, but anyway, in case you don´t remember I will introduce myself again. As I already mentioned I´m Soledad, but eveybody call me "Sol", that´s my nickname! I´ve been living in Rosario for 9 years now but I´m not from this city, my hometown is 120 km from Rosario and my family in living there, I´m 26 years old and I´m really fond of studying English, I love this subject and I also like this oportunity that the Institute is giving us, to have you here helping us studying, learning and brushing up our English every single day. Thank you very much for that Andi!
I think you are a really nice and sweet person that is always willing to help us eventhough you don´t know us! Besides, I think you really know a lot, not only about English Language and Literature but also a little bit about everything! that´s great! Congrats!
Well Andi, this is all for now, hope you are feeling well here in Argentina, and everybody treats you with the greatest respect, like you deserve to be treated.
love, xxx
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Barack Obama - President of the United States.
The last class we talked about Barack Obama. As regards the article, Barack Obama had a difficult and a hard childhood. He was unfairly discriminated by white people. I don't understand why people do that. I think that Obama is a great and honest person. We cannot judge him by his appearance or by his skin. We need to gain trust to change. In my opinion it is a fundamentally change to the United States and I am sure that he is able to manage the country with his policy.
Julia
Julia
Obama
I didn´tknow that Obama was raised only by his mother and, as some people say, as a "white man". i think is great that he could have access to a good education and a good life, but that doesn´t mean he did not suffer discrimination for having dark skin.
He seems to have a strong personality wic helped him to get where he is now.
He has the power, for better or worst, to change some things. What he does from now on, we will see it with time.
He seems to have a strong personality wic helped him to get where he is now.
He has the power, for better or worst, to change some things. What he does from now on, we will see it with time.
My dream
Regarding the last conversation in the classroom about Obama, I would like to say that in my opinion it's unfair that some people feel that they are better than others. Every individual being has the same rigths, and we have to respect each other so in this way we can live in peace.
I hope that everyone understands that we are in this world to be happy so we should help one and other.
I hope that everyone understands that we are in this world to be happy so we should help one and other.
Barack Obama
We think that Obama is a controvertial figure, due to the USA is one of the most discriminating countries of the world.
The fact that a "nigger" had come into power is a kind of revolution for America and the world. because we know that in the 1920's, Americans had created the Ku Klux Klan wich was known for persecuting black people. Years after, the most discriminating part was situated on the southern part of the country. We are sure that this question of discriminating blacks still in people's mind, and that most of the amercans are against Obama's presidency.
We consider that this is an opportunity for black people to be integrated and less discriminated all around the world.
We hope this staff of discrimination ends and the human rights of everybody be the same for white, black, yellow and all the people.
A comment about Obama´s writting
When we first read the text, what most surprised us were those many slights. We didn´t think he could use those kinds of words because it´s really difficult to imagine a country´s leader making insults in such a way. Anyway, this is not that bad: He is a person like all of us.
Obama seems to be a commited and honest man who can lead a country. He is the first afro-american president of the United States but is this that shocking? Is the colour of skin so important? In our opinion it doesn´t really matter. It´s a matter of trust and commitment.
Luciana and Guillermina.
Obama seems to be a commited and honest man who can lead a country. He is the first afro-american president of the United States but is this that shocking? Is the colour of skin so important? In our opinion it doesn´t really matter. It´s a matter of trust and commitment.
Luciana and Guillermina.
The real value of a person
Well about the others day's conversation about Obama, I think that one of the main problems in the USA and Argentina too is that everyone has their minds so closed that it's not possible for them to understand different people. That's why I suppose the black people are discriminated against all over the world, as are asian people, aborigens, or latinos at times...The topic is really complicated, but I think that until people open their minds the change is not going to be possible. But I would like for people who consider themselves to be superior to think about whether or not it is really true that they are really superior because of the colour of their skin, eyes or hair...I think not.
"The magnificence of a person is measured by his actions not by his physical appearance."
This is one of the phrases that I live by.
I would like that you consider this idea.
"The magnificence of a person is measured by his actions not by his physical appearance."
This is one of the phrases that I live by.
I would like that you consider this idea.
A comment about Obama when he was a teenager
Last class we read a fragment from Obama's book (Dream from my father) which shows other face about this important character.
His life not always was as successful as it is now. In his childhood and teenage Obama had to pass through a lot of discriminative experiences for being black or, as white folks used to call him, "nigger". Moreover, because of personals problems, he started taking drugs like marihuana. (to be continued)
His life not always was as successful as it is now. In his childhood and teenage Obama had to pass through a lot of discriminative experiences for being black or, as white folks used to call him, "nigger". Moreover, because of personals problems, he started taking drugs like marihuana. (to be continued)
My comment about an extract about Obama (but now it's finished)
We were told to write a comment about an extract about Obama's chilhood. First of all, I want to say that I don't know much about him.
In my opinion, he would be a good president for U.S.A.; he seems to be responsible and enough brave to deal with the problems a country could have.
It is unbelievable that in a country as U.S.A. people find such a difference between black ones and white ones. In Argentina, in spite of not being accostumed to see black people, I think we don't discrimitate them when they are here. Sometimes, in my point of view, people use to see them as 'odd', but just because there aren't many black people living here. Maybe, they feel a bit discriminated in cases like this, but I think this isn't people's intention.
Well, I'll better continue my post. In my point of view it would be important to mention some of the situations Obama had to struggle with since he was a child. 'Coon' and 'Nigger' are some phrases that were said (and that might be still said) to refer to black people, but in an offensive way. These were words Obama listened most of the time. Maybe, people who mentioned this sort of words don't know the reason for calling black ones like this. This might be a social problem, and they may become familiar with them since their childhood. Obama, and most black people, had to be careful with the words he used while taljing with white people and those he used while talking with black ones, too. This is what made him feel confused with himself. He didn't find the differences between black abd white people, but the society was showing him these differences between them all the time. In my opinion, our country has at least this advantage of not having to handle with this big differences between people. I wish this sort of ploblems come to an end as soon as possible, not only in U.S.A. but also around the world; due to the fact that discriminated people suffer a lot because of it, and this situations are remenbered by them every minute of their life.
In my opinion, he would be a good president for U.S.A.; he seems to be responsible and enough brave to deal with the problems a country could have.
It is unbelievable that in a country as U.S.A. people find such a difference between black ones and white ones. In Argentina, in spite of not being accostumed to see black people, I think we don't discrimitate them when they are here. Sometimes, in my point of view, people use to see them as 'odd', but just because there aren't many black people living here. Maybe, they feel a bit discriminated in cases like this, but I think this isn't people's intention.
Well, I'll better continue my post. In my point of view it would be important to mention some of the situations Obama had to struggle with since he was a child. 'Coon' and 'Nigger' are some phrases that were said (and that might be still said) to refer to black people, but in an offensive way. These were words Obama listened most of the time. Maybe, people who mentioned this sort of words don't know the reason for calling black ones like this. This might be a social problem, and they may become familiar with them since their childhood. Obama, and most black people, had to be careful with the words he used while taljing with white people and those he used while talking with black ones, too. This is what made him feel confused with himself. He didn't find the differences between black abd white people, but the society was showing him these differences between them all the time. In my opinion, our country has at least this advantage of not having to handle with this big differences between people. I wish this sort of ploblems come to an end as soon as possible, not only in U.S.A. but also around the world; due to the fact that discriminated people suffer a lot because of it, and this situations are remenbered by them every minute of their life.
What I've read about Obama's memoirs was very shocking. I think his testimony shows how cruel people (in this case teenagers) can be and how racism is shown every day in every single situation.
The most powerful part of the text is, where his assistant basketball coach said: "There are black people, and there are niggers. Those guys were niggers." This statement surprised me because it's true that there are these kinds of verbal fights between peoplewhich are not easily resolved. Here ( in Argentina) the same things happen. You can see it with different groups of people.
I think that the text makes me change my point of view of how USA lifestyle is and I'd like to see a little bit more about it.
The most powerful part of the text is, where his assistant basketball coach said: "There are black people, and there are niggers. Those guys were niggers." This statement surprised me because it's true that there are these kinds of verbal fights between peoplewhich are not easily resolved. Here ( in Argentina) the same things happen. You can see it with different groups of people.
I think that the text makes me change my point of view of how USA lifestyle is and I'd like to see a little bit more about it.
Barack Obama
After reading this passage about Obama, I think he’s not a “common president”, more than that, it seems to me that he's a "common person", I mean, he doesn't seem interested only in politics or in himself; he cares about people and their interests, what they need, what they what, etc.
I don't know very much about this character but he looks different: he's a very humble, simple person and doesn't want fame, in comparison to other presidents. It's a fact if I had to choose a candidate like him, I'd do it.
Even he's a black person, it doesn't mean he weren't a good person...
-Noelia
I don't know very much about this character but he looks different: he's a very humble, simple person and doesn't want fame, in comparison to other presidents. It's a fact if I had to choose a candidate like him, I'd do it.
Even he's a black person, it doesn't mean he weren't a good person...
-Noelia
Obama and his political career
From my point of view it was really interesting to read somenthing about Obama before he started his political career. I've realised that he always was an open-minded person and very committed to his work and thoughts. He suffered from discrimination when he was young as well as his friends and the black people around him, so he always tried to improve the treatment that black people receive. The article also shows that he was a common person who did common things like everybody else. Those experiences are useful when you are leading a country because you know how people think and what people need.
I do believe he will be a great president, of course he will have many obstacles since US society is a complex society with many prejudices. However, I'm sure he will succeed and he and his goverement will change some of those prejudices. Also, they will make a better country and a better world, because racism is everywhere.
I do believe he will be a great president, of course he will have many obstacles since US society is a complex society with many prejudices. However, I'm sure he will succeed and he and his goverement will change some of those prejudices. Also, they will make a better country and a better world, because racism is everywhere.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Comments vs. Posting... & Conversation
I must say, first, that I was thrilled to read each one of your contributions. Thanks for sharing! Keep it coming. I think this blog will be a great way for us to continue learning from one another.
Now for some feedback:
(Don’t worry, I’m not going to mention anything having to do with grammar). I’m just going to throw out a point to consider regarding format. Notice that when you post a comment below one of my entries, there’s no way for me to write back. I can’t comment on another person’s comment. On the other hand, if you decide to create a new post, then I (and the rest of the readers) can respond to your writing by posting a comment. It’s up to you to decide which option you prefer.
How do you create a new post? There are a few ways, but here’s what I find to be the easiest. Log into your account by entering your username and password at https://www.blogger.com/start. After you click “Acceder,” you’ll be taken to a page called your Dashboard. There you will find a blue button that reads “New Post.” Click it, type your entry, then click the orange button that says “Publish Post.” That’s all. Let me know if you run into any problems.
And now on the topic of conversation:
During the language classes at Bernardo Houssay, I’m used to answering questions about my life in the states, my thoughts on Argentine culture, and of course—English vocabulary. The conversation rarely strays beyond these terms. The other day, however, a student took me off guard by asking me if I could lead a workshop on relaxation. He wanted a way to help ease the nervousness that flares up when asked to speak in front of the class. At the time, I couldn’t think of anything other than yoga. And even though I love it, I don’t see how the practice of poses and breathing can (directly, anyway) help someone feel comfortable speaking another language.
I still don’t have any ideas for a relaxation workshop, but I have thought of a way to reduce the stress that may build up during classroom discussions. Why don’t we meet outside of class? Perhaps in smaller groups so more people get a chance to speak? The only way to feel more comfortable and confident, or so I’ve found, is through practice.
So let me know what you think (here on this blog if you feel like it). Are you interested in starting a conversation group to meet every once an awhile in a park or at a bar? Do you have time? How would it work (would we choose certain topics to discuss or just show up and chat?)? Would you want to have a different group for each year of students? Keep in mind that we don’t have to do it— so feel free to voice your opinion either way.
Now for some feedback:
(Don’t worry, I’m not going to mention anything having to do with grammar). I’m just going to throw out a point to consider regarding format. Notice that when you post a comment below one of my entries, there’s no way for me to write back. I can’t comment on another person’s comment. On the other hand, if you decide to create a new post, then I (and the rest of the readers) can respond to your writing by posting a comment. It’s up to you to decide which option you prefer.
How do you create a new post? There are a few ways, but here’s what I find to be the easiest. Log into your account by entering your username and password at https://www.blogger.com/start. After you click “Acceder,” you’ll be taken to a page called your Dashboard. There you will find a blue button that reads “New Post.” Click it, type your entry, then click the orange button that says “Publish Post.” That’s all. Let me know if you run into any problems.
And now on the topic of conversation:
During the language classes at Bernardo Houssay, I’m used to answering questions about my life in the states, my thoughts on Argentine culture, and of course—English vocabulary. The conversation rarely strays beyond these terms. The other day, however, a student took me off guard by asking me if I could lead a workshop on relaxation. He wanted a way to help ease the nervousness that flares up when asked to speak in front of the class. At the time, I couldn’t think of anything other than yoga. And even though I love it, I don’t see how the practice of poses and breathing can (directly, anyway) help someone feel comfortable speaking another language.
I still don’t have any ideas for a relaxation workshop, but I have thought of a way to reduce the stress that may build up during classroom discussions. Why don’t we meet outside of class? Perhaps in smaller groups so more people get a chance to speak? The only way to feel more comfortable and confident, or so I’ve found, is through practice.
So let me know what you think (here on this blog if you feel like it). Are you interested in starting a conversation group to meet every once an awhile in a park or at a bar? Do you have time? How would it work (would we choose certain topics to discuss or just show up and chat?)? Would you want to have a different group for each year of students? Keep in mind that we don’t have to do it— so feel free to voice your opinion either way.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Hi!
Hi Andy! I'm Ornela from the Houssay Institute. Well first of all, I'd like to tell you that it's a great experience having you helping us improve our English. This is an opportunity to both learn from a native- nothing could be best than this!, and to contact other culture, other language.
About me, for those who don't know me, I'm 22 and I live in Rosario. Maybe I could tell you what my goals are, sometimes, they describe better a person than writting a few lines. Having graduated both as a translator and English teacher, I'm planning to keep on improving my level so as to obtain as many degrees as possible and eventually I'll move to Europe - or even further- and teach this wonderful language there. What I want most is to never quit studying and meeting new people, which may lead into travelling all around the world! By doing so, all my dreams will come true. The rest is up to my own fate.
By the way, the idea of having a place where we can express our thoughts and ideas is brilliant! i've enjoyed doing this so much! See you!
About me, for those who don't know me, I'm 22 and I live in Rosario. Maybe I could tell you what my goals are, sometimes, they describe better a person than writting a few lines. Having graduated both as a translator and English teacher, I'm planning to keep on improving my level so as to obtain as many degrees as possible and eventually I'll move to Europe - or even further- and teach this wonderful language there. What I want most is to never quit studying and meeting new people, which may lead into travelling all around the world! By doing so, all my dreams will come true. The rest is up to my own fate.
By the way, the idea of having a place where we can express our thoughts and ideas is brilliant! i've enjoyed doing this so much! See you!
Hi, my mane is Sebastian, 30 years old...
I´m a lawyer and I´m very happy to study English with all of you. I wish we had a great year and it´s wonderful to have a native speaker with us, so we have to take advantage of this situation. Well, if you want to know somenthing else about me, please ask me.
Kisses for everybody...
I´m a lawyer and I´m very happy to study English with all of you. I wish we had a great year and it´s wonderful to have a native speaker with us, so we have to take advantage of this situation. Well, if you want to know somenthing else about me, please ask me.
Kisses for everybody...
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