Out like a lion or a lamb? This is the big question as we wrap up the month of March. We have seen winds for kite flying, hints of beautiful weather to come day after day, more sunlight, sprouting plants and flowers, returning birds. These hints and promises of great weather and growth are an exciting time for us. April brings our International Friends Spring Break!
Holy Week
Holy Week began with Palm Sunday (March 24). This Sunday celebrated that day that Jesus returned to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover (the Jewish holiday celebrating the Hebrews' freedom from slavery in Egypt). Maundy Thursday (March 28) observes the day Jesus celebrated the Passover meal and instituted the sacred act of Holy Communion or Eucharist. Jesus is condemned to death on Good Friday (March 29) and rises from the dead on Easter Sunday (March 31).
You are invited and welcomed by Cornerstone Lutheran Church to join us as we celebrate these dates. Find out more and come and see!
International Friends Spring Break April 1-5: No meetings or classes!
International Bible Study: Monday, 8:00-9:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom
We finished reading the New Testament with the last chapters of Revelation 19-22. These chapters are filled with the glory of the Lord. We see the description of Jesus as the one who is Righteous and True and now comes to exact judgement.
March 25: Let us read Mark 15 and 16 and revisit the first Holy Week and the saving work of Jesus who came out of love to save the world and not condemn it (John 3: 16-17) and who comes in glory in the last days. We will pick our next read.
American Sign Language: Tuesday, 5:00-6:00 PM EST (UTC -5), Zoom
We met and told each other briefly about a situation or experience. We are discovering gaps in our vocabulary as we encompass new topics and extend our attempts to communicate in different contexts.
March 26: Take a half an hour or hour to "interpret" a radio program, a television news article, a written article. Be prepared to tell us about your mad skills and enlighten us with the message.
American English and Culture: Thursday, 9:00-11:00 AM EST (UTC-5), Zoom
This week we met at the iWi International Women's celebration luncheon. We had a great time seeing our Friend's tabletop presentations of their home countries. Our Friend Feddy performed stand-up comedy that explained how we "split our brains" and become two people when we are bilingual. What happens when we are multilingual?!!
Kris, Cynthia, and I enjoyed talking with everyone. We loved watching everyone chatting comfortably and noticed how far everyone has come.
March 28: We are back on Zoom and wrapping up our business/professional language with the following topics: considering options and choices and presenting ideas. The United States is the land of opportunities. How do you consider and prioritize?
April 4: Spring Break but, you won't catch a break! Pick a tune and write a song (in English)
April is creative month. We are exploring writing poetry and songs. Fine tune your English cadence and pronunciation. Expand and explore and play with English.
April 11: Were you up to the challenge? Bring your song to class to fine tune.
April 18: Explore some more. What are--
April 25: Meet at CLC for open mic.
Kids' Conversation and More: Friday, 5:30-6:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom
Wow! What a fun meeting. We learned about a Japanese Youtuber and his dog Tempo. We found out that you can meet with Youtubers that you are a fan of. How do you find out where they will be? Here
And speaking of dogs and dragons...Tbe NeverEnding Story is a great movie. It is available on The Internet Archive (this is seriously a wonderful source for documents an so much more!).
And then there is Taylor Swift! She the phenom sweeping the music scene. Fans are called "Swifties" and have a huge impact on the music world. When Taylor tries a new genre of music, they follow and embrace the new style.
What keeps you up at night? This is the popular question for what bothers you or what is your pet concern. What do your worry about and then how do you plan and work to remove what bothers or concerns you? We had some severe weather locally that kept some of us up at night toward the end of the week. Fridays sirens are tested each week. Review siren
When something is going down, bystanders can be in the line of fire. Some people get involved and become and active bystanders. Notre Dame AU offers some specific suggestions for students. RAINN offers more tips and techniques. One diffusing tactic includes offering food to the people involved. This was a tactic my mom always used.
Summer School (or Summer Camp for language learners) and Classes: IU in Indianapolis is offering six week intensive English classes. Learn more: Program for Intensive English.
Meetings and Classes
International Bible Study: Monday, 8:00-9:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom
Revelation 18 tells in detail about the fall of a decaying society. Reading these accounts often generates sympathy and concern for the people that go along with the evil actors. Revelation 18 forewarns what happens. People who profit from the evil in city stand back and watch God's judgement. The fall occurs in just an hour. Righteous are warned to leave before the destruction.
March 18: Next week we begin with reading Revelation 19.
American Sign Language: Tuesday, 5:00-6:00 PM EST (UTC -5), Zoom
We were not able to meet as a class, but a couple of us met in person. Exploring and talking in person is different from online. ASL is a physical language and talking with each other is easier. It is time to continue to grow our vocabulary and skills by capturing events our lives.
March 19:
Choose two events or programs on TV and spend a half an hour to an hour narrating/interpreting the event in ASL. Tell us how it went.
Review up to Unit 6 in ASL at Work from the Internet Archive. Be prepared to tell us what was new and what you knew.
American English and Culture: Thursday, 9:00-11:00 AM EST (UTC-5), Zoom
Solving problems and taking responsibility are an important of conducting business both privately and in the workplace. We had a great discussion about working together and delivering and receiving goods and services. We talked broadly about respect, transparency, smiling, offering and negotiating solutions. Apologies can a part of problem solving as well as accepting an apology. The bottom line? Recognize people and acknowledge their needs. Be open to suggestions. Be authentic. Keep your sight on the goals and the steps to achieve them.
March 21: In-Person at the IWI Women's Day Banquet.
Kids' Conversation and More: Friday, 4:30-5:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom
No leprechaun traps! Therefore, no leprechauns were caught. Carolyn was on a road trip, so Zoom did not work as well with cell phone handoffs.
March 22: Share birthday parties and weekend trips.
Words and Phrases
an hour: "an" is used here rather than "a", which is the usual rule when using "a" or "an"
authentic: sincere
bottom line: important points
going down: is happening; usually used with something negative or illegal
Spring breaks are sprouting up all over! Many local colleges are breaking mid-March. Students flock to Florida looking for fun, but there are plenty of things to do and see around Indiana.
This month is business month. As we go about our business, be thinking about how often you connect with people and conduct business. We are highlighting spoken events and Google translate (or other apps) fill our conversational gaps. Written American English plays a big role in our conversations and expressing ourselves. Presenting ourselves to others smooths relationships. The same goes for how we present ourselves on paper. AI is proving to be a great tool for bridging written communication.
Perfect Your Elevator Pitch(es)
What is the one phrase that describes you and your intentions. This can be different from moment to moment or event to event. How do you communicate who you are and what you can give or what you need?
Introduce yourself?
What makes you unique?
What are your goals?
What can you offer?
The Oscars and The American Heart
Enjoy this Oscar nominated short about music and people who fix broken instrument provide children with the tools to live life to the fullest and pursue happiness. The Last Repair Shop. People come together to work to help children achieve their dreams. Do you hear their stories?
Do you hear their elevator pitch in their stories?
Minnetrista Glass Egg Hunt: March 23, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM free event. Hunt for beautiful glass eggs ($20 each, created by Ball State glass artists (in training)). Carolyn vouches for this event. It is worth the drive. Let her know if you plan to go!
Cornerstone Lutheran Church Egg Hunt: our host and sponsors have great plans for our children. Join the fun with a secular event: Easter Egg Hunt for kids up to the fourth grade. Sign up and enjoy!
Daylight Savings Time
We did "spring forward" on Sunday. This can be rough over the next few days depending on your schedule. Here in central Indiana, our kids get on the bus in the morning in the dark, so be sure to keep your eyes open!
Count Down to the Eclipse: April 8, from 1:50 to 4:25 PM
A swath of the Midwest is in the path of the total eclipse. Get excited!
There is no school that day. Get prepared! You do not want to look at the sun. Cool Creek Park has glasses for $3.00 each. There are other outlets in Hamilton County to pick them up: Where to Get Glasses
St. Patrick's Day (March 17) celebrates all things Irish. But who is St. Patrick and why the shamrock is a symbol of Ireland? This lovely article The Shamrock and the Holy Trinity from Finnish author Mari-Anna Stålnacke describes St. Patrick and his mission.
“In any language it is a struggle to make a sentence say exactly what you mean.”
—Arthur Koestler
American English includes many “problematic pairs” that provoke native speakers and language learners alike. In many cases, the pronunciation is the same, but the grammar and usage may be quite different, especially in formal writing. Do you know these?
A lot, alot, or allot?
A lot (adjective): many/much. Example:
He made a lot of money last year, so he had a lot of friends.
Alot: “Alot” is NOT a word. There are a lot of other words you can choose.
Allot (transitive verb): To portion or dole out an amount of money or goods. Example:
Social Security allots her $800 per month.
Her allotment (noun) arrives on the first of the month.
Already or all ready?
Already (adverb): describes a completed action. Example:
They already consulted a realtor about buying a new house.
All Ready (adverb): fully prepared. Example:
The cooler is packed; we are all ready for the picnic.
All right or alright?
All right (adverb): satisfactory, good, pleasing; safe, well. Example:
Is it all right if I call you this evening? I want to make sure you are all right after the accident.
Alright: Alright is NOT a word. It isn’t all right to use it in formal contexts.
All together or altogether?
All together (adverb): two or more people or things assembled in a group or united in goals; at the same time. Example:
We were all together for the first family reunion in ten years.
Altogether: (adverb). Entirely, wholly, or completely. Example:
They were altogether foolish to overspend on vacation.
A while or awhile?
A while (noun): a period or amount of time. Tip: A while is often used after a preposition e.g. in a while, for a while, after a while. Examples:
A while ago I talked to the team on a conference call.
We will delay the changes in policy for a while.
Awhile (adverb): for a while; for some time. Tip: Awhile usually comes after the verb. Examples:
I usually read awhile after I go to bed.
I exercise awhile each day.
Buy into or buy-in?
Buy into (transitive verb): To agree with, accept, or believe; to purchase part of a business in order to have some control over it. Examples:
I don’t buy into the idea that the Midwest is boring.
He bought into the new software company in Indianapolis because he liked living in Indiana.
Buy-in (noun): The acceptance or support of something (an idea, plan, or policy); the actual purchase of a part of a business. Example:
Without buy-in from the players, the new basketball coach will fail, and the team co-owner’s buy-in wouldn’t earn him a profit.
Meetings and Classes
American Sign Language: Tuesday, 5:00-6:00 PM EST (UTC -5), Zoom
We continue to stretch our abilities. Now that we have a comfortable vocabulary in our close community, we are looking outside of this to expand our capabilities by practicing. We are using ASL at Work from the Internet Archive. You can subscribe to the videos that are companion through Dawnsign Press.
March 12: Review up to Unit 6. Read and practice Unit 6. The goal here is to validate what you know and to help you understand ASL grammar and word order. Practice this week by interpretive signing along for at least an hour. What did you know? Where did you get hung up? What words/phrases did you need to fingerspell for the moment? Some examples: Watch basketball or racing (number review, ordination, names)
International Bible Study: Monday, 8:00-9:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom
We read and talked about Revelation 16 and 17. Revelation 16 tells about the final plagues. There is justice and consequences (verses 6-7) that are the result of the people refusing to repent (verses 9 and 11). Observations included:
Revelation 16:14: Be careful not to be tricked by miraculous sights and get deceived by those that only wish to harm others and self-gain.
Revelation 16: 15: Jesus says to be ready. He also says to stay clothed so as not to be shamed. We reflected that in Genesis and the Garden, Adam and Eve were naked until they sinned and God provided them with clothing to cover their shame. Jesus continues to "clothe believers in righteousness" through His actions.
Revelation 16: 18: There is an earthquake bigger than what has happened. For those of us who have lived through massive earthquakes and still live with rebuilding from the destruction, this hits home.
Revelation 17: This chapter provides a vision accompanied by an explanation. People continue to struggle with understanding even the explanation (which could indicate that this time has not come). What is clear is that the evil who are destructive and rejoice harming others ultimately hate turn against leaders and destroy each other.
March 11: Join us as we continue to read and learn together beginning with Revelation 18.
Sidebar discussion: John 3:16-17 describes Jesus' mission (His elevator pitch). Does Holy Week portend Revelation? Jesus cleanses the temple. Depending on where you read the story, there could be a question of whether this event happened once or twice. Take a look at each of the Gospels: Matthew 21:12-16, Mark 11:15-18, Luke 19:45-47, John 2: 13-16.
American English and Culture: Thursday, 9:00-11:00 AM EST (UTC-5), Zoom
Our study for the week was negotiation and arguments. Lucky for us our casual conversation opened with the week was vaccinations which opened the discussion for arguments. Arguments are not always hostile discussions. An argument can be a disagreement or opposing positions on a topic. Arguments can be thought provoking. Keep your cool and don't let your opponent get your goat. Check our Handouts page for handy phrases.
Negotiation is not just limited to business transactions. Family members negotiate throughout the day to solve problems and make decisions.
In the United States many things are nonnegotiable (or non-negotiable). Do not expect to negotiate prices at stores like Walmart and Target. Do not expect to negotiate your medical costs (that is the job of your insurance provider-call them. Also, the pharmacist may help you find alternative pricing but they do not set the price, this comes from your insurance).
Large ticket items like cars and appliances and houses can be negotiated, although many car companies have flat rate pricing now (because car salesmen have a bad reputation for high pressure sales).
Americans usually do not care to negotiate so if you are at a yard sale, don't expect to get a lower price (but it may not hurt to try).
Negotiations are not limited to money; intangibles can be part of the deal.
March 14: Solving problems and taking responsibility requires the ability to communicate and gain consensus. How do you solve problems? Do you own up to mistakes? How do you make amends? What are the usual positions of Americans when confronting problems and taking responsibility? Find handy phrases on our Handouts page. And
Kids' Conversation and More: Friday, 5:30-:6:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom
We talked a little bit about St. Patrick's Day and how we celebrate it (or not) in our home countries. In the United States, we love to celebrate St. Pat's. It is a fun excuse to get together and celebrate. We talked about what we would wish for if we caught a leprechaun. It's fun to compare notes about what would be good to be able to do or to have.
Since we Spring Forward on Sunday, March 10, our class runs from 5:30-6:00 PM EST (UR
March 15: Create a leprechaun trap! Myths and Legends of Leprechauns: 20 Facts from Discover Something New Every Day can help you plan a trap that would be attractive and catch one of these tricky creatures!
Want to read some fun books about Leprechauns? 21 Awesome Leprechaun Books for Kids has a good list of picture books as well as books for older readers for everyone to enjoy.
Words and Phrases
get your goat: do not get angry or annoyed
go about our business: live our daily lives
hits home: is relevant; strikes our heartstrings
is proving: demonstrating that something works
just to be safe: when something isn't necessarily necessary, but you do it anyway
on paper: in written form; this is also encompasses (includes) e-mails, etc.
opened: started, began
outlets: stores or other places to get something
own up to: admit when you do something (usually wrong or offensive, but maybe when you did something nice...I got a bouquet of flowers, but I don't know who sent them.
pick [them] up: get something
portend: foreshadow
saved for another time: take a rain check
sidebar discussion: something that is related but not
swath: a broad strip or area of something
take a look at: read through or review something informally
This year is flying by. I am always surprised when March rolls around. March is coming in like a lamb in the Midwest, but the Western mountains saw amazing amounts of snow.
Listen and watch this YouTube video for a great explanation. BUT listen to the automated voice. What qualities do you notice? What qualities are lacking?
Tickle your fancy and brush off your poetry skills with this read aloud.
The Farmer's Almanac is the source for predicting weather patterns and declaring lore in an intersection way. Ben Franklin wrote Poor Richard's Almanac which was published once year for 25 years. Ben Franklin is known for more than his publishing; he was an inventor and investigator. He is credited for discovering electricity by flying a kite that had a key hanging off the string (read this accountin the National Archives),
And to bring it all back to March...This month is famous for winds and stormy weather.
It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.~ Charles Dickens
March Madness
March Madness goes beyond the weather. It is all about collegiate basketball. Make your picks and fill out your bracket. No matter how close you follow the teams, you can be sure that underdogs will triumph and the unexpected is the norm.
The NCAA comprehensive guide the explains brackets, mascots, legends, and lore. Your picks based on mascots, colors, or just because you know someone that attends or attended the school is valid!
March Dates to Celebrate
There are many opportunities to celebrate in March (what's up with this?). Don't be afraid to own a day or two and celebrate from this list from USA Today.
March 4: National Grammar Day--Ahhhh! Here is a day near and dear to our hearts!
March 8: International Women's Day
March 10: Daylight Savings Time (DST) Spring your clocks forward ...and read the Indiana perspective
March 10: Ramadan begins (read more from Britannica)
March 14: Pi Day (3.14, get it? Celebrate all things circle and pie)
March 15: St. Patrick's Day: Everyone is Irish today! Celebrate with corned beef and cabbage (not Irish) and green beer (not Irish).
March 15: The Ides of March-Beware!
March 17: March Madness-Selection Sunday
March 19-20: March Madness-First Four
March 19: Spring Equinox
March 20:Purim is a joyous Jewish celebration. Check the bakery for triangular hamantaschen pastries.
March 21-22: March Madness-First Round
March 23-24: March Madness-Second Round
March 24: Palm Sunday is the first day of the Christian Holy Week.
March 25: Holi is the Indian festival of colors celebrating the beginning of spring.
March 26: Make Up Your Own Holiday! As if there are not enough fun days in March, just make up your own holiday and custom.
March 28: Maundy Thursday celebrates the Last Supper Jesus celebrated with His disciples. The Christian sacred practice of Holy Communion or the Eucharist was instituted on this night.
March 29: Good Friday is the day Jesus died on the cross.
March 28-29: March Madness-Sweet Sixteen
March 30-31: March Madness-Elite Eight
March 31: Easter is the day Jesus rose from the dead fulfilling the Gospel. Easter is also a secular holiday celebrated in the United States. Chocolate Easter bunnies, marshmallow Peeps, and egg hunts celebrate this spring holiday.
American English
Quotation marks play a bigger role in written English that for letting you know when someone is talking or has said something. Quotation marks are also used to indicate title of a book or article. Quotation marks can be used to show that a particular word or phrase has a significant meaning or that the word is a topic of the sentence rather than used in the sentence. There are double quotation marks (" ") and single quotation marks (' '). In American English, we only use single quotation marks when someone being quoted is quoting someone else:
Carolyn said, "I really don't like when we spring forward. It feels too early! But, as Benjaman Franklin said, 'Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.' I guess there might be an advantage to this afterall!"
Notice the punctuation marks (periods, exclamation points) are inside the quotation marks. This is the American way. Periods and commas always go inside the quotation mark when in America, but in the UK they may go outside (or check your style manual).
Let's not forget about "air quotes." When people use two curly, bunny ear fingers either once or twice when they are talking. Watch this YouTube video to learn more.
Want to "geek out"?
Quotations in GrammarBook.com provides a great, concise listing of rules and examples.
American Sign Language: Tuesday, 5:00-6:00 PM EST (UTC -5), Zoom
We giggled over signs featuring the "L" shape. Moving forward we are concentrating on building our phrasing and ASL grammar. The team has continued to grow and is moving beyond basic language.
March 5: We begin our study of "business" language and ASL. Come prepared to talk about negotiation and arguing. Is there a difference? How do you interrupt or ask for more information? What things are negotiable?
International Bible Study: Monday, 8:00-9:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom
Revelation 14 proved to be a rollercoaster ride. Verse 7 announces that "the hour of God's judgment has come." While it is human nature to get caught up in dramatic and terrible scenes, this chapter has a great deal of information about God and the motives and reactions of people.
Revelation 14: 1 and 9 tells that people will be identified whether they are the people of God or follow Satan by marks on their foreheads.
Angels announce events and outcomes. Yet, even to the last hour, verse 6 and 7
6 Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. 7 He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
Revelation 14-20 describes what God's justice looks like. This vision portrays justice that comes only when the time is ripe. Jesus is given the task of meteing out justice just as He was the sacrifice for all.
Revelation 15 opens with victory and a glimpse of heaven and the glory of God. The stage is set. Angels are sent out with final plagues. The power of God's glory fills the temple and no one can enter until after the final plagues. Awesome!
March 4: We begin with Revelation 16 and the final plagues on the people with the mark of the beast and their response.
American English and Culture: Thursday, 9:00-11:00 AM EST (UTC-5), Zoom
Civil discourse is talking about topics that are emotionally charged. Handling controversial subjects is important
March is Business Communications month at American English and Culture. Business "language" is a formal "language" in the U.S. Meeting expectations at work or interacting with other people in a "business" environment. This can include shopping and stores, yard sales and informal markets, attending concerts, movies, or other entertainment events, obtaining services like hair cuts, massages, etc.
March 7: You aren't off the hook! How many compound words did you find in the February 25 Update post? The writing prompt for that week was to write a short piece using 20 or more compound words...share your work.
Negotiating and arguing. Is there a difference between these? What are the words and phrases and behaviors to drive your point or communicate your position.
How do you negotiate? Do you split the difference? Are you a proponent of win win? How do you "get to yes"? Should everyone be satisfied at the end of a negotiation? In the United States we do not negotiate as a matter of course. Do not expect to talk down your pharmacy costs or your purchases at the grocery store or any big box store. You may negotiate with people at a yard sale or for a car, but most Americans shy away from negotiating with their neighbors.
March 14: Solving problems and taking responsibility requires the ability to communicate and gain consensus. How do you solve problems? Do you own up to mistakes? How do you make amends? What are the usual positions of Americans when confronting problems and taking responsibility?
March 21: In-Person at the IWI National Women's Month Celebration. Kris still has space at her table, so join us. Email us at indyintlfriends@gmail.com if you would like to attend or have a guest you would to accompany you. Practice professional communications such as showing interest and expressing appreciation, making small talk, questioning, and maintaining understanding.
March 28: Considering options and choices and presenting ideas. The United States is the land of opportunities. How do you consider and prioritize?
Kids' Conversation and More: Friday, 4:30-5:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom
Thanks for a super fun meeting! Our Friend described what is Leap Year and Leap Day and why this day is important to our calendar. Our Friends voted whether "time" was a natural or manmade construct. What do you think?
March 8: Let's talk about fun March dates and lore: St. Patrick's Day
Words and Phrases
drive your point: convince the your opponent in an argument
emotionally charged: makes us react on an emotional level
big box: Walmart, Costco, Kohls, etc.
construct: invention or ideology created to support a human idea or something that helps us to work together
in: we would often say "from the National Archives" but if you click the link you are taken to the archives and are literally there, not taking the article out of the archives
manmade construct: something made up by people to make life easier
meteing out: deciding
near and dear to our hearts: Love it!
own a day or two: This is a little complicated! Sooooo here is the long view: own=make it yours, celebrate or admit that this is something you do. "a day or two"=this is not limiting in number, please pick all that you want as an excuse to celebrate life with your family and friends.
rollercoaster ride: something that is positive and negative and positive and negative and positive
super: excellent or most wonderful when used idiomatically
talk down: negotiate a lower price for something
What/s up with this: Why is this happening? Why is this important? What is wrong with [fill in the blank-like "with mom"]
