Sunday, February 25, 2024

Wrapping Up February

Hello, Friends.

Do you miss spring and summer activities? Spring is on its way, but meanwhile, enjoy some indoor markets:

Favorite you pick farms that continue to have a storefront throughout the winter months:

Friend Media Recommendations

The Moth Podcast: the art and craft of storytelling

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah: a story about apartheid in South Africa. Read the book. A You Tube summary


Heros and Gratitude

This article in Positive Psychology talks about the importance of gratitude and our wellbeing. Expressing gratitude can be done in many ways...Fair warning: I feel a song coming on!


Famous Hoosier Word Hunt

Find Hoosiers to admire or emulate in this word hunt. 


Why word hunts? They help us to recognize letter combinations typical in a language. This particular one indicates historical naming conventions of our Hoosier community. Any of these people is worth the time to read a Wikipedia article (or dive deeper) to learn more about the people that are important in shaping American culture.


Tweaking English

Compound words are interesting. Apart, the words mean one thing, but when combined the take on different meaning. 

Webster describes three types of compound words:

  • Solid: firefighter, sometimes, babysit, bedroom, airport
  • Hyphenated: up-to-date, double-check, cost-effective
  • Open: health care, ice cream, jack in a box
More fun facts:
  • Not all compound words are listed in dictionaries and style (or the way these words are written and used) are up to the writer-editor and can vary.
  • Compound words can be any part of speech: noun, verb, adjectives. 
  • When compound words are verbs they are often called phrasal verbs.
  • Compound Words: Open, Closed or Hyphenated offers more information about these words (that may be phrases)
  • Cut to the chase with this list of 1000 Compound Words (have some fun and search a few of them; you will discover that they may or may not be written as "closed" words across the internet-which is not a compound word).
How many compound words are in this Update? The winner gets a prize!


Meetings and Classes

American Sign Language: Tuesday, 5:00-6:00 PM EST (UTC -5), Zoom

Talked about Abraham Lincoln. One fun and funny "mispronunciation" is that if you miss sign Lincoln (for the president) the common slang sign loser (slang for someone who doesn't fit in).


February 27: Sign about your heroes. Tell about Leap Day.


International Bible Study: Tuesday, 8:45-9:45 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

The first portion of our meeting was spent on logistics. We are moving this Zoom meeting to Monday, 8:00 PM Eastern Time, beginning March 4.

We read and talked about Revelation 13. This chapter may be difficult to imagine and to understand. Many people have equated the stories to specific times in history or try to equate what is being described to current events. Verse 7 gave us pause. The people of the earth worship the beast, but not the people of God. God reminds his people to endure and be patient. We discussed that this is not a horrible or impossible task because we have the community of believers to support us. We have God controlling the situation. Verse 15 highlights severe intimidation and global deception by the beast to control the people. Verse 18 offers the clue: "Wisdom is needed here. Let the one with understanding solve the meaning of the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man." 

February 27: Join us as we begin with Revelation 14.


American English and Culture: Thursday, 9:00-11:00 AM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

Thursday's meeting included telling about our heros. We talked about people who are close to us and our lives as well as people who had a great impact on the world. Presenting and/talking to a larger group can be intimidating, but everyone presented a confidently. We learned more about each other. We learned more about ourselves.

We recapped honorific titles and talked about when and where we use them. Words include:

  • Mr.
  • Mrs.
  • Miss
  • Ms

Professional titles:

  • Dr. or doctor
  • Pastor
  • Father
  • Professor
  • Military ranks
  • President
  • Senator
  • Justice (judge)

There are opposing perspectives on the terms sir and ma'am. This CNN article talks about how some women feel old as opposed to being respected when called ma'am. Alternately, this Q&A explains how it is rude or disrespectful for people living in the Southern states. This Stack Exchange provides specific direction.

February 29: Happy Leap Day! 

Kick off the morning talking about compound words and their uses. Writing prompt for the week is to write a short piece using 20 or more compound words.

Civil discourse (an open compound word) is an important part of living in a community and in American culture. The arena of politics is given a bad rap when it comes to discussing diverging points of view. Lee Hamilton and Dick Luger of Indiana are heroes of political discourse. Watch this PBS special to spark our conversation. What are phrases and strategies to keep discussions from becoming arguments or confrontations?


Kids' Conversation and More: Friday, 4:30-5:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

We chatted about George Washington. Our Friend reported on President Washington's historical significance. We filled in folklore: cherry tree, wooden teeth, "I cannot tell a lie."

March 1: What is Leap Day? Why do we add a day to the calendar? What are local traditions and lore about Leap Day?

Here are helpful articles: 

The Consequences of Eliminating Leap Years Explained by ScienceAlert (msn.com)


Words and Phrases

emulate: imitate

honorific: speaking to or about a social superior


Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Week 3: Thaw and Freeze

Hello, Friends.

The United States is finally seeing true winter weather, for a day or two. Watch the ground. Crocuses are already blooming under the snow. Ducks are returning. Surprise snows spur spring sprigs. (Say that one fast five times!)

People are tapping maple trees. It seems early for trees to be sending up their sap and waking up. Other trees that can be tapped for syrup include walnut, birch, boxelder, and sycamore. This delicious treat requires time and patience but people are saying it is worth the effort and satisfaction.

Let's Dine Out: Northside

Our conversations always turn to delicious food and memorable meals. Valentines Day was a great opportunity to explore new restaurants or to visit favorites. Many of these destinations offer upscale food in a comfortable atmosphere.

In America

Motor Sports

A sure sign of spring is motor racing. There are two major types of racing in the U.S.: NASCAR and IndyCar (yes, this type originated in Indiana at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway). Many people don't get hooked on racing and find the event to be boring. Other enjoy watching the competition and strategy each race brings. Lucky for us, the race was rained out and we can tune in Monday after 4:00 PM. If you read this after the fact, you can compare how the race was run.

Daytona 500 schedule and how to watch 2024 NASCAR Cup opener

What's Going Around?

Do you have the a runny nose? Are you tired? Do you have body aches? It is that time of year! Do you ride it out or need some help. Read more on the National Foundation of Infectious Diseases. Practice saying and asking qu

If you just have the sniffles, you may just be having a histamine or allergic reaction. 

Tweaking English

Say or tell? These words are not interchangeable. When do you say something? When do you tell someone something? 

  • You can tell a story or tell a tale.
  • You can tell me directions or tell me when to come over. 
  • You can say the Pledge of Allegiance. 
  • You can't tell whether I have the flu or COVID, can you?
  • Let's say we meet a 9:00.
  • She told me to meet a 9:00.

Try the worksheet on our Handouts page for some fill in the blank practice.

Love is...

For meditation: Love is not a feeling or emotion. Love is action. 

Here are many ways of loving.

Meetings and Classes

We welcome new friends to share our linguistic journeys! This year is a master class: learn to learn what you need.  Sign up and join us!

American Sign Language: Tuesday, 5:00-6:00 PM EST (UTC -5), Zoom

We talked about different groups. We found that our vocabulary was lacking from limited topics of conversation and needed some sprucing up! We are selecting topics to stretch us away from our everyday conversational vocabulary.

February 20: Let's talk about Abraham Lincoln. What a person has to say tells a lot about them and the world they live in. Rather than talk about Lincoln's life and history, let's talk about what he had to say and tell what we think about his perspective. Here are two different links for Lincoln quotes.

International Bible Study: Tuesday, 8:45-9:45 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

We read Revelation 10 through 12. Below are brief observations, but we find that we are enriched every time we read these vivid descriptions and chapters. A new image sparks thoughts and feelings of awe in God's power and confidence in his love for us.

Revelation 10: John is given a small scroll to eat. He is told that it will taste sweet in his mouth and sour in his stomach from a massive angel. Verse 7 tells that "the mystery of God will be accomplished" when the seventh trumpet is blown; there will be no more delay. Observations: the Bible is like food for us; an acceptance of the whole of the message which is bigger than we are; many times things seem to "taste" good in the beginning, but as we "digest" them they can cause worry and anxiety.

Revelation 11: This chapter refers to two prophets that are referenced and described in Ezekial and Zachariah (two prophetic books from the Old Testament). John is given some specific timelines and some horrifying details. Verse 18 offers insight into God's fair judgment and physical, environmental results.

Revelation 12: Tells the story of Satan being evicted from heaven after a battle. Verse 12 tells heaven to rejoice that the devil is gone, but that he knows he is running out of time and Earth will suffer his anger and panic. He accuses believers in the creator God and the Savior Jesus. But the people are able to withstand evil. Satan accuses. God is the judge.

February 20: We continue our reading and commenting with Revelation 13.

American English and Culture: Thursday, 9:00-11:00 AM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

We spent time talking about the plurals of they and them and then broke into smaller groups to compare home country they/them cultures or we/us. Stereotypes and prejudices can inform how we speak to and about different groups. The United States is full of many people and many cultures. As we reach out to our neighbors, having an open mind helps with communication.

  • Police are helpful.
  • Firemen are attractive.
  • Lunch ladies are mean.
  • Nuns scare me.
  • Rural Americans are not well educated,

February 22: Let's talk about our heroes and respectful language in general. Please read and/or write a short biography about a hero. This can be an everyday person or a person of renown. Here is a short read about my hero and something about him that connects with all of us: Richard P. Feynman.

Bring your crayons and your stretchy band to continue alternative practice. 

Kids' Conversation and More: Friday, 4:30-5:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

Our Zoom took us on the streets in the snowstorm (timing can be everything). We talked about Abraham Lincoln. 

February 23: Let's talk about George Washington.

Words and Phrases

after the fact: when something has already passed in time; reflect on something in the past

enriched: improve the quality of something

everyday: something you encounter regularly and may overlook

fortified: provided with defense or increased value

interchangeable: can used equally or in the same context or situation

lacking: missing something

linguistic: study of language

observations: examine to gain information; notice; remark about something or a situation

on the streets: outside of the classroom or office or home environment

prophetic: accurately describing something happening in the future; relating to a prophet or prophecy

ride it out: endure something to a more postive end

running out of time: a deadline is rapidly approaching

sniffles: a stuffy nose

spent time: were occupied with something

turn to: move to consider a new topic

upscale: on the expensive side

vivid: produce powerful feelings and images

withstand: offer strong resistance; are not affected

Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Week 2: I Love You

 Hello, Friends.

I posted this in the wrong place! My apologies! 

This week has so many days and events to observe and celebrate. 

Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday or Carnival, February 13: In many Christian-based cultures a day of celebration precedes Ash Wednesday and Lent. Everyone celebrates a little differently: in the United States Mardi Gras parades and parties in New Orleans, Louisianna are famous. Here is a calendar of the events in NOLA.

Ash Wednesday, February 14: Ash Wednesday kicks off the Lenten season in the Christian church. You may see people with ashes in the shape of the cross on their foreheads (or hands). Ashes are a symbol of repentance for sins against others and God.  This article from the Indy Star describes the practice of Ash Wednesday and answers common questions. You are welcome to attend services at Cornerstone Lutheran Church at any of the sites. Click on the link for more information.

Valentine's Day, February 14: Be sure to show your love to your Valentines! Flowers, candy, cards, jewelry and sweet words and punny phrases. Here are some catchy tag lines and slogans from Brandon Gaille: Small Business & Marketing Advice.

Chinese New Year Celebrations, February 10-25: Celebrate over 15 days! This CNN article covers popular customs and explains more about the Year of the Dragon. Many of these practices are plays on words and puns both by sound and by the characters they represent. Examples:

The Chinese character for hair is the first character in the word for prosper. Therefore washing or cutting it off is seen as washing your fortune away.

You’ll also want to avoid purchasing footwear for the entire lunar month, as the term for shoes (haai) sounds like losing and sighing in Cantonese.

 

Tweaking English

Our Worksheets and Handouts Page has a fill in the blank practice exercise using talking words.

Meetings and Classes

American Sign Language: Tuesday, 5:00-6:00 PM EST (UTC -5), Zoom

We had a wide-ranging conversation. Our vocabulary was stuck in review mode. 

February 12: Let's stretch! We will talk about "others" this week including using the pronouns "we" and "them" and naming, describing, and discussing groups and their characteristics. Be on the lookout for people groups to describe and talk about but not gossip...or maybe...

International Bible Study: Tuesday, 8:45-9:45 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

We read and talked about Revelation 6-9. These chapters can be difficult to understand because they are written about frightening and potentially unknowable events. We discovered that disasters listed are repeatedly suffered by humans. That Jesus is the one to open the seals demonstrates that he is in control of the situation. We know from the Bible and from Jesus, himself, that he loves and protects us. There is comfort in knowing that God is in control of these events, and we can rest easy when we keep our focus on him.

Prophetic books are unusual; we talked about how we have to take the written words at face value.

Revelation 6 When we considered the five horsemen and what they bring to the Earth, we realized that humans have and will repeatedly disasters, but knowing that God has our back and that Jesus is in control is a comfort.

Revelation 7 This chapter is itemizes and describes who will be preserved. The heavenly realm worships. John (who is in the throne room of Heaven) is quizzed by an elder and is given the answer. The poem at the end of the chapter describes God's people and how Jesus leads and preserves them. Comforting reminders to face the things to come.

Revelation 8: Jesus breaks the seventh seal. All is still then trumpets are given to seven angels to announce the next events. One angel is given an incense burner (a double edged sword: prayers and salvation; judgment and destruction) and the smoke brings the prayers of God's people to him. Fire is thrown from the burner to earth carrying physical destruction of 1/3 land, water, and the heavens.

Revelation 9 The Fifth and Sixth trumpets announce disaster as never before seen pours out on the earth. Imagination can run wild as we try to envision what John is witnessing. He describes using the words "is like". Even through these terrors and plagues, some people persist to follow evil paths.

February 13: Join us as we begin with Revelation 10.

American English and Culture: Thursday, 9:00-11:00 AM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

We met in person and celebrated Valentine's Day and birthdays. Our mixer was to take on an identity and use "I" statements to promote our identity. We also shared delicious sweets and exchanged White Elephant gifts. The morning passed too quickly, and we had great fun.

One suggestion that came out of our meeting was to share our pictures via Instagram. I am looking into creating an Instagram account for International Friends. Help!

February 15: We are back on Zoom. We practiced presenting ourselves and role play alter egos. But, speaking another language is about connecting with other people. This next we week are focusing on "them and they". How does a person connect with others? What are opinions and values that can get in the way? 

Get your crayons and a blank piece of paper ready as we get colorful with doodling to explore how drawing and color can help us creatively process and retain information.

Many of us are on job hunts. Let's continue to talk about the practices of getting and retaining a job as a reflection of ourselves as well as the "others" in American organizations. What is acceptable and unacceptable and how do we avoid burning bridges?

Writing prompts for reflection:

  • What is different about how your home country approaches a job search and what is expected in the U.S.?
  • It's a Gamble: reflect on a time when you took a risk and the outcome.
  • How do you move from "them or us" to "we"?

Kids' Conversation and More: Friday, 4:30-5:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

We shared Martin Luther King's life and learned a little more about him. We discussed whether there are human rights figures in Japanese culture

February 16: Look in to the early life of president Abraham Lincoln. What was he like as little boy and growing into a man. What events shaped his character to become one of the United States greatest presidents.


Words and Phrases

alter ego: an alternative personality

be on the lookout: watch for

burning bridges: damaging relationships beyond repair and creating a negative reputation within a community

covers: reports about

double edged sword: something that has two seemingly favorable and unfavorable consequences

figures: heros...try searching Japanese human rights figures and see what you get?

NOLA: New Orleans, Louisiana. New Orleans is pronounced N'AWlins, locally (and by those who have been there)

plays on words: clever or creative ways words can be used to convey a different meaning

preserved: kept safe and whole

role play: act out or perform a character or situation 

take [something] at face value: the apparent significance or value; as stated

Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

February Week 1: So Much Going On!

 Hello, Friends.

The United States is finally seeing true winter weather. Indiana welcomed warmer temperatures. This coming weekend is chock full of exciting opportunities to celebrate with friends or at home.

Saturday, February 10 is the beginning of the Chinese New Year (also known as the Lunar New Year) celebration that runs through February 16. Welcome to the year of the dragon.

Superbowl is February 11. The 49ers vs the Chiefs with telecasts beginning at 6:30. People meet at parties and pubs to celebrate. While the game is important, businesses launch advertising campaigns during the game, and the half-time show sometimes generates more conversation. 

In America

Groundhog Day

Once again, February is in short but important month. The first week opens with Groundhog Day. Are we tired of winter, darkness, cold? Americans turn to the large, common rodent, the groundhog, to predict the weather. If he sees his shadow, we have six more weeks until spring. If he doesn't see his shadow, we will have an early spring. Regardless of the prediction, the calendar March 19 is the first day of Spring, so...

Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania is the most famous for his predictions, although his track record is only about 39%. By the way, Phil did not see his shadow.

From the IndyStar

What's happening in Indiana for Groundhog Day 2024?

The town of Hope, Indiana, has its own special way to celebrate Groundhog Day, and that is with their own weather-predicting groundhog.

The town will gather at the town square to see what their groundhog, named Hope (the successor of Grubby the Groundhog), predicts for the coming weeks.

Main Street of Hope and Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators' 11th annual Groundhog Day event will take place at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 2.*

And, what happened on February 2? Like Phil, Hope predicted an early spring for Hoosiers! Read the IPR Article

The Indiana DNR information about groundhogs has a nice refresher.


Singing About the Weather

Yes! We love to talk about the weather. We also love to sing about the weather. Here are a few bopping fun songs:

Walking on Sunshine


And hopeful:

It's Raining Men by The Weather Girls


And wistful:

Somewhere Over the Rainbow


And heartfelt:

What a Wonderful World



Tweaking English

After learning or visiting a topic, review when to use "me" or when to use "I" when talking about doing things with others. 

And to go down a new grammar rabbit hole, look at the capitalization in the title...

There's an app for that! Visit Capitalize My Title and pick the style manual you want to follow.

Typically:

  • Capitalize the first and last words
  • Capitalize words that are more than four letters long
  • Capitalize names, I, and important words
  • Do not capitalize articles unless they are the first word...
  • Capitalizing words that are the focus or point of your article or writing
  • Follow the style that is specified for your school or organization found in any of the official manuals

Generally, anything can go! Here is an article to learn more: Do You Capitalize "In" In A Title? Capitalization Rules

Communication Tips

Do you feel like you are not being heard or understood? You aren't alone. It is easy to assume that your accent or pronunciation has something to do with this. It can be your phrasing, or maybe the other person just does not understand where you are coming from or wasn't paying attention!

On the Screen

Groundhog Day

February should not go by without watching this take on Groundhog Day. This 1993 classic stars comedian Bill Murry plays a reporter stuck reliving the worst day of his career until it becomes the best day of his life. Find it on Amazon or in theaters.

Dharma and Greg

This rom com observes what happens when opposites attract. Dharma and Greg are two young people who are fated to meet and marry. The stories highlight the differences between two cultural styles and points of view in New York City. The snappy dialogue is fun and full of twists and surprises.

Meetings and Classes

American Sign Language: Tuesday, 5:00-6:00 PM EST (UTC -5), Zoom

We spent time reviewing "our" and chatting. Foods were a topic of conversation, of course! We reviewed question words: who, what, when, where, why, and how. And thinking words: think, know, forgot, and remember. These came about as a part of our conversations.

February 6: Following our topic of Family, Friends, and Feelings; we will practice our first-person conversations talking about our family and thoughts and opinions.

International Bible Study: Tuesday, 8:45-9:45 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

We started Revelation and talked about the first five chapters. This book is often described as perplexing or maybe even terrifying. Yet, as we discussed what we read, we were struck by the love or a magnificent God who cares about us. This book seems unknowable, but at the same time simple. There are descriptions that defy imagination.

Revelation 1: This chapter sets the scene. Jesus comes to John with a message. John writes that "God blesses those who hear the message [of Revelation]. 

Revelation 2 and Revelation 3: These chapters contain letters to the churches. When following Jesus, we receive a new name and identity as children of God (verse 17). Jesus complements and comforts as well as issues warnings and reprimands. Jesus advises the different churches individually. In our discussions, we could identify our attributes. Jesus is enough to uplift us and support us. The overarching message is that Jesus knows everyone and loves them. When he reprimands, he does so out of love and concern. Each letter ends with "whoever has ears, let him hear". What is this? A command, a blessing, a creation of understanding and light? 

Revelation 4: Do you wonder what it is like in Heaven? This description of heaven and God defies imagination: Multi-eyed creatures, songs of praise and honor, beautiful surroundings. We are given a glimpse of the majesty and glory of the creator God who loves and cares deeply for his creation.

Revelation 5: John tells about opening a scroll. The elders tell him not to worry because Jesus is worthy to open this directive! Jesus who has love and compassion and knows us intimately! All of heaven and earth praise and honor Jesus. The vastness of this description is amazing. Jesus is worthy: awesome. Jesus finds us worthy enough to give his life for us: humbling.

February 6: We will pick up our discussion where we left off with chapter six.

American English and Culture: Thursday, 9:00-11:00 AM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

I enjoyed our day of speaking in first person. From my perspective, I think that most of our Friends soon found that speaking only in first person can become difficult. Remembering that every sentence and statement should revolve around only my personal point of view and perspective made it difficult to give advice and it emphasized that I can only see the world in this way. I observed that our friends lapsed out of first person when speaking about tips or asking questions.  

Extend your practice and build your knowledge:

  • Listen for how and when you and others (family and friends, on TV, in the store, on the radio, etc.) use first person. Compare the impact these statements have on how you communicate and how the directions are received.
  • Check out Story Like You Mean It by Dennis Rebelo (Amazon, free to read on Hoopla with your Carmel library card). Hear about how to talk about yourself on this podcast conversation on YouTube.

February 8: Valentines' Day Party at Cornerstone Lutheran Church! Bring a white elephant gift to exchange. Our focus is on how we socialize in the United States and how we express thanks, condolences, felicitations, etc. to show our care and concern in public settings.

Bring a treat to share and a White Elephant Gift (something from your home that you don't want anymore) to exchange.





Kids' Conversation and More: Friday, 4:30-5:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

We finished the last three paragraphs in our article about the Edo Period. These paragraphs told us about how cities grew and an urban culture was established. An urban common class emerged, and culture and arts developed including the famous kabuki theater.  Literature and arts told the stories of the struggles in this class. We discovered that outdoor theater continues to be an important past time in Japan. In the United States we have festivals and fairs and outdoor concerts.

February 9: Find out about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and be ready to talk about his life and his impact on American society. 

Words and Phrases

The United States is: This phrase can be confusing. States is plural, but the United States is singular (one country). This was not always the case. Until just after the Civil War we would say, "The United States were (finish the thought or sentence)." 

*Notice that all of these short paragraphs are indented in a block. When multiple sentences from a source, show that this is a continuous quote with what is known as a block indent. The style of the paragraphs may vary with the "style" that is the standard for the publication or for the organization the writing is for (the school, paper, etc.). Common style manuals include the MLA, APA, Chicago, and Turabian. Other style manuals are specific to professional communications like the AMA or IEEE style. Geek out with this article: Major Style Manuals for Editors and Writers

anything can go: There is no hard and fast rule or guideline for something

attributes: quality

emerged: to come out of somewhere

enjoy the ride: encouragement to enjoy an opportunity to experience or view something

lapsed: an error or temporary deviation

past time: recreational activity

snappy dialogue: a quick and clever conversation between two people

take: perspective

typically: usually

where we left off: ending with the intention of continuing

Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)