Thursday, December 3, 2009

English as a Global Language

Some people worry that multiple varieties of English will mean a future world where we cannot understand one another’s English. However, this is unlikely to happen. First, the written language has stayed relatively unchanged. Second, mass communication and transportation keep the world in constant contact. This prevents language varieties from moving too far away from the original language. Finally, the political and economic cost of losing the ability to understand one another is just too high. We need to be able to understand one another.

Although concern has arisen that so many English dialects will prevent people from understanding each other, many factors work against this happening. These include the unchanging nature of written English, the constant contact between English speakers from different countries in our global age, and, most importantly, the political and economic importance of effective international communication.


Visit these websites for more opinions. Paraphrase or quote arguments you like--or disagree with! Remember to give the name of the person writing!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/yoursay/language_and_identity.shtml

This English language timeleine describes the history of the English Language:
English Language Timeline

Is English a Global Language? Why or Why Not??

What is the future of English? Is it losing quality? Is it changing??

English Mania!

Since you're writing about English as a Global Language, I thought you all might be interested in this video:

Friday, October 23, 2009

Animal Idioms

Here are a couple sites where you can practice your similies :)

Simile Quiz

Animal Simile Crossword Puzzle

Friday, October 16, 2009

Friday Videos

Today in class, I want you to watch 1 of these videos and write a paragraph describing what you see.

Remember the 5 elements of a good paragraph:
*Topic Sentence
*Supporting Sentences
*Concluding Sentence
*Unity
*Cohesion

1) Dolphin Toys (please ignore the advertisement that comes first--describe only the news clip)

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=7062626

OR

2)Shadow Puppets


OR


3)Crazy Tornado

Monday, October 12, 2009

I Am

I AM (two special characteristics you have)
I WONDER (something you are curious about)
I HEAR (an imaginary sound)
I SEE (an imaginary sight)
I WANT (something you would like)
I AM (repeat the first line of the poem)

I PRETEND (something you pretend to do)
I FEEL (a strong emotion or feeling)
I TOUCH (an imaginary sensation)
I WORRY (something that really bothers you)
I CRY (something that makes you very sad)
I AM (repeat the first line of the poem)

I UNDERSTAND (something you know is true)
I SAY (something you believe in)
I DREAM (something you dream about)
I TRY (something you make and effort to do)
I HOPE (something you hope for)
I AM (repeat the first line of the poem)


*****************************************************************

IMG_49072

I am soft and striped
I wonder when you will feed me
I hear birds chirping
I see leaves blowing
I want only salmon
I am soft and striped

I pretend to be a dog
I feel very hungry
I touch and knead when I am sleepy
I worry about dinner
I cry when you leave me
I am soft and striped

I understand when you speak
I say 'i want to eat'
I dream about little fishies
I try to be good
I hope that you will love me
I am soft and striped

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

The Worst Trip Ever!

Although I had flown many times, I will always remember my trip to Ukraine in February 2006. I was in love and flying across the world to reunite with my future husband. The problem was getting there! I went to the airport early one cold winter morning. I was nervous to be leaving my family and friends, but excited to begin a new life. I checked-in my heavy bags and began to wait to board the airplane. I waited for hours, and the plane never came. My trip was rescheduled for the next day. The next morning, I again dragged my heavy bags through the quiet airport. I could see my breath in the frosty air. This time, I boarded the plane and waited. I waited for hours on a plane that, again, never took off. My flight was changed to a new airport. I flew to Salt Lake and had to run (with my heavy bags) to catch my next flight. This flight only took me to Minneapolis. I arrived late that evening, tired and bruised, only to find out that there were no flights that day to Europe. I was sent to a hotel to wait for the next day. Day 3 began in a new city—busy, bright, and warmer. With new energy, I boarded a flight to Amsterdam. When I finally arrived in Dutch city, I was so happy to be out of the United States. That evening I arrived in Kyiv, Ukraine and fell into the loving arms of my now-husband. Those three days were long and tiring and I will never forget them—but I will treasure the emotions I felt at the end of the trip forever.