I wonder how a questioner like this would look like in other countries... I guess that just as bad!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
What a loaded week!
Wow this week was busy. On Monday I had the exam that determines my level in German - or at least that's what the school said it does. It was not just a hard exam but also had totally different topics and totally different layout than what I was told it'll have in summer. I got home so upset and unmotivated to continue with my German studies that all I could do is cry. The day after I went back there to see in what group they put me in- thinking that the groups were ranked according to the grade we got in the exam. I was placed in group "B" out of three groups, and still wasn't sure what that means. The teacher came to pick us up and take us to class- and he is the weirdest man in the world. He doesn't know how to teach, he has zero charisma, and he's plain annoying. I hated him from first sight. He told us all kind of things that later in the week we found to be wrong (administration things) and in general I thought that day that I can't go on and study with him in the next 6 months... The only bright side about it is that he only teaches us on Mondays and Tuesdays, and in the rest of the week we have a different teacher. Well! the other teacher is a really old woman, well not really old but it looks to me as if she should have taken her pension already, that on the first day bored me to death. She is a good teacher, and she's very nice and cute, but she speaks so slow! it takes her ages to finish a sentence! and if you ask her a question be prepared to get a 10 minutes answer- even if you only asked what something means. The first hour and a half of every day we had with her until now were dedicated to checking the homework- which is totally dumb because why do we get work to do at home if we check it so precisely every morning???
So that's school- which I'm so disappointed with... I told myself I'll give the man teacher one more try, and the woman I'll learn to cope with, I guess... The thing is that I had such a great teacher in summer in the other school that it hurts me inside to think about that when I'm in class... My former teacher was a young charismatic woman, with loads of teaching skills, and lots of real genuine nice personality. It's really hard to top!
***
Other than all this emotional see-saw I had with my German classes, I had a really busy week on the partying side!
On Tuesday we went out to the Erasmus* night in a students club, met a friend of Rob's from a few years ago, whom he hasn't met since then. He is so nice, so nice! We spent the whole evening with him, and it made the evening really worth it.
On Wednesday I went with Ceci my Mexican friend from my summer course for a girls night out- we went to a really stupid American movie called: " Because I said so", in the original version of course (meaning it's in the original language and not dubbed to German) and we enjoyed it in the sense of total escapism... When the movie ended I realized I'm back in Dresden, and with everything that happened this week- it fell on me like a stone... It was really nice to forget where I was!
On Thursday we went to another international night but this time not Erasmus and it was the Chilean night. We met Rob's friend from the other night again, and a lot more new ppl: we met some ppl from Mexico that study with him in some classes, and we met someone from Togo (which was so cool to talk to, he naturally speaks French, and his German is really good, English too and probably his mother tongue from home, which I don't know which one of the many there are). We got phone numbers of several interesting ppl, and already got invited to 2 more parties, one today- which we're gonna say no to- we're too tired, and one next week. I spoke so much German last night, coz there were a few ppl that didn't know much English, and it was so great. Rob was so proud of me! Apparently I got drunk last night, and when I'm drunk I speak really good German... LOL... This morning with perfect harmony to last night, my alarm clock didn't go off- so I was late to class, and joined them only after the first break, guess what??? I didn't miss anything coz they only checked the homework! that helped me not feel bad about it....
I started knitting again and realized that it's just like riding a bike- you don't really forget it, which is really nice...
That's all for this week, tomorrow we might go to another party (just heard about it now)- at least things balance themselves: I don't like my German classes so much, but I meet nice and interesting ppl from all over the world and go out a lot...
Have a nice weekend!
*Erasmus is a student exchange program for students all over Europe.
P.S I added something to my last post about teaching and learning a new language- you're welcomed to check it out.
So that's school- which I'm so disappointed with... I told myself I'll give the man teacher one more try, and the woman I'll learn to cope with, I guess... The thing is that I had such a great teacher in summer in the other school that it hurts me inside to think about that when I'm in class... My former teacher was a young charismatic woman, with loads of teaching skills, and lots of real genuine nice personality. It's really hard to top!
***
Other than all this emotional see-saw I had with my German classes, I had a really busy week on the partying side!
On Tuesday we went out to the Erasmus* night in a students club, met a friend of Rob's from a few years ago, whom he hasn't met since then. He is so nice, so nice! We spent the whole evening with him, and it made the evening really worth it.
On Wednesday I went with Ceci my Mexican friend from my summer course for a girls night out- we went to a really stupid American movie called: " Because I said so", in the original version of course (meaning it's in the original language and not dubbed to German) and we enjoyed it in the sense of total escapism... When the movie ended I realized I'm back in Dresden, and with everything that happened this week- it fell on me like a stone... It was really nice to forget where I was!
On Thursday we went to another international night but this time not Erasmus and it was the Chilean night. We met Rob's friend from the other night again, and a lot more new ppl: we met some ppl from Mexico that study with him in some classes, and we met someone from Togo (which was so cool to talk to, he naturally speaks French, and his German is really good, English too and probably his mother tongue from home, which I don't know which one of the many there are). We got phone numbers of several interesting ppl, and already got invited to 2 more parties, one today- which we're gonna say no to- we're too tired, and one next week. I spoke so much German last night, coz there were a few ppl that didn't know much English, and it was so great. Rob was so proud of me! Apparently I got drunk last night, and when I'm drunk I speak really good German... LOL... This morning with perfect harmony to last night, my alarm clock didn't go off- so I was late to class, and joined them only after the first break, guess what??? I didn't miss anything coz they only checked the homework! that helped me not feel bad about it....
I started knitting again and realized that it's just like riding a bike- you don't really forget it, which is really nice...
That's all for this week, tomorrow we might go to another party (just heard about it now)- at least things balance themselves: I don't like my German classes so much, but I meet nice and interesting ppl from all over the world and go out a lot...
Have a nice weekend!
*Erasmus is a student exchange program for students all over Europe.
P.S I added something to my last post about teaching and learning a new language- you're welcomed to check it out.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
My island of Sanity
People ask me why do we (Rob and I) not speak more German at home. I tell them that we try sometimes (which isn't a lie) but that mainly I am the kind of person that needs time to absorb the language slowly slowly. The main reason I don't really feel like speaking German at home is because home is my sanctuary. My island of sanity. The place where I can express myself in all kinds of ways, whether it's in English, or some words in Hebrew that Rob knows, or even a few words of Chinese, some inside jokes, and some mimics we use with each other. When we speak German I feel as if I'm in a classroom, not in my own comfortable home. I feel like a student, not like a girlfriend or just me. I feel like I'm being tested. Yes, I do learn a bit in those moments we actually try to speak German, but only as long as it's a few minutes that we both had decided to practice the language in. If suddenly I'll be surprised in my own home with this language- the only thing I'll wanna do is throw the person that did it out the window with his German words...
Outside I'm forced to use the language. I do rely on Rob a lot when it comes to doing all the talking everywhere, but slowly I do know what to say when someone asks me: "what would you like to drink?" and when Rob isn't around- I get along fine. I know myself better than all these "smart" ppl that wish to preach me on the right ways to learn a language. Thanks for your interest ppl, but I've been though a thing or two in my short life, and the last thing I need right now is another person to tell me how to do things. I know it comes from a good place, these ppl just want to help, and they think that sharing these so called 'unknown' pieces of information helps me so much. Well ppl, it doesn't.
The Do's and Don'ts for a friend of a person learning a new language:
(written in male- but obviously refers to women too)
1. First and foremost ask your friend if he's even interested in your help.
2. Then you can ask in what way you can help. For example: you can speak the language to him more often, or just check his homework, you can help him write a diary in the new language, you can translate to him things ppl say around him- so he still hears the language but also is involved in the conversation.
3. After your friend told you the ways he would like you to help him, try to keep to these things, don't take more initiative- remember- each person has his own pace.
4. Be extremely patient! The last thing someone like your friend needs is someone sitting on his tail to make him learn faster or better.
5. Listen to him. Sense when he's getting lost in the language, and pay attention when he had enough and all he wants to do is express himself in his own language or just English.
6. Try to understand: for some ppl languages are hard to learn and for some it comes easily, but even those ppl are still human beings, and that means that in some level- they do not like feeling stupid. Interpret that anyway you like- just keep it in mind.
7. Let your friend know that he's more than welcomed to make mistakes. One thing I learned from teaching English as a second language was that it gives ppl a great sense of accomplishment if they can have a whole conversation in the language they're learning. Don't correct their mistakes while they speak!!! Try to remember what they said wrong and let then know about it later. To any mistake they make- let them know what was wrong- and what is right.
8. One of the things you can do is learn the grammar rules of your own language. At least enough to know how to answer your friends questions.
9. You are not a teacher- these tips are only for a friend - close friend who wants to help. Remember that yourself- you are not a teacher (But if you are a teacher - remember that this isn't a student of yours- it's a friend- big difference).
10. Appreciate the fact that this person in front of you is trying to learn your own language. I can speak only for myself- but I always feel honored when ppl want to learn Hebrew- my mother tongue, even though I didn't invent it or have no ownership on it- it makes me appreciate ppl who want to learn it - and that changes the way I feel about them.
* One more thing that I thought about tonight (just came home from a nice night out): most ppl learn best from just being exposed to the language - as long as you speak correctly next to them - they will learn a lot - even if you don't intend on "teaching" at the moment. And something about slang: it's always nice to know what words mean in slang- especially these words that mean something totally different in the "normal" language- so - don't be afraid to use slang and contemporary language.
** Adding this after a night out of speaking a lot of German:
A nice method to teach the right way of speaking in a certain language is to reflect what the other person said but without the mistakes. Meaning- don't stop the person in the middle of the sentence to correct his mistake, and you even don't have to tell him he made one- just say what he said, but this time correctly.
For example:
Learner: "I spoked to her last night......"
Teacher: "Yeah I know, and when I spoke to her she said....."
Outside I'm forced to use the language. I do rely on Rob a lot when it comes to doing all the talking everywhere, but slowly I do know what to say when someone asks me: "what would you like to drink?" and when Rob isn't around- I get along fine. I know myself better than all these "smart" ppl that wish to preach me on the right ways to learn a language. Thanks for your interest ppl, but I've been though a thing or two in my short life, and the last thing I need right now is another person to tell me how to do things. I know it comes from a good place, these ppl just want to help, and they think that sharing these so called 'unknown' pieces of information helps me so much. Well ppl, it doesn't.
The Do's and Don'ts for a friend of a person learning a new language:
(written in male- but obviously refers to women too)
1. First and foremost ask your friend if he's even interested in your help.
2. Then you can ask in what way you can help. For example: you can speak the language to him more often, or just check his homework, you can help him write a diary in the new language, you can translate to him things ppl say around him- so he still hears the language but also is involved in the conversation.
3. After your friend told you the ways he would like you to help him, try to keep to these things, don't take more initiative- remember- each person has his own pace.
4. Be extremely patient! The last thing someone like your friend needs is someone sitting on his tail to make him learn faster or better.
5. Listen to him. Sense when he's getting lost in the language, and pay attention when he had enough and all he wants to do is express himself in his own language or just English.
6. Try to understand: for some ppl languages are hard to learn and for some it comes easily, but even those ppl are still human beings, and that means that in some level- they do not like feeling stupid. Interpret that anyway you like- just keep it in mind.
7. Let your friend know that he's more than welcomed to make mistakes. One thing I learned from teaching English as a second language was that it gives ppl a great sense of accomplishment if they can have a whole conversation in the language they're learning. Don't correct their mistakes while they speak!!! Try to remember what they said wrong and let then know about it later. To any mistake they make- let them know what was wrong- and what is right.
8. One of the things you can do is learn the grammar rules of your own language. At least enough to know how to answer your friends questions.
9. You are not a teacher- these tips are only for a friend - close friend who wants to help. Remember that yourself- you are not a teacher (But if you are a teacher - remember that this isn't a student of yours- it's a friend- big difference).
10. Appreciate the fact that this person in front of you is trying to learn your own language. I can speak only for myself- but I always feel honored when ppl want to learn Hebrew- my mother tongue, even though I didn't invent it or have no ownership on it- it makes me appreciate ppl who want to learn it - and that changes the way I feel about them.
* One more thing that I thought about tonight (just came home from a nice night out): most ppl learn best from just being exposed to the language - as long as you speak correctly next to them - they will learn a lot - even if you don't intend on "teaching" at the moment. And something about slang: it's always nice to know what words mean in slang- especially these words that mean something totally different in the "normal" language- so - don't be afraid to use slang and contemporary language.
** Adding this after a night out of speaking a lot of German:
A nice method to teach the right way of speaking in a certain language is to reflect what the other person said but without the mistakes. Meaning- don't stop the person in the middle of the sentence to correct his mistake, and you even don't have to tell him he made one- just say what he said, but this time correctly.
For example:
Learner: "I spoked to her last night......"
Teacher: "Yeah I know, and when I spoke to her she said....."
Friday, October 19, 2007
Alice in wonderland
There is no doubt that "Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll is my all time favorite book. I've read it in a few versions, obviously in the original as well, and read some research about it, and lots of theories.
Here is another theory about it that I found today: "The Neurology of Alice" in English and Hebrew.
And here are links to Lewis Carroll's 2 most famous books: ( I love finding whole books online!)
1. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
2. Through the Looking Glass and what Alice found there
Enjoy!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Around the world
So there's this website, where among other things you can make this kinda map, so I tried to find out in how much of the world I've been to. And I got so disappointed... I mean... 9%??? how little is that???
I wanna go to so many places still that if I start writing their names down it'll never end...
I can't even choose one place I really wanna go to first. I mean - if i have to choose one- should I be practical and choose a country that's close to where I am now? or somewhere far far away? somewhere cheap coz I have no money now, or somewhere that will be affordable only when if I'm rich? you see, there's almost no place on this planet I don't want to visit and check out. When will I ever do that??? with what money??? It's the chronicles of a known failure. Hopefully I'm wrong.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Autumn and some arts and crafts
Autumn. My first real one as an adult (since we lived in the states). I have to admit that I like the word "Fall" much better. It describes it so well. It's cold in this country. It's still not too cold for me- but when I look outside, or when I am outside- I realize that this is only the preview for winter. It's gonna get much colder. On the bright side- we already turned on the heating a bit at home. I like living in a house with good heating. It's such a relief. So here are pictures of what I see from our bedroom window nowadays:
Look at all these nice colors.
It's a shame they predict
a very long and deadly sleep.
In a few months all these trees will be naked,
and the scenery will look like
a black and white picture
(if we're lucky enough to have snow).
Look at all these nice colors.It's a shame they predict
a very long and deadly sleep.
In a few months all these trees will be naked,and the scenery will look like
a black and white picture
(if we're lucky enough to have snow).
***
I got an old desk from Rob's parents- to use it for studying. It was painted green and it looked hmmm lets say- not so much to my taste... Rob and I scratched it till our hands almost fell off, and then I painted it with 3 layers of bright paint. You can still see the bits of green that we couldn't take off- but only if you really look closely. Here's a picture of the finished product:
I used Mosaic squares for the decoration.
I got an old desk from Rob's parents- to use it for studying. It was painted green and it looked hmmm lets say- not so much to my taste... Rob and I scratched it till our hands almost fell off, and then I painted it with 3 layers of bright paint. You can still see the bits of green that we couldn't take off- but only if you really look closely. Here's a picture of the finished product:
I used Mosaic squares for the decoration.So as you can see now I have my own corner to work on and sit next to. And study.... I have to study. German is not just hard. It's complicated and stupid. I must say that until now it's my least favorite language from the 5 I ever learned... Too many rules. Tomorrow I have a private lesson with my x-German teacher, she's so nice- I asked her if she is interested in giving me some grammar lessons before I start the next course.
***
It's Rob's birthday tomorrow. I'm going to bake him a cake in the oven his mom got him for his bday. Happy birthday sweety!
***
It's Rob's birthday tomorrow. I'm going to bake him a cake in the oven his mom got him for his bday. Happy birthday sweety!
Thursday, October 04, 2007
In Germany. Again.
2 days ago I took a flight back to Germany. It was at 16:20 from Israel to Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) and my connecting flight to Berlin was only the day after at 08:40am. I was already planning my 13 hours at the airport waiting for my flight. My dad advised me to ask the at the transfer desk if it's possible to stay in one of the airport's lounges until then. So I went there and asked. The guy there told me that it's better if I take a hotel. He said that Turkish Airlines will provide me with transportation to and from a hotel, and a night there- on their own expense! I was so surprised and pleased! So I went through passport control in Istanbul (how lovely it is that the British need a visa to Turkey but us Israelis don't???) then they took me to a really ok hotel in town, and in the early morning they took me back to the airport... It was great having my own room and my own shower and a bed for the night...
Got to Berlin and Rob picked me up from the airport - we met Aaron his friend for lunch, and then drove to his parents' to be here for a few days - coz they're not around and they wanted us to be with his little bro a bit.
Today we didn't do much, Rob was kind enough to give me a drivers lesson here (I feel that I need the reinforcement to know the local weird rules and all) and met his former piano teacher (when we picked up his bro from a lesson). She's one of the coolest ppl I ever met- a 60++ year old that looks much younger, dances around and jumps and moves like a little girl. She's an x-Russian (Jewish too) who lives here for years and years, and I understood almost everything she said in German so it was nice- I wasn't left out of the conversation at all... She suddenly opened her kitchen door and on the table she had food and cakes- coz it's her Birthday today. Did I say she's really cool???
The weather here is really shit. Cold (about 13°c) and gray and rainy- but it's still gonna take a few days until I'm sick of it so... I'm not complaining yet!
Liya from China just moved to Germany after a year in China, came here after a boyfriend too- and I'm so happy she's closer now!!! Liya!!! when are we gonna meet??? miss ya!
That's all for now, gotta do my nails... (I'm such a girl sometimes... lol)
Got to Berlin and Rob picked me up from the airport - we met Aaron his friend for lunch, and then drove to his parents' to be here for a few days - coz they're not around and they wanted us to be with his little bro a bit.
Today we didn't do much, Rob was kind enough to give me a drivers lesson here (I feel that I need the reinforcement to know the local weird rules and all) and met his former piano teacher (when we picked up his bro from a lesson). She's one of the coolest ppl I ever met- a 60++ year old that looks much younger, dances around and jumps and moves like a little girl. She's an x-Russian (Jewish too) who lives here for years and years, and I understood almost everything she said in German so it was nice- I wasn't left out of the conversation at all... She suddenly opened her kitchen door and on the table she had food and cakes- coz it's her Birthday today. Did I say she's really cool???
The weather here is really shit. Cold (about 13°c) and gray and rainy- but it's still gonna take a few days until I'm sick of it so... I'm not complaining yet!
Liya from China just moved to Germany after a year in China, came here after a boyfriend too- and I'm so happy she's closer now!!! Liya!!! when are we gonna meet??? miss ya!
That's all for now, gotta do my nails... (I'm such a girl sometimes... lol)
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