We've been talking about linguistics this week. As language learners, you will probably be amazed, bored, frustrated, and inspired by words in your own language and the language you choose to learn. Watch this video:
The title of this video is "Words", though there is very little speaking involved. Can you figure out in what way this video, and the images, are related to words?
This video was created to accompany a show by a favorite podcast, Radiolab. The topic of the show is - you guessed it - Words Listen to this fascinating radio show here (or simply search "words" and "radiolab")
There is an English transcript available! Read along to the show.
Listen to and watch this video from TED talks by clicking here. Or, simply search the title.
Pamela Meyers: How to spot a liar
Before you listen: What are some synonyms for lie or lying? What is a white lie? Can you think of instances when lying is ok? Have you ever lied to anyone? When and why? Listen to the talk without subtitles or a transcript and take notes. From your memory and your notes, what is Pamela Meyer's main idea with this talk? Listen again with subtitles or a transcrıpt (found below the video). Answer the following questions. Questions 1. What is the speaker’s “core proposition”, or first truth about lying? 2. How many times a day may we be lied to, according to studies? 3. What is Pamela Meyer’s second truth about lying? 4. How did Koko the gorilla lie? 5. What is the first “pattern of deception” illustrated in the talk? 6. What is the second “pattern of deception”? 7. The speaker talks about “leaked” expressions. What simple expression does the speaker use to illustrate this point? Writing: In one paragraph, summarize the main points and important details of the talk from your notes. In the next paragraph, write a reaction to the information presented in the talk. Some ideas: Do you consider yourself as a liar as described by the speaker? Is it human nature to lie? In what way is this subject important in your daily life? Do you agree with the suggestions of the author? Is it important to be a “lie spotter”?Discuss the idea of “lying as a collaborative act”.
Listen and watch this video from TED talks by clicking on this link. Or, simply internet search the title. Instructions: Listen to the talk without subtitles or a transcript and take notes. When you have listened once, look at your notes and try to summarize the speaker's main point in a few sentences. Next, read the questions below and watch the talk again with the transcript. Answer the questions. When you have finished, proceed to the writing task.
1. Shirky claims there is a “huge
transformation” and makes a claim about the moment our historical
generation is living through. What is his claim? (1:55-2:10)
2. Shirky names three big changes in the modern media landscape.
First big change (3:44):Second big change (4:10): Third big change (4:48):
3. In Shirky's “second story”, an
earthquake happened in China. What was different about this
earthquake in terms of communications and the media (5:45-6:10)?
4. Shirky describes the current media
landscape as ______________, ________________, _______________, and
_______________. (11:13/14:48)
5. What is the “really crazy change”
about society and the media? (11:41)
6. What is the choice we face? (15:26)
Writing
Gather your notes and examine your
answers to the questions.
summarize the the author's main
points in one or two paragraphs (tip: the speaker restates many
of his main points at the end of the talk, 14:33)
Develop a reaction/argument about
the effect of these changes happening in social media and
communications. Consider the examples given about the earthquake in
China and the website of Barack Obama. Do social media have a
positive effect on society? Why or why not?
For optional extra reading related to
this content see the following articles:
The Harlem Shake is trending on the internet right now. But have you ever asked yourself, "What is the Harlem Shake, really?!"
Maybe this video can help clarify:
These are interviews with people in Harlem, a northern neighborhood of Manhattan, New York. What do they think about this youtube trend?
Here's a blog article on the phenomenon. Also, click here for a news article with some history on the Harlem Shake, dance, and culture in America. Enjoy!
