Namaste Readers,
One day in ESL Practicum, Director N lectured on the basics of speech giving: Inform audience of topic; Inform audience using illustrations of topic; Inform audience of topic's summary. I had a chance to apply these concepts during a "Study Abroad" presentation I gave for her International students enrolled in the Asia Leaders Programme ( a joint venture between University and United Nations affiliated University of Peace in Costa Rica ).
I got through my presentation ( emphasizing the benefits of "Talking with People" in spite of fear of speaking English ) even if crudely. The Q and A section was more difficult. Unlike my other formal interviews, this wasn't as specific. The questions were broad ranging from language issue and discrimination, to culture and history. I think I gave a clear answer, but sometimes my thinking got convoluted ( due to levels of literality, nuances of words, background info both personal and social et. al. ). In the end, I felt "worldly." However, after hearing the topics most of them talked about in their presentation, I felt naive ( like I've experienced a modern day American Isolationism ).
Student J talked about her experience being an intermediary between the Philippine National Army Guard and an indigenous group in the Mindanoa region of the Philippines. One of her parents belonged in the Tagalog tradition, while another is part of of the indigenous group. So she translated a history presentation from English to Tagalog to local Dialect in hopes of communicating with the indigenous group the importance of nation-building and unity ( and avoid violence ).
Student S talked about a situation in Sri Lanka involving genocide and Western Media's unfair portrayal of his country. Student D talked about the conflict that arose from East Timor's recent independence and the crisis in 2006. Student T talked about his experience in Japan's Trading Companies and Japanese students lack of motivation to study abroad ( in order to secure a job in Japan ).
In spite of the "heavy" subjects, there were also "light" presentations intermittently dispersed ( a breather for the audience ). Student F narrated his experience on an island without modern plumbing. Student O from Cambodia told us about a Charlie Chaplin movie, "The Kid." Student C suggested different tourist spots to visit while in Cambodia. Student L talked about traffic in Manila, Philippines. Student A from Japan talked about the Portuguese language.
Student T talked about 3 types of drinking bars ( with music from cds, w/ music from live/rock band, w/ lady dancers a la cabaret ) found in Bangkok, Thailand. And Student R, also from Japan, talked about Reggeaton. I gave them my contact information, just in case they wanted to spend EXTRA time practicing English speaking and English writing ( I hope they take up my offer ... can you just imagine the stories? ). After they complete this Pre-Training in the English language, they'll be off to Costa Rica to begin their Master's Program ( next month: August ). Talk about motivation, diba?
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