What's Up Readers,
Observation is good, but interaction is even better. Learning is direct, and misunderstandings can be awkward and funny. There was an odd number of students, so I had a chance to partner up with Student E ( since he forgot my MAs degree or age, he remained candid perceiving me as another 1st year student ).
Our task was to make a list of associations with the subject English, and also list the rules we follow for composing. Afterwards, we would discuss the items on our lists. Student E's rules for his writing process included spelling and grammar check, organization, clarity, content, and style that checked for "subliminal messages" and apt usage of figures of speech. Mines was similar; however the order was reversed focusing on higher levels of concerns first ( such as content before grammar et. al. ).
I asked him what he meant by "subliminal messages" and if it dealt with revolutions. He told me that "subliminal messages" meant "green" comments. Since he didn't address the revolution aspect, I continued inquiring with a revolutionary frame of mind. The Green Revolution, as in "Go Green and Recycle"? "No," said he, "As in sexual." "Oh-" Thank goodness we ran out of time. How awkward would the conversation be?
"Green" might be a Philippine English term. I started thinking about the connection ( if there was one ). Green birds are sometimes referred to as callow or newbies or naive or beginners. Understanding sexual innuendoes definitely requires background infomation beyond a beginner's knowledge. Green is symbolic of Earth ( Earthy and sensual, Mother Nature and goddesses ). Maybe sex is so taboo that to mention it will result in a nauseating feeling ( like throwing up a la morning sicknes style )? [ Green face ]
I asked Director N, and she explained that "Green" stemmed from the saying "Off Color." ( maybe connected to the sickness theory ). Off color because sometimes when one is embarrased, one blushes ( albeit turning reddish instead of greenish ). Isn't green also associated with evil? ( the pre-Gregory Maguire's Wicked Witch was green ). There's the saying "Green with envy." ( a not so good feeling/ill will towards another ). Being callow to this term is humbling.
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