Canadian Culture in the Classroom Essay Example for Free

Canadian Culture in the Classroom Essay There is a real lack of appreciation for Canadian literature across Ontario. In grade 12 classrooms across the province there is a wide variety of material studied, very little of it being of Canadian descent. While good writers exist in all cultures, Ontario students should mainly study Canadian authors as there needs to be focus on Canadian culture, to also promote and establish current authors, and to encourage young Canadian writers. Southern neighbours have already swamped Canada with their various ways of life. There is no reason for American culture to leak into the classroom. Canadian culture has never had the chance to blossom, even with the potential possessed, because of the storied and rich culture that has preceded it. Always under the thumb of foreign culture, Canadian authors were always an afterthought. For years, a student in Ontario would study Shakespeare and other British writers, and today, even American writers such as Fitzgerald. All of them, no doubt writing quality literature, but the big picture is being missed. Many schools limit a student’s exposure to a Canadian novel to ISP reading lists. In this sense, Canada is an attic in which we have stored American and British literature without considering our own (Davies, Letters in Canada 426). No wonder a Canadian student has problems appreciating there culture. It seems as though that any Canadian literature studied is out of date to begin with. This includes works such as Mordecai’s Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz or Lawrence’s, Stone Angel. Fifth Business, which was published in 1970 over 40 years ago is still on many courses of study in Gr. 12 classrooms. Atwood’s Handmade Tale, the most recent of these books was published in 1985; over twenty five years ago. Again, while most teachers allow and may even encourage a student to focus on more modern Canadian books for their ISP, the classroom experience is almost always limited to studying these golden oldies. In order for Canadian literature to become a staple in the Ontario classroom, there needs to be an infusion of modern Canadian novels. Then there is the issue of these out of date authors not reflecting our modern multicultural society. There needs to be a variety of races represented in literature because, it is these very people which make Canada so diverse. As Robertson Davies stated†¦ â€Å"Canada is not going to have a national literature in the mode of those European lands where a long history has bound the people together, and where a homogeneous racial inheritance has given them a language, customs, and even a national dress of their own† (Transactions 35). We need to look at the work of Canadian authors who have come here from different backgrounds as to inspire young authors of all races. There is no doubt a brilliant mind out there, who could turn into a Canadian icon, but simply has no interest in Hamlet or Life of Pi. As Canadians, we are lost in a sea of international influences; we hardly know who we are. No wonder that Margaret Atwood can comment that Canadians have issues with establishing their identity. In discussing Canadian writers, she argues a Canadian state of mind does not really exist†¦ â€Å"Im talking about Canada as a state of mind, as the space you inhabit not just with your body but with your head. Its that kind of space in which we find ourselves lost (Margaret 18). In order for this great nation to continue to produce young writers, to establish the current authors, and to gain Canadian literature the respect it deserves, the focus in the Canadian classroom needs to be on Canadian writers. While some might think that students will be prevented from studying the best literature out there, taking this approach will allow Canadian students to see the value of our authors, especially with the many talented Canadian authors. Although there is no need to completely uproot staples such as Shakespeare, from a curriculum, Canadian culture need to be priority number one. Works Cited Atwood, Margaret. Survival: A Thematic Guide to Canadian Literature. Toronto: McLelland and Stewart, 1972. Print. Davies, Robertson. Letters in Canada. Toronto: Macmillan Press, 1979. Print. Davies, Robertson. Transactions of the Royal Society of Canada. IV. XIII. Ottawa: Royal Society of Canada, 1975. Print.

Their Eyes Were Watching God Essay -- Literary Analysis, Zora Neale Hu

In Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston, the relationship between Janie and Nanny is one of great dispute over if it is healthy or not. The idea that the most influential person in Janie’s life is also the one who triggered her struggles when she was becoming a woman is sadly ironic. Nanny’s true influence on Janie is brought to light through symbolic, and decaying diction, Biblical, and Greek Mythological allusions, and natural metaphors, by describing Janie’s journey to womanhood, through finding her own opinion, acquiring a stable life from Nanny, her maturation, and what she gained when becoming a woman. Through the use of symbolic diction, decaying diction, and metaphors, Hurston illustrates Janie’s inner struggle around accepting Nanny’s opinions as the correct ones. Inside Janie’s conscious self, â€Å"There is a basin in [her] mind where words float around on thought and thought on sound and sight†¦Ã¢â‚¬  where she can think freely with thoughts that are, â€Å"†¦untouched by words† (24). This is a place where Janie can flourish by thinking about ideas without being inhibited by peer pressure. To truly understand the ideas formed in Janie’s mind, it is necessary for Janie to get in touch with her body and herself. However, through symbolic diction, it is clear that Janie’s impressionability leads her to not completely understand these thoughts; she has not reached the level of maturity necessary for this level of self-reflection. These qualities cause Janie to have the tendency to mirror Nanny’s opinions on issues, even when she internally disagrees with them. This tension is demonstrated when, â€Å"Nanny entered this infinity of conscious pain again on her old knees† (24). The â€Å"conscious pain† (24) which Janie speaks... ... Nanny’s ideals, values, and opinions. Every aspect of Nanny was drilled inside of Janie, and once Nanny died, Janie was finally a free woman. The reason Janie was able to truly become a woman was because she realized that she was able to become a woman because when Nanny died she set her free. During the journey that Janie went through when she became a woman she gained self-knowledge, and understood on a deeper level why Nanny did things. While Janie matured, it looked at first glance like Nanny was hindering her advancement. However, Nanny’s controlling actions were justified by her belief that she was doing the right thing, and that God would look after Janie. It is difficult to become a person unimpeded by what other people think, it took Nanny’s death for Janie to be released of an important influence, and never return to this time in her life.

Admission Essay & Medical

Why are you interested in entering this major or field? I am interested for this field because I find it noble and very fascinating. Without the Radiologic Technician, nobody understands the use of x-rays and how it works. This profession would give me the ability to understand more on x-rays and other related and important topics.2. What are your goals after you graduate from Harcum? After I graduate from Harcum, I will immediately practice my profession as Radiologic Technician and serve people who need my service. At the same time, I will educate myself more or have an advance studies which is related to Radiology to update myself about newfangled technology and be a better Radiologic Technician. 3. How can Harcum assist you in attaining your goals?I consider Harcum as a good match for my learning because it is a college that has so much to offer. I strongly believe that the professors and facilities here are well-equipped which are able to assist and cater the needs of the studen ts.One thing that attracts me most in this college is the way the professors teach their students. This is the college too which has close cooperation with the community which serves to the functioning of modern education. We all know that the community needs the school as a positive force for social and economic betterment.There are many problems in the community, such as those relating to health, economic, and social problems, that can be solved by educative process. This college is one agency in the community equipped to lead in the solution of problems.I believe that Harcum College can be useful in promoting and improving community life and conditions and which will enable less fortunate people to live richer, fuller, and better everyday lives, as well as on the development of techniques of their studies.I also believe that this college enhanced my skills, abilities, and attitudes to be more learned and extend it to the community. The university does not only educate the student s academically but it is concerned too with the interaction of human individuals and their environment. In addition, the university is concerned with producing growth or changes in human knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, feelings, morals, and habits of every type.

How to Say Happy New Year in Japanese

In Japan,  greeting  people with appropriate Japanese words is very important. The  New Year, in particular, is the most important time of the year in Japan, equal to the Christmas or the yuletide season in the West. So, knowing how to say Happy New Year in Japanese is probably the most important phrase you can learn if you plan to visit this country, which is steeped in social custom and norms. Japanese New Year Background Before learning the myriad of ways to say Happy New Year in Japanese, its important to understand the significance the new year has in this Asian country. The Japanese new year is celebrated for the first three days—or up to the first two weeks—of  ichi-gatsu  (January). During this time, businesses and schools close, and people to return to their families. The Japanese decorate their houses, just after they do a complete house cleaning. Saying Happy New Year in Japanese can involve giving good wishes on Dec. 31  or Jan. 1, but they can also cover greetings for the coming year that you might express until mid-January, and they can even include phrases you would use when reconnecting with family or acquaintances after long absences. How to Say Happy New Year in Japanese Use the following phrases for saying Happy New Year on Jan. 1 through Jan. 3, and even up to the middle of January. The transliteration for the following phrases, which mean Happy New Year, is listed on the left, followed by an indication as to whether the greeting is formal or informal, followed by the greeting written in  Kanji, the most important Japanese alphabet. Click on the transliteration links to hear how to correctly pronounce the phrases. Akemashite  omedetou  gozaimasu.  (formal): 㠁‚㠁‘㠁 ¾Ã£ â€"㠁 ¦Ã£ Å Ã£â€š Ã£  §Ã£  ¨Ã£ â€ Ã£ â€Ã£ â€"㠁„㠁 ¾Ã£ â„¢Ã£â‚¬â€šAkemashite  omedetou.  (casual): 㠁‚㠁‘㠁 ¾Ã£ â€"㠁 ¦Ã£ Å Ã£â€š Ã£  §Ã£  ¨Ã£ â€ Ã£â‚¬â€š New Years Celebration At the end of the year, on Dec. 31 or even up to a few days before, use the following phrases to wish someone a Happy New Year in Japanese. The phrases literally translate as,  I wish you will have a good new year. Yoi otoshi o omukae kudasai. (formal):よ㠁„㠁Šå ¹ ´Ã£â€šâ€™Ã£ Å Ã¨ ¿Å½Ã£ Ë†Ã£  Ã£   Ã£ â€¢Ã£ â€žÃ£â‚¬â€šYoi otoshi o! (casual): よ㠁„㠁Šå ¹ ´Ã£â€šâ€™ Seeing Someone After a Long Absence As noted, the new year is a time when family and friends reunite, sometimes even after years or decades of separation. If you are seeing someone after a long period of separation, you should use a different Japanese New Years greeting when you see your friend, acquaintance, or family member. The first phrase literally all translates as, I havent seen you in a long time. Gobusata shite imasu. (very formal): 㠁”ç„ ¡Ã¦ ²â„¢Ã¦ ± °Ã£ â€"㠁 ¦Ã£ â€žÃ£  ¾Ã£ â„¢Ã£â‚¬â€š The following phrases, even in formal usage, translate as, Long time, no see. Ohisashiburi desu. (formal): 㠁Šä ¹â€¦Ã£ â€"㠁 ¶Ã£â€šÅ Ã£  §Ã£ â„¢Ã£â‚¬â€šHisashiburi! (casual): ä ¹â€¦Ã£ â€"㠁 ¶Ã£â€šÅ  To reply to Gobusata shite imasu  use the phrase  kochira koso (㠁“㠁 ¡Ã£â€šâ€° 㠁“㠁 ), which means same here. In casual conversations—such as if a friend is telling you Hisashiburi!—simply repeat Hisashiburi!  or Hisashiburi ne. The word  ne  (㠁 ­)  is a  particle, which translates roughly into  English as right? or dont you agree?