|
Post by Otaku on Jun 10, 2008 12:52:32 GMT 8
E-Pilot is a supplimental English workbook. Today was the first time I looked through it and was horrified. The teacher was teaching colors using this workbook today. Along with each of the English colors came a short description that was associated with it. I had a problem with two of the associations: black and red. For black, the book used the word 'blackmail' and 'black eye'. In my opinion, both of these words have negative meanings attached to them and shouldn't be taught. For red, it associated it to a Japanese person's face when they drink. WTF!?! In my opinion, a JHS English textbook and should not have references to alcohol.
Thoughts?
|
|
yopparaisaru
Englipedia Fana
I drink copious amounts of fire and piss excellence
Posts: 312
|
Post by yopparaisaru on Jun 10, 2008 14:11:24 GMT 8
Well, I don't know if i entirely agree with you on that. Black is usually associated with more negative things than positive. I mean just look at many phrases in which black is accompanied as in black eye. Or pitch black which in itself may only describe a color, but when used in conversation its meant to portray a more sinister surrounding that merely a dark place. And even in seemingly positive phrases, like "that guy is a black belt." While the term black belt signifies a master level in martial arts it also at the same time gives the impression of an incoming spectularly looking ass kicking. Full of flips and high arching kicks. So while I agree that the words blackmail are proabaly not well chosen words to teach a jhs student if your going to teach associations along with colors, the majority of associations with the color black are negative. So I guess its kinda like trying to pick a lesser evil-er word.
As for red, I totally agree with you. There are plenty other associations that are much better than drunken japanese guy. Even though that is exactly what happens...lol.
Although, frankly I don't even know why their teaching word associations with colors in the first place. It seems a completely pointless and random lesson on a topic that jhs students should already know. BUt then again the pointless lessons seem to be paramount in japanese english classes so i guess i shouldn't be too surprised...
|
|
|
Post by Otaku on Jun 10, 2008 14:36:25 GMT 8
As for black, your suggestion of 'black belt' seemed like a better choice than the words I found. If they used 'black belt', the textbooks could further push cultural aspect...
I think they were talking about associations to show the differences in cultures and what is associated with them, but like you said, "totally pointless". There's no need for it other than to further demonstrate Japanese culture is different than English-speaking cultures.
At the point ES kids learn English colors in first grade, I really don't understand why they brought in the association aspect of such a basic point. Maybe they had 2 random pages in the middle of the workbook they needed to fill...
|
|