The Power of Language

There is a debate going on in some colleges and universities today about the importance of a foreign language requirement. At some of these institutions, students may choose between a second language and mathematics – or some other discipline.

Of course, knowledge of a foreign language is helpful but not necessary for survival. From some students' point of view, learning foreign words or dialogues to take a trip abroad hardly merits a big investment in time and effort.

It is important, therefore, to define the benefits of learning a foreign language. In the first place, students should be made aware that learning French enables one to communicate in parts of Europe, Canada, and Africa. in the U.S. alone, over 30% of the population is Spanish-speaking or of Hispanic origin. Chinese and Arabic covers over half the people in the world!

Second, learning a foreign language leads to a better understanding of cultures and mentalities different from one's own. The important thing is the thinking and questioning process that should lead to a better understanding of one's own culture as well as those of others.

Third, learning a language opens the door to great literatures and philosophies, which can have a tremendous impact on one's life. Reading literature in the language written is truly "living" the author's creation, in a way not possible through translation – no matter how great the translator.

Finally, we do business in a global economy; the better we communicate with associates around the world, the greater success we will achieve.

Culture Shock

According to some specialists, there are three stages of culture shock. In the first stage, the newcomers like their environment. Then, when the newness wears off, they begin to hate the city, the country, the people, the apartment, and everything else in the new culture. In the final stage of culture shock, the newcomers begin to adjust to1 their surroundings and, as a result, enjoy their life more.

Some of the reasons for culture shock are obvious. Maybe the weather is unpleasant. Perhaps the customs are different. Perhaps the public service systems such as the telephone, post office, or transportation are difficult to figure out, and you make mistakes. The simplest things seem difficult.

Culture shock produces a feeling of disorientation. This disorientation may be homesickness, imagined illness or even paranoia (unreasonable fear). Familiarity and experience are the long-term solutions to the problem of culture shock.

Grammar revision Gerund

Герундий

Герундий (Gerund) - неличная форма глагола, сочетающая в себе свойства глагола и существительного, образуется прибавлением - ing к основе глагола. I like reading. Я люблю читать.

Табл.6

Формы герундия

В русском языке нет формы, аналогичной форме герундия. На русский язык герундий переводится:

инфинитивом I hate working late on Sundays. - Ненавижу работать по воскресеньям.

отглагольным существительным I like swimming. – Я люблю плавать.

деепричастием He went out without leaving his address – Он ушел, не оставив адреса.

придаточным предложением Excuse me for interrupting you. –Извините, что я вас прерываю.