In the Spotlight the New Horizons - Alpen-Adria

the
ThinkTank
Tips for Students
Helpful Tips for Freshmen
by Tanja Palle
Who’s afraid of the Fachprüfung?
by Katharina Haas
Techniques to Enhance your Concentration
by Kerstin Niederer
Easing the Pain of Giving Presentations
by Olivia Jürjendal
Online Learning Platforms
by Max Kullmer
Experiences Abroad
Summer Au-pair
by Lisa Putz
Anglophones Cultures Today
Political Correctness
by Vivian Gütler
Men and Women - Two Different Species?
by Sabrina Pluch
JFK, Pearl Harbour, 9/11 & Co
by Lisa Katzianka
Dickens Year 2012
by Christina Untersteiner
Christkind Vs. Santa Clause
by Savita Stangl
March 2012
No. 3
New Horizons
Helen Heaney leaving the
Deparment after 24 years to take
up a new post at Uni Wien
by The Grateful Colleagues and Students
In the Spotlight
The third installment of this section features an interview
with our esteemed professor Allan James
by Brigite Pasterk
You and I in USA
Helen Heaney’s and Carmen Amerstorfer’s trip to the Midwest.
Earth Hour
by Melim Sandra Patrícia de Sousa
Film Reviews
Memento
by Luka Kropec
Into the Wild
by Nina Kropiunig
Melancholia
by Sabrina Zweil
Bend it Like Beckham
by Lara Rothleitner
Poem
I’ve had a hard day
by Wolfram Kingsspiegel
Funglistics
by Wolfram Kingsspiegel
A quick look
DO NOT MISS THE OPPORTUNITY
Be sure to sign up for the Excursion to Washington, D.C.
this October/November 2012! For more details see last page
Editors
Nikola Dobrić
Ursula Posratschnig
A word from the editors
Dear students, staff members and visitors,
It is once again the begining of a new semester and the
time to publish the works of our students in our bi-anual
newsletter The Think Tank. As usual the texts represent a
wide array of topics, from tips to new students to recommending good films.
Great job once again!!
With best wishes,
Contributors
Brigite Pasterk
Christina Untersteiner
Katharina Haas
Kerstin Niederer
Lara Rothleiter
Lisa Kazianka
Lisa Putz
Luka Kropec
Max Kullmer
Nina Kropiunig
Olivia Jürjendal
Sabrina Pluch
Sabrina Zweil
Savita Stangl
Tanja Palle
Vivian Gütler
Wolfram Kingspiegel
Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt
Intitut füt Anglistik und Amerikanistik
March 2012
Editors
New Horizons
Helen Heaney taking up a new post at Uni Wien
After having studied French and German (BA, diploma, 1984-1988) at Durham University, UK, followed by
English and French (MA, teaching degree, 1989-1992) in Klagenfurt, I always thought that I should have gone
on to do a combination of English and German in France, Canada or some other French-speaking country. But
instead I stayed in Klagenfurt for nearly 24 years, wrote my PhD in applied linguistics (on testing, and I’m not
saying how long that took!) and was then headhunted by the English Department at the University of Vienna,
where I’ll be involved in teacher training, linguistics and language courses.
For most of that time, I worked at the University of Klagenfurt in an official capacity, as “Lektorin” (1988-1992),
“Vertragslehrerin” (1998-2008) and Assistant (2008-2012), but in between I was also around semi-(in)officially
with free-lance ESP courses (medical/business English) and “Lehraufträge” in the Business English, Computer
Science and Media Communications programmes as well as for various “Universitätslehrgänge” (export, tourism).
No wonder it took me such a long time to clear out my office this February, with almost a quarter of a century of
work in there! I also taught for 12 years in the CLIL programme at the Europagymnasium, focusing on music,
the natural sciences and handicrafts, and did the occasional translation in my “free” time.
The English Department wasn’t only associated with work, however. I was a member of INEPT from 1988 onwards and have many happy memories of Christmas shows and summer productions at home and “abroad” (in
Villach, Graz, Udine and Ljubljana); I think it’s a real shame (but probably a sign of the times) that we had to
disband the group just before I left. I also look back on departmental excursions, joint jaunts to AAA conferences,
Christmas lunches, barbeques, a fantastic trip to Canada, etc. etc. with great fondness. But most of all I will remember (and try to maintain) the friendships and professional contacts which have developed over the years with
members of the department and university, whether teaching staff, secretarial staff or students, and I’ll surely miss
the fact that everything was so “überschaubar” in Klagenfurt - I have 208 students signed up for one of my courses
in Vienna and am very glad that the computer gets to decide who will have the 24 places. But at least I’m easy to
find up here - office no. 29 again - so I’m looking forward to plenty of visits from you all, and nostalgic trips down
the Südbahn back to Klagenfurt.
Helen Heany
1
In the Spotlight
Allan Richard James
What is it that fascinates you about Linguistics?
It is simple: to get to know about language itself. It is a systematic way to understand how language functions and
it is THE science to understand this human attribute, as it defines who we are.
Are there any other languages you dealt with apart from English?
I have made my degrees in general Linguistics, so there were several languages I had to look at. I don’t speak them,
but many people always think I do. It is always great when people expect you to speak 5, 10, 12 languages. But you
are mainly looking at structure, you don’t use it meaningfully. And while checking out what structure and phonology they have, you automatically learn some bits and pieces of the language. During my studies I participated in a
project where we were engaging native speakers, and had to learn about the language as much as possible without
using English. It was very interesting with languages like Zulu and Turkish. Those experiments force you to look
at how language is structured and you quickly realize the variations of languages. But it is kind of exhausting.
You know a lot of different accents, how did you learn them?
Oh, I picked them up over the years, but it is pure imitation. You don’t need to be a linguist for doing that, but as
you are kind of always in connection with a language it might be easier. However, I do it just for fun. And it is a
good thing to make Linguistic courses more fun.
How many accents can you imitate?
I have never counted them, but there are several: e.g. Scottish, Cockney, American, general Northern English… I
don’t use Irish too often… Liverpool is one of my favourites, but it is difficult, it got that nasal voice quality. Scottish is easier, as it has clear sound structure.
What is your favourite accent to speak with?
Oh dear… depends on the company … I should say it’s Welsh, as I am from there, but if I have to say one, I’d pick Northern English.
Where and what did you study at university?
I am from south east Wales, but I studied in Leeds, which might have something to do with my love for those
northern accents. Honestly, I have not been in Wales ever since.
How come you ended up here in Klagenfurt and when did you start teaching here?
I was a visiting professor here, and I wrote my doctors here… my predecessor and I were working together on
several project, as he was the only one who dealt with my research area. And when I was looking for him, I found
him in a place called “Klagenfurt” and so I told him that I was interested in working with him, and I came here .
Once he retired I was of course interested in taking this job and I came straight from the Netherlands, as this was
the place where I taught before.
What do you think about the development of the English department here at Klagenfurt? Especially about the
STEOP?
Well I have been here for now 17-18 years and I think the development is very positive. We were always a very
innovative department, but that seems to be a thing in Austria, and we have expanded in research and teaching.
That’s one of the reason I came here, and in the years that I have been here there was a variety of things going on,
especially specialisation. And I love the good teacher-student relationship, that’s vital.
2
STEOP?
We never know how many students will apply to study English, so something like the STEOP is not bad, as it
provides information of what people are to expect when studying that subject. However, the way they do it in
Vienna, for example, is a bit too strict, as it is a knock-out-system… it should not scare people away.
Any advice you want to give a student of the English language?
Keep your eyes and ears open to the richness of cultural manifestation and associated with Anglophone expressions and use that to learn for your life. Expose yourself to as much English language culture as you can… because
you can’t look at the whole; that is just too much. However, some kind of micro-cosmos of knowledge is a good
start. But hardly anyone studies English because of the language culture, but rather because we look at the global
aspect the language provides. English gives you the whole world, and it stands for a sort of internationalism.
Did you ever have an idol, if so, who was it?
I really have to think hard about that… but I am sure I can’t pick just one… there are so many people that influenced the way I lived my life, so I really am sorry, one really does not work out.
Did your life turn out the way you expected it to be when you were 20? ?
Yeah… I supposed generally speaking… It became pretty clear when I did my MA that I was interested in the
educational sector. But if that did not work out, I always wanted to open a travel-agency… I like to plan my travels
on my own even now.
Did you ever have a motto you lived after, if so, what is it?
Puh… that’s tough, but I think “Treat others the way you want to be treated yourself ”. It is kind of basic, but that’s
quite important for the day-to-day life.
What are your plans for the near future?
I can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel yet (smiles). I will continue with my work for a while still, and travel
a lot, as I do now. And I think I will just enjoy my work and stay active.
Brigitte Pasterk
3
Tips for Students
Helpful tips for Freshmen
4
5
6
Tanja Palle
Tips for Students
Who’s afraid of the Fachprüfung?
Why is it that so many English Studies students are afraid of the Fachprüfung? Generations of students have
shuddered at the mere thought of this ONE test, have spent endless sleepless nights studying for it. Whispers of
“How was it?” “Did you have enough time?” “Did you understand everything?” and “What happens if I don’t pass?”
hang in the air, pale faces check the notice board with terrible foreboding - their fate resting in that one grade! The
Fachprüfung: an evil necessity or a chance to show our skills?
I’ve been roaming the sacred halls here in the University cellar for a couple of years now but the scare the Fachprüfung spreads has been the same every year. It is particularly high and feelable among first semester students
listening to ‘seniors’ going on about how hard (almost impossible) the exam was to pass and those students just
about to take the exam. There are, in fact, just a few students the Fachprüfung leaves cold - a handful of ‘know-italls’ you might argue. Yet, taking the Fachprüfung is inevitable - for some it is a milestone on their academic path,
for others a mere peanut. Well, I think we should get our acts together and see the Fachprüfung as an opportunity
to show what we are capable of... to show what we CAN do as opposed to what we CANNOT do.
What was your worst exam so far? Driving License? School exit exams? How much time did you spend studying? And did you pass? We study for all tests and exams. Some of us cram, others repeat repeat repeat, sometimes
we think we know enough to pass even if we just look over our notes quickly a few minutes before sitting a test.
Sometimes we know beforehand if a test is going to be easy-peasy or hard and tough making it easy to decide
how much studying should be enough to pass. But how much studying is sufficient to take on the Fachprüfung?
Of course we prepare for it! (Well, apart from those hardcore ‘know-it-alls’ mentioned above who seem to think
their English is good enough as it is without hitting the books)....
But consider this: we prepare for the Fachprüfung from day 1 at University. With every lesson, every course we
take, every paper we write we are preparing for it. Training without realizing that all these small steps are helping
and guiding us along the path to successfully pass this dreaded exam. Listening skills, writing skills, communication skills - all there on the syllabus! We get feedback from teachers and staff - they’re not being mean, they are
pushing us in the right (language) direction. It’s good to freshen up on the odd bit and piece before taking the
exam but, people, we should be more self-confident about the Fachprüfung! I say, we should stand up straight and
walk into that exam with heads held high. And consider this: if we can’t pass THIS English language exam then
what have we been doing the past few semesters?
We’re English Students - we are good at what we do!
Katharina Haas
7
Tips for Students
Techniques to enhance your concentration
Concentration means to focus the attention on a single task or activity. Someone who works concentrated pays
attention to what he or she is doing at the moment. Concentration allows us to quickly solve a problem or engage
in any activity. Since focusing on something is very exhausting, it is only possible to do so for a limited period of
time. Someone who is not concentrated tries to memorize the same learning content again and again but fails
when it comes to recalling the data because the memorizing has already failed.
Every day various disturbing factors prevent us from concentrating. Sometimes there are external factors such as
noise, visual distractions or a cluttered and untidy workplace. For some chaotic people or artists, an untidy workplace can be like an inspiration but nine times out of ten this workplace affects the training success in a negative
way. Therefore it is important to keep the work area in order because it can be a bit of a bind to look for an implement while working. Furthermore, even visual distractions can be disturbing. This can often be a glimpse out of
the window. To prevent these distractions people have to see if it is possible to switch the desk to another place or
to put up curtains. If the external distractions are removed and there is still no chance to focus, it is probably due
to the internal disturbances.
The reason for internal distractions is often personal problems. These include missing breaks, tiredness, personal
worries or time pressure. First of all, mental labor makes tired and exhausted. From time to time a person’s mind
needs a break. People will notice this when they wander over and over in their thoughts and make no progress
while learning or working. The length of such a break should not be longer than 5 to 10 minutes and the break
should be repeated every two hours. Another distraction could be time pressure. For some people it is easier to
work under pressure but others, when put under pressure, get blocked. Therefore, people who have a lack of time
should make a timetable and start early enough in order to avoid time pressure. Another hit man for the concentration is fatigue. This can, again, have different reasons. Insomnia, going out or burning oneself out the day before
are just a few. On such a day it is better to deal with routine and easy work. Finally, there are personal concerns
and worries which often are the trigger for careless mistakes. The best thing these people can do is stop working
for a while.
To wrap it up, concentration is something which can be trained through numerous exercises. Removing the various distractions is the first step for a better concentration. Once people trained their ability to concentrate and
have removed all distractions it is no longer a problem to focus on one task.
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Useful tips to encourage your concentration
1.Pay attention to a single thing and stop doing two or more things at the same time.
2.Clean up your workplace every evening. A tidy workplace makes the start easier.
3.Use ear plugs against the noise.
4.Plants condition the air of a room, they sometimes prevent people from getting headaches and the color
green has a positive effect.
5.Break down complex tasks into separate sections. This leads to an earlier success.
6. A short nap helps against getting tired.
7.Last but not least, breaks should not be spent in the working room. Go outside and take a deep breath. In
case you cannot leave the room, open the windows.
Some concentration exercises
Exercise 1: Count in your mind from one hundred to one, skipping each four numbers, that is 100, 96, 92, .......
Exercise 2: Memorize items
Memorize the following terms in 45 seconds and then write the ones you could remember down.
computer
flip chart
file
scissor
glue stick
pencil
organize
mug
mouse
meeting
e-mail
eraser
For everyone who is interested in his or her concentration level, here is a link to a concentration exercise quiz. Just
follow the instructions given on the web page:
http://www.concentrationexercises.net/
Kerstin Niederer
9
Tips for Students
Easing the pain of giving presentations
More about how there’s nothing to be afraid of because everybody has to do presentations at some point.
Someone in the audience clicking a ballpoint, another one being busy with chatting to a friend on Facebook, a
third one constantly (every two minutes) looking at the clock and you … giving a presentation. Sounds familiar?
Most probably all of us have experienced this awkward moment when five people out of twenty really pay attention to what’s going on in front of the class.
There is a number of things you should pay attention to when preparing and giving a presentation. However, there
is nothing more important than keeping your audience in mind. There is a variety of possibilities to do so. Next
time you give a presentation, consider the following. To begin with, ask yourself whether WHAT you are going to
talk about would also be of interest to your audience. Will they want to listen to what you have to say? In order to
make it simpler, try to put yourself in your audience’s shoes and ask yourself whether the topic would catch YOUR
attention. However, you won’t always get to decide on a topic by yourself. In this case, consider the following: is
HOW I’m going to give my presentation interesting? Even a rather boring topic can be turned into an interesting
and amusing one. Again, try to put yourself in your audience’s shoes. Which of the following would catch your
attention and which would send you sleep: a presenter introducing you to the history of computers by simply reading from a script, speaking in a monotonous tone and showing PowerPoint slides overloaded with information; a
presenter introducing you to the history of computers by trying to speak spontaneously, including some surprising or shocking facts and using PowerPoint slides to show some eye-catching images or even a short clip from a
documentary film? Last but not least, make your talk personal. Instead of trying to act too formally, try to loosen
up and just be yourself. Don’t be afraid to share your personal experience with others. If you’re comfortable with
using humour, then feel free to do so. It feels great to see some happy faces smiling back at you, don’t?
“They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel” (Carl W. Buechner)
Olivia Jürjendal
10
Tips for Students
Online Learning Platforms
Students of the English language as well as pre-students interested in taking part in academic life are usually
determined to improve their language skills. There are countless ways to do so, for instance using former school
assignments, possibly available assignments of the professors or books in the library. Nevertheless, sometimes
these examples do not appear sufficient for “a student’s needs” and therefore they tend to use more and more online learning platforms. However, these online offers should be used with great care, keeping potential dangers in
mind.
There are several reasons why students may use online platforms for language learning. The most common of
these reasons are represented by time and quantity. Firstly many assignments can be found online without much
effort and thus little time is needed for research. Secondly compared to a limited number of assignments in one
or even more books, the possible coverage of the internet is certainly unbeatable. Further advantages of online
assignments are the inclusion of modern media in terms of movie clips targeted at pronunciation and listening
skills, as well as interactive games dealing with grammar and vocabulary or the like. Furthermore, all assignments
can easily be switched, more precisely, learners can decide which task they prefer independent of being restricted
by a certain topic. Thereby, learning sessions even can be combined by just switching the tab or window. This flexibility is unmatched by traditional learning methods including simply the usage of books and therefore explains
the attractiveness of such learning platforms. Regarding these advantages it certainly becomes obvious why lots of
students rely on the aid of online learning platforms.
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Thus, at first glance, it seems as if there are no disadvantages in using online platforms, but they surely exist. In the
beginning, every possible learning platform should be observed critically. The question that may arise is: why? Of
course, the formerly named advantages are quite impressive. Anyway, the typical academic question referring to
a source reference still remains. Every online platform can be uploaded by a reliable provider as well as by questionable ones, so to be appropriate for academic work it should be pre-checked before usage. Besides the possible
variations in the degree of difficulty of online assignments, and their adequacy in the academic context have to
be kept in mind. The correctness of the offered educational material, for instance, is another closely related issue,
since most of the online sources are not verified or licensed by educational authorities. A common example is
platforms on which people from all over the world can upload there learning units, mostly without any academic
background. Last but not least, some of the online learning platforms may be used for reasons of propaganda or
self-interest of the provider, for example in spreading certain beliefs through the learning material or luring customers with dishonest offers for learning material. Accordingly, all findings of online learning platforms should
be questioned.
As a matter of principle online learning platforms offer a great number of possibilities for students of English,
however, due to the amount of possible fraud and inaccuracy of such offers online learning platforms should be
used carefully and always on a critical base. In case of doubt, luckily, the traditional methods are still recommendable.
Here are two examples of online learning platforms which I would like to recommend, since they offer lots of
different assignments covering every area of the English language. As a result of the participation of many people
from different countries, especially concerning the BBC, students get the chance to cope with different pronunciation varieties. This can be helpful when meeting foreign people but hopefully does not interfere with the individual
pronunciation.
Anyway, usage of such online learning platforms remains an individual decision.
Max Kullmer
12
Experiences Abroad
Summer au-pair
Can you imagine spending your summer holidays in another country, far away from home, exploring a totally new
culture and life style? I took this opportunity last summer when I was working as a summer au-pair in Ireland. I
have to admit that it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Actually, most people do not know that there
is a chance to go abroad for just one summer where you can either work in different occupational areas or be an
au-pair. In my case it was clear to work as an au-pair because my previous experiences with children are definitely
an advantage and it is probably the easiest and cheapest way to live in your favorite country.
What do you have to do to become a summer au-pair?
First of all you have to pick a country where you would like to stay over the summer holidays.
Afterwards it is relevant to find a trustable bonding agency which helps you to find a nice and warm hearted family. Of course not every family or every au pair is working together with an agency but is instead looking for
a family on the internet. I personally would not recommend it to start this project without an agency because you
would have no protection and no people who support you when something goes wrong. An agency is always there
if you have troubles with the family, they help you to find other au-pairs in your neighborhood and moreover they
manage to find a new family when it is necessary. I made the experience that it is important while being on your
own in another country to have a reference person who you can rely on. In other words, being placed by an agency
means that you are safe.
I can recommend the agency I worked with: au-pair4you.
http://www.au-pair4you.at/
In order to get in touch with an agency it is necessary to write or call them before, to get certain information and to be informed about what they need to write a successful application.
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Step three would be to write a dear family letter where you tell the families a few things about your life, your personality and your experiences with children. Moreover you tell them why you want to be a summer au-pair and
what you expect from the family. It is very important to let the family know what you are willing to do concerning
housework, how many hours per week you want to work and when you have your days off. To avoid troubles it is
certainly useful to ask these questions at the very beginning because if you do not agree with their demands the
agency can look for another family. Keep in mind, an au-pair is not supposed to work the whole day, it should be
an exciting, enriching and joyful time for both sides.
Furthermore the agency needs a photo collage of you where you are playing and working with children.
The reason therefore is that the families want to get a first impression of you, they can imagine how you are and
they find out if they feel sympathy.
In addition several personal documents are needed. For example your certificate of good conduct, a medical certificate and your citizenship document. If you have any problems concerning these three documents the
agency is not able to place you somewhere.
The last step would be to fill in a questionnaire with your personal data where you can also mention some
special wishes you may have. For example how many children you want to take care of, which age you prefer and
if you want to live in a big city or in a rural area.
Why should I spend a summer as an au-pair?
Being on your own for the first time is definitely an exciting and great adventure which everyone should
experience once in life. You will certainly benefit from it because it helps you to develop your personality, to stand
on your own feet and to organize your day without your families help. Moreover you broaden your mind by learning about new cultures, people and totally different traditions and norms. Your stay in a foreign country will indeed
improve your social skills because you will spend a lot of your time with the children, create a connection with
them, support them and you will definitely grow all together. In addition, being abroad means to get in touch with
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Moreover it is obvious that you will improve your language skills as well because, if you spend time in an
English speaking country people will talk this language with you all the time. There is no chance to talk your
mother tongue in the host family which means it is the perfect opportunity for you to increase your vocabulary.
You will also benefit from talking to the children because they often cannot circumscribe a word and therefore
you will gain many new words and phrases. The best advice I can give you is to talk as much as you can, do not be
afraid of making mistakes and try to adopt new words.
Another advantage is that you will get to know loads of new people from all over the world. Suddenly you
will have many friends who´s native language is different to yours. It is brilliant to know that there are people all
around the globe to who you can talk to and who you can visit. This definitely helps you to gain an understanding
for other people and to be tolerant towards other cultures.
What is important to know before you apply as an au-pair?
The most important thing is to think about if you really want to spend most of your time with children
and if you have the responsibility to take care of them the whole day. Ask yourself and maybe your friends if they
can imagine you as a nanny? If you are sure that you enjoy sharing your time with kids, support them with their
homework and advise them, you are absolutely right to apply as an au-pair.
The next step would be to get in touch with a family and ask them immediately about a daily routine plan,
what your tasks during the day are, how many hours you have to work and when you have free time. It is not the
duty of an au-pair to replace the mother and to work around the clock! An au-pair should just be a helping hand
and furthermore she or he should be part of the host family during her/his stay. One of the most important things
is that to feel comfortable and accepted within the family. If you do not agree with your timetable and tasks look
for another suitable family!
Ask the family about family traditions and individual family features and make sure that you agree with
their norms and values. It is necessary to match with the parenting style concerning raising their children.
Possessing an own car within the family is also a very big advantage and you should definitely ask if you
will have a car and how often you can use it. Look for a family which has a car available whenever you need it, also
in your free time. It makes things much easier and you can go on some car trips to explore the countryside.
To conclude, if you keep these advices in mind you will surely find a benign family and have a brilliant time. I
would for sure recommend it to everyone who is outgoing, who likes to explore new traditions and who enjoys to
spend time with children. Being a summer au-pair in Ireland was so far one of the best and most exciting experiences in my life. I lived together with a lovely and caring family, I looked after the two cutest boys who I still miss a
lot and I made great friends. I am very thankful for this adventure and I am looking forward to visit them soon!
Lisa Putz
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Anglophone Cultures Today
Political Correctness:
Suppressing freedom of speech?
Probably, but to confirm that I have to select my words carefully here. I do not want to hurt anyone’s feelings with
my words. Political correctness means selecting appropriate words to prevent offending other people’s feelings
or avoiding using negative stereotypes of a group. Political correctness also hinders the notion of discriminating
people in regard to their religion, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and nationality. Interpret it as censorship if you like.
It sets standards for people to conform to in our society, emphasizing the notion of empathy for others.
Does being politically correct intend to deny people their freedom of speech or expression? Well, there is a plethora of criticism and there are people against it and people who champion it. There are even people who are amused
and make fun of the notion of checking your words carefully before being offensive. I have no objection to being
politically correct so long as it restricts offending others. You cannot please everyone and the only advice I could
offer is to watch what is being said because the chances of being sued are very high. The times of being aware of
our human rights are ripe, lawyers have busy days as suing for money has become the easiest ticket to stardom and
wealth. Don’t be surprised if a judge sentences you to jail for offending someone with your frank words. Note that
the term ‘discrimination’ has a historical background that is very painful to some people. Yet, people tend to misuse
the concept to a point that they are accused of playing the race card or whining. To avoid jail sentences based on
hate crimes, better to resort to white lies, they pay at times.
Some examples of PC:
✤
Garbage Man - sanitation engineer
✤
Fireman - Firefighter
✤
Fat - horizontally challenged, horizontally gifted, people of mass
✤
Handicapped - Differently abled,
✤
Learning Disability - Self-Paced Cognitive Ability
✤
Mankind - Humankind
✤
Plagiarism - Previously Owned Prose
✤
Cheating - Academic dishonesty
✤
Poor - economically marginalized, monetarily challenged, economically unprepared
✤
Unemployed - Involuntarily leisured.
"If all printers were determined
not to print anything till they were
sure it would offend nobody, there
would be very little printed."
Benjamin FRANKLIN.
Ultimately, the terminologies used evolve just like languages do. What used to be Christmas holidays is now
‘Happy holidays’, so that other denominations should not feel left out. Being politically correct is not only minding your language but also the environment and animals, amongst others. Always double-check before offending
someone, the repercussions might be severe.
Remember the truth hurts, when you call a spade a spade. Happy Holidays!!!
Vivian Gütler
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Anglophone Cultures Today
Men and women – two different species?
Do men and women communicate in the same way? Do they at least speak the same language? Concerning this
issue a clear line has to be drawn between sex and gender. Whereas sex is the biological difference between men
and women, gender concerns the psychological, social and cultural differences between males and females. Moreover, gender is a social structure created by society. Since the early 1960s researchers have focused on the issue of
communication between men and women. Results can not only be found in various statistics but also in everyday
life. A study by the article’s author made clear that students find communicating with people of the same sex easier
than with those of the other one.
The phenomenon of men still dominating every conversation reflects constant stereotypes. Men’s speech is seen as
the norm, whereas women have to take on a subordinate role. Common stereotypes about women’s speech are, for
instance, that women talk in more gossip-laden, illogical and corrupt ways. On the other hand, it is said that men
focus on the hard facts. According to Ronald Wardhaugh (2010), color words like beige, lavender and magenta
are more frequently used by women and statements are often ended with a question. But it is a fact that during
a conversation women are more flexible than men. Another reason that a conversation between men and women
can hardly run smoothly is that the categories between women’s and men’s talk differ. For example, men talk about
competitions, teasing, sports and aggression. On the opposite, women like to talk about them-selves, feelings, and
the affiliation with others, their home and family. Additionally, another issue which can lead to failed conversations is that women often respond with “mhmm”, meaning “I am listening” whereas men use “mhmm” to agree
with their interlocutor.
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But is this occurrence unavoidable? Is there no opportunity that a conversation between men and women has the
desired effect? There is! If men and women want to communicate with each other it is important to pay careful
attention to the central meaning of what is going to be said. According to Deborah Cameron (2007), a newspaper
journalist, the above described “facts” are myths, that is to say a false belief. Referring to her article, in Deborah’s
opinion there is no natural suitability for women to be more efficient speakers. Moreover she points out 3 myths
concerning language and gender:
1. Men talk less than women
2. Women show higher verbal skills than men
3. The aim of men is to cope with things, whereas women’s main focus lays on the social interaction
These myths result in misunderstandings and make communication between men and women nearly impossible.
Regardless of the previously mentioned facts, another issue of women’s and men’s discussion above these myths
is that men’s status concerning gender is higher. This hierarchical system is reflecting the basic idea of the widely
discussed question if women talk more than men. It is a fact that the higher the status of speaker the more the
person is likely to talk. If this issue is connected with the reality of men achieving higher status within work then
the result should be that men are more likely to talk than women. One of the common stereotypes of women gossiping more than men could, as a consequence, be a lie. Another view that has to be taken into account is that if
the context of the conversation is given the status loses importance. In this case the gap between women and men
can be decreased.
Furthermore, researchers have found out that the sphere in which the conversation takes place has significant importance on the amount of words that are spoken. Within the domestic sphere, for instance, women tend to talk
more. Additionally, within an informal setting where status does not play an active role, men do not talk more as
the logical conclusion would be but both sexes converse equally. The question which arises from that context is
why many people believe that women talk more than men do. Dale Spender, a feminist, tries to find an explanation
by stating that the overestimating of women’s speech and the common saying that women talk too much result in
this belief.
Undoubtedly, taking both views into account it is important to not just look at the differences between the way
men and women talk, but also at the common ground. It is crucial to observe the world very carefully, including
the social separation between men and women. The question which remains open is to which extent the differences pointed out above should be seen as facts or myths.
Sabrina Pluch
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Anglophone Cultures Today
JFK, Pearl Harbour, 9/11 & Co.
The Role of the Conspiracy Theory
in the 21st century
Whether it is the assassination of JFK, the attacks on Pearl Harbour, the landing on the moon or the destruction
of the World Trade Centre by ruthless terrorists – there has hardly been any major historic event since the beginning of the 20th century that has not come under suspicion of being deliberately distorted to deceive a country’s
– or even the world’s – population. For almost a century, conspiracy theories have been developed and widely
distributed with the result that all over the world, supporters and proponents of those alleged truths can be found.
But what are conspiracy theories and what kind of people believe in them? Are they losing ground or increasingly
gaining influence? And, most importantly, what consequences do they entail?
In his book Voodoo Histories, David Aaronovitch, award-winning journalist and author residing in the UK, does
not only debunk the most popular conspiracy theories of our times, but also provides the reader with a clear and
elaborate definition of the term. Thus, according to Aaronovitch, a conspiracy theory could simply be described as
“an unnecessary assumption of conspiracy when other explanations are more probable” – an asserted conspiracy, so
to speak (Aaronovitch, 2009:5). He also states that people believing in such alleged conspiracies, are surprisingly
in a large part coming from the educated and middle class. Believing in such theories makes them feel as if they
are becoming part of an almost heroic and courageous group that doubts the actions of the powerful elite, most
frequently the government, and stands up against them. The believer in a conspiracy theory thus is a true hero,
whose open-mindedness allows him or her to see the truth behind the official story that is supposed to delude the
gullible mass.
The number of people believing in conspiracy theories differs significantly. On the one hand, a 2003 poll on the
assassination of John F. Kennedy conducted by Fox News, shows that even forty years later, approximately two
thirds of the interviewees believe that facts were covered up. On the other hand, the numbers of people accepting
theories on the terrorist attacks of 2001 are substantially decreasing. According to an online survey by Angus Reid
Global Monitor, as of 2010, only 15 per cent of the respondents accord credibility to the hypothesis of a controlled
demolition of the buildings with an even lower percentage believing in other theories concerning 9/11. Equally,
that NASA feigned the moon landing in 1969, may be a widespread theory, but the actual number of people being convinced of a staged moon landing is comparably low. In a Gallup poll of 1999 – which is the most recent
survey conducted on this issue – only six per cent thought that the U.S. government had in fact only pretended
the moon landing of 1969.
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Whether the numbers of proponents of conspiracy theories are increasing or not, the existence of such theories
alone has repercussions that substantially affect our society. First, the ‘common people’ more and more see themselves as victims of the powerful elite that rules our world. As David Aaronovitch puts it in his book, conspiracy
theories “add up to an idea of the world in which the authorities, including those we elect, are systematically corrupt and untruthful”, which basically means that people are more and more losing confidence and trust in the
government. Moreover, humankind does no longer believe in what is communicated via the media, constantly
mistrusting, doubting and suspecting everything that is heard and seen. Politicians and religious leaders are increasingly losing credibility and influence; corruption, distortion and deception are the ubiquitous catchwords of
today. A general pessimism hovers above western civilization and is highly unlikely to disappear. Aaronovitch goes
even one step further, claiming that the existence of conspiracy theories “distorts our view of history and therefore
of the present”.
An interesting fact about conspiracy theories is that, in fact, they are only theories. Nothing has been proven,
confirmed or certified. However, their impact on and relevance for society should not be neglected. No matter
who believes in what theory, no matter how low – or high, respectively – the percentage of proponents of certain
theories is, the presence of such alleged truths suffices to alter and distort our view of the world. In the very last
paragraph of his book, David Aaronovitch encapsulates the danger of conspiracy theories: “[…] I believe that conspiracies aren’t powerful. It is instead the idea of conspiracies that has power” (Aaronivitch, 2009:342). And with
this in mind, everyone should decide for themselves whether or not to accord credibility to the heaps of theories
and half-truths that can be found out there…
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Lisa Kazianka
Anglophone Cultures Today
Dickens Year 2012
The new year 2012 is going to be one full of action: We are going to witness the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, the first Winter Youth Olympics will be held in Austria, the Mayan calendar is going to complete a great
circle and one of the world’s most famous authors is going to have the bicentenary of his birth.
On February 7th this year the literary world celebrates Charles Dickens’s 200th birthday – honoring one of the
most important writers in the history of books and fiction with festivals, book readings and special exhibitions.
Throughout the world museums are going to do their best to present the life and works of the great British author,
but there will be no place like London. Being the main setting of most of Dickens’s novels, London spares no
efforts to commemorate the occasion, offering interested Dickens fans a huge variety of activities, festivals and
exhibitions.
Workshops that lead visitors back into the 19th century are going to show how life was in Victorian times, including cosplays, playgrounds, story tellings and readings of his works and historical background information provided
by Charles Dickens actors. Worldwide new adaptations and old theatre versions of his novels will be staged and
big markets and festivals will take place. His birthhouse too will be open for public and is going to be the setting
for celebrations.
But what makes Charles Dickens so extraordinary?
Not only was he one of the most popular and famous authors of the Victorian period, he can also be considered
as a committed social critic, coping with issues like poverty, crime and class system and trying to ameliorate the
situation of the lower classes. His wit and humor are as distinct as his detailed description of London and its suburbs, which enabled his readership to live and feel with the characters of the novels and visit the places that are
mentioned in them. In addition to that, Charles Dickens created imaginative people that could and still can be related too and are amongst the most memorable in fiction. The heroes and villains of his novels have conquered the
world since their creation and still reach out to readers of every age, children and adults alike. From Oliver Twist to
David Copperfield, from the creepy Uriah Heep to the vicious criminal Ebenezer Scrooge – Dickens’s characters
have become part of both English literature and language and keep fascinating people around the globe.
It is this fascination that leads to Dickens’s unmatched importance and popularity, resulting in a year full of celebrations and festivals, which should honor the great writer and thank him for his literary creations that still delight
and inspire thousands of people. So use your chance, grab your copy of “Oliver Twist” and set for London – a lot
of fun, food and new experiences awaits you.
Christina Untersteiner
21
Anglophone Cultures Today
Christkind vs. Santa Clause
Another year, another battle
In Austria every year around Christmas time – which nowadays already starts at the end of October – the battle
between the Christkind (Christ child) and Santa Clause goes into another round.
In this country, traditionally the Christkind, which is portrayed as a little girl with golden curls and a white dress
with wings, brings the presents in the evening of the 24th of December. Unfortunately it does not fit that well into
modern-day marketing and advertising. For that reason Santa Clause or Father Christmas, as he is called in Great
Britain, was introduced in this country a couple of years ago. Probably most people know him as an old slightly
bigger man in red with a huge white beard and a pointed cap from a TV sport that appears every year, where he
is drinking a world wide known soft drink.
The question that arises is whether we should adept another countries’ tradition only because it fits better in advertising and seems more up to date?!? Children in Austria have always believed that the Christkind comes to their
homes either through the window or the door and leaves the presents under the Christmas tree. Nowadays most
children are confused about what to believe in. They are over-flooded with impressions and pictures of men in
sleighs and reindeers. The shop windows are mostly decorated with Santa Clause or other non traditional figures.
The fight Christkind versus Santa Clause has become so tense that even on TV there are adverts that use the two
figures to fight against each other.
In my point of view people should stick more to their traditions and customs and not celebrate events that do not
fit into their countries’ culture.
Savita Stangl
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Film Review
Memento
Memento is a psychological thriller, written by Christopher Nolan, and starring Guy Pearce. The movie is unlike
any other you have ever seen, since its narrative structure is completely different to other movies. The audience is
told two stories, one in the correct order, and another in the opposite order. The first scene of the movie is actually
the last, and therefore, the last scene is actually the first.
Its brilliant narrative structure is not the only reason why the movie has become legendary and has attracted such
a cult.
Leonard (Guy Pearce) suffers from short term memory loss, which means he cannot create any new memories.
The last thing he remembers is his wife getting raped and killed. He is looking for vengeance, which is not as easy
as it sounds, when you have no short term memory. Leonard takes pictures of every person he meets in order to
remember them the next time he sees them. He also has to tattoo facts about his condition and the killer he is
looking for all over his body, so that he is constantly aware of what is going on.
The movie premiered in 2000 at the Venice Film Festival, and received the best reaction a movie could wish for,
a standing ovation. Its ratings are sky-high on every single acclaimed movie website on the planet, and there are
very few “Best movie lists” that do not include Memento.
Nothing is as it seems in this Christopher Nolan masterpiece, and even the ending will leave you wanting more.
Luka Kropec
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Film Review
Into the Wild
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Nina Kropiunig
Film Review
Melancholia
Country/Year: Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany / 2011
Director: Lars von Trier
Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourgh, Alexander Skarsgård
There are several predictions about the end of the world on December 21st 2012 and because of that, it is certainly
a topic that is more up-to-date than ever. Directors already showed us what it can look like to bring the apocalypse
to the big screen in movies such as “The Day after tomorrow”, “Independence Day” or Roland Emmerich’s most
recent movie “2012”. Usually, those movies tend to be packed with a lot of action but what happens if a director
tries to get by without all that? In his movie “Melancholia”, director Lars von Trier finally gives the answer to that
question by picking up the issue of the apocalypse with a completely different approach.
The movie basically revolves around Justine and Claire, two sisters that could not have been more different.
Right in the beginning, Justine is supposed to marry her fiancé Michael but what first seems like a fairytale soon
turns into a nightmare. The sisters’ embittered mother keeps insulting Justine and their father starts flirting with
much younger girls and the later it gets, the sooner it seems as if the wedding starts to go down the drain. As a
consequence, Justine gets more and more dismissive and by the end of the night, Michael decides to leave since
he recognizes that in reality, the wedding is not what Justine really wants. Shortly after that, Justine glides into
a serious depression whereupon her sister Claire takes care of her. When things slowly get better for Justine, reports of the enormous planet “Melancholia” that is supposed to pass by the earth, start to appear in the news. The
whole family is excited about it since the planet is even visible in the sky and scientists claim that the situation is
completely harmless. Nevertheless, Claire is suspicious and starts to do some research on the internet where she
finds out that some people describe the approach of Melancholia as a dance of death which means that the planet
will collide with the earth. Little by little, even Claire’s husband John realizes that the end is near and he commits
suicide while Justine seems resigned to the fact that they all might be dead soon. From then on, the tragedy runs
its course.
“Melancholia” is said to be the result of Lars von Trier’s own experience with depression since his psychiatrist told
him that depressed people tend to be calm in stressful situations because they already expect bad things to happen. He clearly used that knowledge to not only create the character of Justine but also a movie that shows how
differently people react when they are confronted with the end of the world. Although the storyline might not
be very original, Lars von Trier certainly created a movie that captivates the viewer with stunning visuals that are
accompanied by the music of Richard Wagner and the tension that slowly builds up the closer Melancholia gets
to the earth. All in all, it can be said that the movie makes the viewer realize that all the current predictions about
the end of the world must be looked at critically and therefore it is without doubt a must see film.
Sabrina Zweil
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Film Review
Bend it like Beckham
The British Bollywood movie and comedy ‘Bend it like Beckham’ (GB, Germany; 2002, direction: Gurinder
Chadha) tells the excellent story of 18-year-old Jess Bhamra (Perminda Nagra) and the conflict between her passion, football, and her Indian family.
Living in London with her conservative parents and her sister Pinky, Jess tries to liver her football-dream by playing with some boys in the park. One day she is seen by Jules Paxton (Keira Kneightly) who talks her into joining
the women’s football team, which Jess tries to hide from her parents. Unfortunately, Pinky’s marriage with her
Indian fiancé Teetu is at the risk of being cancelled when Teetu’s parents watch Jess hugging Jules. They think Jules
is a boy because of her short blonde hair and feel betrayed as an Indian girl should not meet a white boy. Things
get cleared however, when Teetu himself convinces the Bhamras to hold the marriage. Unfortunately for Jess, the
final game of her team is at the same date as the marriage but Jess’ father allows her to play the second half of the
game. Jess wins with her team and she and Jules are asked by a scout to come to play for a college in California. Joe
( Jonathan Rhys Meyers), Jess’ and Jules’ football trainer and Jess’ lover, convinces her to talk to her parents because
of college and due to her father’s past, Jess is allowed to study there with Jules.
Bend it like Beckham is a movie about sports, love, passion and the mixture of two different cultures which try to
go together hand in hand. The viewer gets taken into a young woman’s life who fights for her love and is able to
open the eyes of her beloved family and friends.
Lara Rothleitner
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Funglistics
Funny Quotes:
“Last week I stated that this woman was the ugliest woman I had ever seen. I have since been visited by her sister
and now wish to withdraw that statement.” Mark Twain
“A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.” Bernard Shaw
“I used to desire many, many things, but now I have just one desire, and that’s to get rid of all my other desires”
John Cleese
“The world is full of willing people; some willing to work, the rest willing to let them.” Robert Frost
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Wolfram Klingspiegel
Poem
I’ve had a hard day
I’ve had a hard day, I’m tired and I’m weary,
Things aren’t going my way – I’m not very cheery,
I try to stay upbeat, but don’t get very far,
So, I take a break from the world and pick up my guitar.
As I strum along on the tightened strings,
I think of all the many things
That have bothered me that day,
Let my fingers start to dance as my thoughts drift far away.
Wolfram Klingspiegel
I get lost in a world of musical rhythm,
Fragments of reality depart and take my worries with them,
When I play my guitar it’s as if nothing else matters,
I’m flying, I’m free and that sad feeling shatters.
Playing my tunes helps me see my life clearer,
Makes me realise my problems are nothing to fear.
Wolfram Klingspiegel
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A Quick Look
Helen Heaney’s and
Carmen Amerstorfer’s trip to the Midwest
Last September we flew to the USA together. Despite the fact that our inner clocks needed
some time to adjust to the time difference, we rented a car in Chicago and drove to a small
town in the Mid-West called Cedar Falls. If you’ve never heard of it before, don’t worry. We
hadn’t either. The place didn’t even appear on any of the road maps we used. If you want, you
can imagine Cedar Falls as a typical town taken out of a cowboy movie but more modern:
replace the horse-drawn caravans by cars et voilà. There’s one central main street, which is
actually called ‘Main Street’ and which represents the centre of town with some shops, restaurants and bars. (Some time back this must have been a place where tough guys got hammered on Whiskey in saloons before they got kicked out through the swinging doors onto
dusty Main Street, where they got into fist fights with other tough guys.) Our hotel – the
Black Hawk on Main Street – was the only hotel in town. After mingling with the locals
on our first evening, we were picked up by Dr Ardith Meyer the next morning.
Dr Meyer works in the Department of Languages and Literatures at the University of
Northern Iowa, our partner university. She organised two students to show us around campus while she was teaching, so we got a full tour, which lasted about an hour. UNI offers
everything an American student’s heart desires: a brilliantly organised food court with
different restaurants and cafés, fully furnished student accommodations, various theatres
that give acting classes, bands and choirs the room and equipment they require for their
performances, amazing sports facilities ranging from gyms and a swimming pool to an actual football stadium. On our campus tour we got lots of information on the campus and
its history. Quite honestly, it was far too much to remember then and even harder to recall
a month later. One fact we do remember, though, is that the football arena isn’t only used
for sports events. Famous people like India’s late peace activist Mahatma Gandhi and First
Lady Michelle Obama have given speeches there. Having written that, it is a bit awkward
to add that we got to give guest lectures that afternoon. Needless to say our grade of fame
doesn’t compare to that of the two aforementioned landmarks in history in the slightest.
However, Dr Meyer’s students liked us not only for the UNI sweaters we had just bought
at the university’s gift shop.
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The next day we continued on our road trip to a place called Ames, where we attended a
conference on ‘Using Technologies in Language Assessment’. Helen presented the results
of her research concerning reading assessment, and together we listened to many interesting presentations. Going to such a conference together with another person has one major
advantage: you can split up, listen to two speakers in two different rooms and then brief
each other during breaks. This way you don’t miss out on any speeches that are scheduled
in parallel time slots. As is usual with such events, the conference ended with a more or less
informal conference dinner, at which you have a chance to chat with some people you’ve
met and exchange contact details. In our case the networking ended at barbeque in the back
yard of one of the organisers with hot dogs, burgers and chocolate brownies.
Looking back at the events, there’s one memory that sticks out. One evening, when we were
looking for a cosy place to reflect on the day, all of a sudden a middle-aged couple stopped
right in front of us. The man pointed his finger at us and shouted out ‘YOU AND I’. Or
at least that’s what we thought he had said. We looked at each other puzzled until the man
went on and explained that he had been to the University of Northern Iowa twenty five
years previously. This is when we realised that we were wearing our new sweaters with the
three letters UNI printed across our chests.
Carmen Amerstorfer
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