(English) Language

Photo by mararie

Dear Students,

Our today's topic is (English) language and what it means to us.  

A.Watch the clip „Language is a Virus“ by Laurie Anderson and note down types of language that she mentions in the first part of her song (up to " ... that I'm sorry.").

B. Listen to the second part of her song and fill in the missing words:

Well I dreamed there was an island
That _____________ from the sea.
And everybody on the island
Was somebody from _______________.
And there was a beautiful __________________
But nobody could _________________.
Cause everybody on the island
Was ______________: Look at me! Look at me!
Look at me! Look at me!


Use Language is a Virus lyrics to check how well you have done this task.

C. Answer the following questions:

1. How does Laurie depict television?

2. What is her idea of paradise?

3. Why does she say that language is a virus?

Listen to her own interpretation of the song title. How different is it from yours?

D. Now let us focus more specifically on the English language. Read these statements and discuss whether you agree/disagree. 


1. Today English is more contagious than other languages.
2. It facilitates global communication and the whole world should learn it.
3. English should be vaccinated against other language viruses to make communication even better.
4. Other languages should be protected from English influences to preserve cultural diversity.

Write down your thoughts in the form of a short article for an international students' magazine. Use 220-260 words. 

E. Reflect on what English language means to you. What do you like about English and what would you like to change? Write your ideas on this wall.

Yours,
Mira