Yesterday, my good friend and co-educator Masrizal asked me to conduct a question and answer session for two of his classes at Syiah Kuala University, the oldest and largest university in Banda Aceh. Being that it is part of my goal to spread English to as many students as possible, I felt that this was a great opportunity to discuss English language topics and spread knowledge of this blog. The student body was very welcoming, though a little shy. I am pleased to say, however, that they asked many revelant questions in relation to English language development within Aceh.
It is my hope that some day in the near future I will be asked to return to the university to speak to the student body.
One of the common themes I have noticed among Indonesian students is that very few are engaged in reading for pleasure. Some weeks back, I spoke with another English language educator from the United States who told me that Indonesian students don't read for pleasure as often as they should. Judging from this small sample, almost no one raised their hand when asked if they read for pleasure. For a long term goal, what do some of our readers think would be an excellent way to improve literacy in Indonesia?
Also, I'd like to add that buleocracy has had its first visitors from outside of Indonesia! We got two hits from Germany today! This is a strong example for the Indonesian students that a blog is not just about you or your home culture but a vast world of visitors to exchange ideas with.
i hope in future indonesian peoples read for pleasure...
ReplyDeletedaniel, i'am one of student in the class you visited with mr Masrizal before. my name zamzami.
you can share to me about writing. Thanks
Zamzami, I am most pleased that you have decided to participate. Among the students, you are the first to actively comment. This is a big step, as nearly 100 people have viewed the blog so far.
ReplyDeleteWriting in a constructive and meaningful manner is achieved through building a vocabulary and understanding of the concepts you wish to portray.
For example, if we were to write about the future of Indonesian literacy, we might want to discuss books or authors in bahasa Indonesia that we appreciate. Since I am illiterate in Indonesian, perhaps you could give me some Indonesian authors and books you enjoy?
okay daniel... now because of you i'm pleased to read about aceh literacy and aceh history.. in future i can share to you..
ReplyDeleteanyway, do you have authors and books to share to me. i think i'am poor in writing.
and also i'am sorry if my writing are bad.. thanks
Zamzami, I have a large number of authors and books I could share with you. Most of what I enjoy comes from the discipline I have studied the most, history. For most readers, this kind of reading is "dry", meaning that it holds little interest for them.
ReplyDeleteBooks that might be very accessible to you and other students at Syiah Kuala might include:
1.) Marcovaldo by Italo Calvino. These are a collection of short, humorous stories that have been translated from Italian into English. Highly recommended.
2.) The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. This is a fairly short, highly influential American novel. It is commonly assigned to read in American high school classrooms, and is probably at about the level of most students at the university.
3.) The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway.
Another very short, very easy to read book that is considered hugely important in American classrooms. This book may be the best one for you to try first.
4.) Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevesky. This book has been translated into English from Russian. Still, this work is a classic in any language. Along with War and Peace, this book is perhaps of the most important literary achievements of all time. This is an ADVANCED BOOK, save it for later.
5.) Candide by Voltaire. As a satirist, Voltaire was one of the greatest "wits" of all time. Candide is a short book, very short, but may not be fully accessible until you have read some more works. Read this some time later.
6.) The Harry Potter books (various) by J.K. Rowling. These books I have largely not read. I read the first one and I didn't personally enjoy it, however, these books have exposed MILLIONS of young people to literacy. Well worth a try as an intermediate English speaker/reader.
Also, don't apologize for exercising your English. I understood what you said. Did you want me to edit your comment to make the English more appropriate? Trying and correcting mistakes is how we all learn. Never apologize for making a great attempt.
ReplyDelete