Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior - Kristina Lindgren

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704111504576059713528698754.html

 

This article “Why Chinese Mothers are Superior” is written by Amy Chua. It discusses the Chinese parenting styles compared to the Western parenting styles.  It talks about how both Chinese and Western parents want what is best for their child but their different approaches they take in parenting to do so.  Chinese believe in being strict and forward with their children while western parents want their children to feel good about themselves and will do what it takes to make them feel that way.  This article is very forward just like Amy Chua’s parenting style.  Some of the things Amy believes in can cause a lot of tension with mothers who do not believe in acting those ways toward your children. 

 

Questions:

1.      Do you think Amy Chua’s parenting style is too strict? Are there some aspects you disagree with?

2.      If you were raised by the typical western parenting style, were you offended when reading this article?

·         For example: western kids have it easy because their parents allow them to give up

 

3.      Amy mentions that people see Asian as scheming, callous, overdriven people indifferent to their kids’ true interests.  Do we tend to see Asian parents as this or do you now after reading this article? Or did you like the Asian parenting style?

International Mother Language Day by Patrick Paul

Would you ever put your life on line for the right to speak English or in your respective native tongue? I consider my life a pretty steep price for this and may not do so. However a group of university students in East Pakistan who spoke Bengali, thought differently in the 1950’s. They protested and four were killed which led to a day called “International Mother Language Day” celebrated every February 21^st.

Am sure that most of us have been in situations where people spoke a different language and could not understand anything. Awkward isn’t it? The thought of why can’t everyone just speak English has crossed many of our minds.

Language is an important aspect of tradition and defines who we are. Knowing your mother tongue gives you a foundation of understanding your identity and with stronger identities and healthy well-beings you are more likely to succeed in whatever you do.

 

Please think and address the following questions:

1. Have you ever been in a situation where you meet someone who spoke a different language? Describe the situation? Were you comfortable? Was it hard to communicate? Do you hesitate to communicate because it is too difficult?
2. The most difficult part of learning any language is understanding the meaning of words, and ultimately the use of slang.  Let's make a list of sayings, expressions, words that would be difficult for a non-english speaking person to decipher.
3. Are you willing to learn another language? Why / why not?  If so, which language would you choose?
4. Should we be an "English-Only" country? Organization?

http://www.earthtimes.org/politics/international-mother-language-day/2281/