English metalanguage

I hope everyone enjoyed today's class about English metalanguage. The subject can go much deeper than I would have wanted to take it, but you should know at least the basic terms for talking about grammar and vocabulary. You might do better checking out the links on my Language Links page on my website.

After class I looked up the subject of "metalanguage" on Wikipedia and found a technical article about it. Those of you who are interested in linguistics may want to study it more there, or you may ignore it as the case may be.

Next week we have the last report, and then I will bring some videos so you can decide what you want to listen to. If someone has a portable PC (laptop, notebook, etc.) with a DVD player you might want to bring it, so I can show you how you can play European DVDs on Japanese computers, even though you cannot play them on Japanese DVD players.

Think about what you want to do next in the class. We can talk about it on the blog, then decide in class. What skills do you want to practice most from now on in here?

Using Wikipedia

Wikipedia is a collectively written web encyclopedia that is in several languages. It is available in various languages, but of course the different languages are different in terms of both coverage and reliability. The encyclopedia is supposed to be very reliable because anyone can correct mistakes.

It is a good reference source to use to double check facts. For example, Steak Tartare is from the Tatars, a Mongolian people who migrated to the west. There is also a rather large article about hamburgers. It includes information about Japan. There is also a short article about Salisbury Steak which also includes information about Japan.

I learned quite a bit from reading these articles. I recommend Wikipedia to you.

About presentation

Our group had a presentation about astorology. Because I'm interested in star sign, bood-type, any other kinds of things about character. Maybe, most of women had interests in it when they are children, didn't you? I was used to talk about my friends and lovers with my friends. It was very excited! Astrology is more complicated and deeper than what we told you. Planets are infinity! Then, I like Abe Hiroshi too. The drama which I like is that he acts with Miyasako hiroyuki, which is home drama. Oh~! The title is "At home dad"?? I made a spelling mistake...? Next class, the rest of three groups will have their presentations. I'm looking forward it!