In My Hands Today…

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Becoming Fluent: How Cognitive Science Can Help Adults Learn a Foreign Language – Roger J. Kreuz, Richard Roberts

Adults who want to learn a foreign language are often discouraged because they believe they cannot acquire a language as easily as children. Once they begin to learn a language, adults may be further discouraged when they find the methods used to teach children don’t seem to work for them. What is an adult language learner to do? In this book, Richard Roberts and Roger Kreuz draw on insights from psychology and cognitive science to show that adults can master a foreign language if they bring to bear the skills and knowledge they have honed over a lifetime. Adults shouldn’t try to learn as children do; they should learn like adults.

Roberts and Kreuz report evidence that adults can learn new languages even more easily than children. Children appear to have only two advantages over adults in learning a language: they acquire a native accent more easily, and they do not suffer from self-defeating anxiety about learning a language. Adults, on the other hand, have the greater advantages—gained from experience—of an understanding of their own mental processes and knowing how to use language to do things. Adults have an especially advantageous grasp of pragmatics, the social use of language, and Roberts and Kreuz show how to leverage this metalinguistic ability in learning a new language.

Learning a language takes effort. But if adult learners apply the tools acquired over a lifetime, it can be enjoyable and rewarding.
Genres
Nonfiction
Language
Linguistics
Science
Psychology
Audiobook
Self Help

World Humanitarian Day: Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of Humanity

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In a world where conflict, natural disasters, and poverty continue to ravage communities, leaving countless individuals in dire need of assistance, the importance of humanitarianism cannot be overstated. World Humanitarian Day, observed on August 19th, is a testament to the tireless efforts of humanitarians who risk their lives to provide aid, support, and hope to those affected by crises. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the critical role humanitarianism plays in alleviating suffering, promoting resilience, and fostering a more compassionate world.

World Humanitarian Day was first observed in 2008, following the adoption of a United Nations General Assembly resolution. The creation of World Humanitarian Day was a direct response to the tragic bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, on August 19, 2003. This event resulted in the loss of 22 humanitarian aid workers, including Sérgio Vieira de Mello, the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq. This devastating incident highlighted the risks and sacrifices made by humanitarian personnel in their line of duty and underscored the need for greater recognition and support for their efforts.

Humanitarianism is a philosophy and practice that seeks to alleviate human suffering, promote human dignity, and protect human life. It is rooted in the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence, which guide the actions of humanitarian organizations and individuals. Humanitarianism encompasses a broad range of activities, including disaster response, refugee support, healthcare, education, and advocacy, all aimed at addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.

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In today’s world, where conflicts, natural disasters, and pandemics continue to escalate, the need for humanitarianism has never been more pressing. The world is facing unprecedented humanitarian challenges, with over 200 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in 2020 alone. Conflicts, climate change, and pandemics have led to a significant increase in displacement, hunger, and disease, underscoring the critical role of humanitarians in responding to these crises. Humanitarian workers are increasingly becoming targets of violence, with attacks on aid convoys, healthcare facilities, and personnel on the rise. In 2020, 484 humanitarian workers were killed, injured, or kidnapped, highlighting the need for greater protection and support for these brave individuals. Humanitarian responses are often underfunded, with significant gaps between the needs of affected populations and the resources available to respond. In 2020, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported a funding gap of over 40% for its global humanitarian appeals.

World Humanitarian Day serves as a platform to promote international cooperation and solidarity in responding to humanitarian crises. It encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to work together to address the root causes of humanitarian needs and support those affected by crises. This day provides an opportunity to recognize and honour the unsung heroes of humanitarianism, who often work in dangerous and challenging environments to provide life-saving assistance. By celebrating their bravery and dedication, we can inspire a new generation of humanitarians to join the cause.

World Humanitarian Day raises awareness about the humanitarian challenges facing the world and advocates for policy changes, increased funding, and greater support for humanitarian efforts. It serves as a powerful platform to amplify the voices of affected communities and promote a more compassionate and equitable world.

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World Humanitarian Day is a poignant reminder of the critical role humanitarianism plays in alleviating suffering, promoting resilience, and fostering a more compassionate world. As we commemorate this day, we honour the bravery and dedication of humanitarians, recognize the growing humanitarian needs, and advocate for greater support and cooperation to address these challenges. In a world where crises continue to escalate, the importance of humanitarianism cannot be overstated. Let us come together to celebrate the unsung heroes of humanity and work towards a future where no one is left behind.

2024 Week 33 Update

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Today’s quote from Tony Robbins talks about the value of personal growth, self-awareness, and authenticity. Tony Robbins is an American author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and life coach, renowned for his self-help books, motivational seminars, and infomercials. The quote encourages embracing mistakes as learning opportunities. By understanding the root cause of a problem, one can address and overcome it, leading to personal growth. Robbins advises against striving for perfection, which is often unrealistic and can lead to unnecessary stress. Instead, he advocates for being the best version of oneself, embracing human flaws and imperfections. The focus is on being an “excellent example of being human,” which means accepting and learning from your imperfections while continuously striving for improvement. It highlights the importance of authenticity and self-compassion.

This week, I have been reading and watching about the Kolkata murder case of the young trainee doctor and reading and watching the updates to the case. I have been sick to my stomach on learning the details. In a country where we worship women and revere them, we also treat them as second-class citizens and think of them as being lesser than men. I have a lot to say about this issue but will refrain from posting them as it may become vitriolic. I have always maintained this: as the mother to a boy and now a young man, I must bring him up to respect women and treat them the same way as he treats any male. So to any parent of a young man or boy reading this, please bring up your boy to learn to respect women and become their ally.

GG has started her second year of school and the pace is faster this semester. Her lessons, which are usually 3 hours long, sometimes do not even have a bio break. She comes home exhausted after each class. But this is life and she needs to pick up the pace to do well in school.  

That’s all this week. Stay positive and keep smiling.

In My Hands Today…

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Age of Anger: A History of the Present – Pankaj Mishra

Modernity, secularism, development, and progress have long been viewed by the powerful few as benign ideals for the many. Today, however, botched experiments in nation-building, democracy, industrialization, and urbanization visibly scar much of the world.

As once happened in Europe, the wider embrace of revolutionary politics, mass movements, technology, the pursuit of wealth, and individualism has cast billions adrift in a literally demoralized world.

It was from among the ranks of the disaffected and the spiritually disorientated, that the militants of the nineteenth century arose—angry young men who became cultural nationalists in Germany, messianic revolutionaries in Russia, bellicose chauvinists in Italy, and anarchist terrorists internationally.

Many more people today, unable to fulfill the promises—freedom, stability, and prosperity—of a globalized economy, are increasingly susceptible to demagogues and their simplifications. A common reaction among them is intense hatred of supposed villains, the invention of enemies, attempts to recapture a lost golden age, unfocused fury and self-empowerment through spectacular violence.

In Age of Anger, Pankaj Mishra explores the origins of the great wave of paranoid hatreds that seem inescapable in our close-knit world—from American “shooters” and ISIS to Trump, Modi, and racism and misogyny on social media.

Instagram Interludes: Mumbai and Singapore from the air

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In many South Asian cultures, particularly in India, the concept of maika refers to a woman’s parental home, where she was born and raised before marriage. It symbolises her family of origin and is often associated with fond memories, love, and support. On the other hand, sasural is the term used for a woman’s marital home, where she moves after her wedding. It represents her new family with her spouse and in-laws. The transition from maika to sasural is a significant cultural shift, as it often involves adapting to new family dynamics and roles.

In my case, the two places I call home, Mumbai and Singapore are my maika and sasural respectively. My city of birth, Mumbai and the city and country I now am privileged to call home, Singapore, both celebrate their independence in August. So here’s a toast to both of them – of photos from the air. Some of you may have already seen them while for my newer subscribers, this is the first time you may be seeing these photos. In both cases enjoy Singapore and Mumbai from the air.