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Teaching Poetry an ESL Teaching Technique

Introduction According to Sidhu, Fook and Kaur (2010), literature-enriched curricula facilitate learning of target languages through avenues of life experiences and composition in an ESL (English as a Second Language) classroom. Furthermore, he asserts that these curricula have the capacity to improve reading and writing skills where development of grammar and vocabulary can be internalised by learners. Poetry is often viewed as a predominant genre of literature, where learners can explore the potential of poetry instruction as a technique in an ESL classroom. This is a valid assertion, which has recently gained significant attention in relation to ESL classrooms (Hess, 2003). Therefore, this essay will detail poetry as an ESL learning technique and justify its validity as an effective ESL teaching tool. In addition, this essay will outline methods and techniques that teachers can apply to help their students understand and appreciate poetry. Furthermore, the essay will detail ho...
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Dzongkha Class

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Our Dzongkha Lopen walked into the classroom and we stood up to wish him. We were doing revision and each student had to memorize stanzas of the poem-like text, write it on the board, read it and explain it to the class. He nodded and we took it for permission to sit down. Though the day was bright and pleasant, it contrasted with his mood. We could tell he wore his wrathful face that day. I was nervous and scared, as it was my turn to write and explain the stanzas. He sat on his chair and called my name after running through the name list. I walked up towards the blackboard and received the chalk in my cupped hands from him. He gave me a mocking chuckle that, to me said, “Here comes the stupid no-nothing tsagay (fool)”. I had not memorized my stanzas, though I had some idea about what they meant after consulting with a friend who was good at Dzongkha.   I did what I had to do. When I finished my task, the first look on his face was sheer bewilderment....
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The Tapori Legacy

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My annual school concert kickstarted yesterday and the hi-light of the show, for me, was the tapori dance. It was absolutely entertaining and the crowd loved it.  This morning I wondered about it and looked it up on Wiki. And this is what I found;  Tapori  literally translates into  vagabond  or rowdy in  Hindi . Street thugs in  Mumbai  were perhaps the most notable taporis. Their unique style of speaking Hindi was called tapori language. They also had a unique style of dressing, which they called as tapori style. Tapori culture though resented by many is widely imitated by many as humorous or comical. It has found acceptance in Bollywood  films including " Rangeela ", "Gol Mal", and " Chasme Buddoor ". [1]  They are the equivalent of  gangstas  in  Hollywood  films. The tapori dance is very fast and it has a Tollywood (South Indian) flair to it.  The taporis spice up the annual conce...
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