For my AMD I decided to look up some German movies on Netflix. I picked a movie called "Summer Storm" which was in German but provided English subtitles. However, there were a few German movies that sounded good that I'd love to come back and watch when I don't have so much other homework. I wanted to only watch about 45 minutes of the movie but I ended up liking it a lot and watching the whole thing. I thought the movie was really good. It also provided some insight into certain aspects of German culture. It was strange to see kids drinking beers alongside their sports coaches at camp, and I had to remind myself that that is normal there. Although the movie provided English subtitles and I did have to use them, I still could recognize certain vocabulary words and was even able to recognize the Perfekt tense and new aspects of grammar that we have been learning in class. I feel that although I would have struggled without the subtitles, I would have still been able to follow the plot and know what was going on for close to most of the time. I really enjoyed watching the German film and I will probably start watching more in German. I feel like it not only was enjoyable but I was learning and my listening skills will probably become better with the more I listen to German speaking as well.
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Dienstag, 16. April 2013
Kultur 6, Chloe Nolingberg
The one online reading from this chapter's culture readings that I found most interesting is "Division Hell: Worshiping the Garbage Gods." I think it's really neat that the Germans are so conscious about recycling and separating their garbage. Of course, it's a little intense and may seem to the extreme, but I feel like if the Germans just make up an easier, more understandable system more people would be less critical of the recycling. The idea is great and so is the result, but so many people find it hard to decipher what classifies as "waste" or under other categories and the idea of recycling soon becomes difficult and a burden. Once the German government designs a system that is easier to understand, it is possible even more people will begin contributing and may enjoy recycling a little more. I also really like that similar to almost all other businesses, recycling is closed on Sundays. Although many people might see this as a burden, and I might also if I had to deal with everything being closed on Sundays, I respect that Germany sees Sunday as a day to relax, spend with the family, and take off from work. I have heard that this is slowly changing and some businesses are staying open on Sundays, but for the most part I think the world could really use one day a week to slow down and breathe and I love that Germany does that.
One other thing I learned from the Kultur sections in the book was that Tübingen has a partnership with Ann Arbor. I think that that is so neat and I would really like to learn more about the partnership between the two cities! The partnership would probably make traveling to Tübingen less difficult and a possibility for me in the future :)
One other thing I learned from the Kultur sections in the book was that Tübingen has a partnership with Ann Arbor. I think that that is so neat and I would really like to learn more about the partnership between the two cities! The partnership would probably make traveling to Tübingen less difficult and a possibility for me in the future :)
Dienstag, 2. April 2013
AMD 5, Chloe Nolingberg
For AMD 5 I watched the last clip of Lola Rennt. It definitely was the most different, the most strange, and the happiest of clips 2,3, and 4. It was different because in clips 2 and 3 similar things happened, just played out only a little differently and led to semi-different conclusions. In this clip almost nothing is similar to the previous alternative endings. Lola does not see her father with his mistress, she does not obtain the necessary money illegally, her father nearly dies, and most surprising and different of all. Manni lives. Although this clip is still not necessarily happy, for people are injured and strange things happen, Manni lives and we assume he lives happily ever after with Lola, is what most would call a happy ending in alternative to Manni dying. The clip was just strange, though. Well, the entire movie is strange, but this clip seemed a little more strange in a different way. The blind woman is able to make Manni wait and causes him to see the homeless man with his money on a bike that he had bought from the man who had previously tried to sell his bike to Lola in the prior clips. Manni is able to use the gun he has not to rob a bank or store, but to obtain the money that was originally his to carry. Lola does not see her father's mistress but somehow enters the exact ambulance that he is in and ends up saving his life by just being there. In past clips one could see the tension and strain on Lola's relationship with her father, but in this clip their relationship seems pretty good, life-saving even. Finally, Manni is able to save his life by returning the money to its rightful owner and not only walks away with his life, but with Lola and the money she won, by some random, lucky chance, in the casino. Again, the clip is a little more strange in a coincidental way. From the first clip we could see how everyone's encounters affected each other, but in this clip the encounters seem more effective and more coincidental. However, it ends happily and over all I enjoyed this film!
Kultur 5, Chloe Nolingberg
As usual, I love this week's articles. Of course, I liked the "Rules of the Streets" article, because it goes with what I've been saying almost this whole semester. Although I do not like the idea of some Germans going out looking to run into people, I do not believe that every little bump into someone needs some sort of apology, especially if it was an accident. This article was just another example of how I believe that Americans are just a bit more sensitive than Germans and how I admire Germans for their blunt, realistic personalities and characteristics.
The Sex Shops article was not too surprising. I know in America there is a big taboo put on sex and sex shops, and in many other countries that taboo is not present. I think it's pretty neat that Germans just don't care, obviously sex and all that goes with it is natural, and it is kind of strange to place such a taboo on the subject in America. Although I don't know if I could just nonchalantly walk into a sex shop in Germany, since I cannot deny that I am not prude about the subject as well, I definitely don't think I'd be uncomfortable seeing sex shops located all over. In a way, pretending sex shops don't exist makes the subject even more uncomfortable than if we were to speak openly about them and treat them just like another store, as they do in Germany.
As for the toilet ladies, I don't think I'd have a problem giving them some change or even a Euro when I use the facilities. I have been many places where you have to pay just to use the public bathroom so I don't see why optional payment to the ladies who keep it clean is such a big deal. Pay toilets in America aren't optional and although I could see how people who have never had to deal with pay toilets may be a little surprised to pay the toilet ladies, I see it as a great alternative, for after all payment IS optional. And, of course, why not help out a lady who spends her days alone in a bathroom? If that was my job and someone didn't pay me, I'd most likely grunt of displeasure also!
Finally, the flirting in Germany article was just sort of confusing. I think the subtlety of German flirting may be a nice break from the blunt flirting in America. (Flirting may be one of the only things I've learned Germans are less blunt about) But, in the end if messages are being misunderstood or completely missed that could just be frustrating and annoying. I'd like to think I'd know how to respond, but chances are I would respond to subtle flirting in some sort of wrong way which would probably not be good. I think it is difficult to learn about German flirting from text and one would probably learn best from situational experience.
With every chapter's articles I just get more excited to experience Germany and my dreams of living there one day just continue to grow.
The Sex Shops article was not too surprising. I know in America there is a big taboo put on sex and sex shops, and in many other countries that taboo is not present. I think it's pretty neat that Germans just don't care, obviously sex and all that goes with it is natural, and it is kind of strange to place such a taboo on the subject in America. Although I don't know if I could just nonchalantly walk into a sex shop in Germany, since I cannot deny that I am not prude about the subject as well, I definitely don't think I'd be uncomfortable seeing sex shops located all over. In a way, pretending sex shops don't exist makes the subject even more uncomfortable than if we were to speak openly about them and treat them just like another store, as they do in Germany.
As for the toilet ladies, I don't think I'd have a problem giving them some change or even a Euro when I use the facilities. I have been many places where you have to pay just to use the public bathroom so I don't see why optional payment to the ladies who keep it clean is such a big deal. Pay toilets in America aren't optional and although I could see how people who have never had to deal with pay toilets may be a little surprised to pay the toilet ladies, I see it as a great alternative, for after all payment IS optional. And, of course, why not help out a lady who spends her days alone in a bathroom? If that was my job and someone didn't pay me, I'd most likely grunt of displeasure also!
Finally, the flirting in Germany article was just sort of confusing. I think the subtlety of German flirting may be a nice break from the blunt flirting in America. (Flirting may be one of the only things I've learned Germans are less blunt about) But, in the end if messages are being misunderstood or completely missed that could just be frustrating and annoying. I'd like to think I'd know how to respond, but chances are I would respond to subtle flirting in some sort of wrong way which would probably not be good. I think it is difficult to learn about German flirting from text and one would probably learn best from situational experience.
With every chapter's articles I just get more excited to experience Germany and my dreams of living there one day just continue to grow.
Freitag, 15. März 2013
AMD4
For AMD 4 I watched the third clip of Lola Rennt. It is so strange watching generally the same plot, but with all these different situations that lead up to it. I really like how when Lola passes certain people it shows clips of their futures and what happens from that encounter on. It really is an interesting thing to think about in our lives as well. What happens to people after we have a run in with them? I like that Lola robbed her father and the bank rather than Manni robbing the store. Her father may not have deserved that but he was a bad man anyways. I'm unclear as to if he was still going to leave his family, but I think in this clip he wasn't. Lola Rennt is just so interesting to me and I really enjoy every clip I've watched. I don't even know what to expect for the fourth and final clip. I really like how they make everything play out and how every situation or encounter influences the next. That is just how life is even though we don't think about it that way. Sometimes it's neat to think about what would have happened differently if one encounter would have gone a different way. Sometimes even just thinking what if I got the soup instead of the salad for dinner can lead to a whole new branch of life that you'll never experience. It makes my brain hurt a little just to think about. It's fascinating though and that's probably why I love Lola Rennt.
Kultur 4
I found all of the readings for Kultur 4 this week very interesting. The first one I read about the "Two-Wheeled Teutons" was funny because that is similar to how I feel when I ride my bike around campus. Although I would never mow someone over, it is kind of funny that the Germans do not care. After all, pedestrians in the way of bicyclists would be annoying after a while and the pedestrians should not be intruding on the bicyclists' riding area. It would be pretty interesting if not a little funny, too, to be walking down the street and see a man in a suit headed to work riding a bike or a mother bringing her child to school on a bike. It is so rare if not nonexistent to see those things in America, I would probably laugh to myself if I saw that in Germany. I really do like the idea though, it saves a lot of money and gas and is very healthy. I wish I rode my bike more places, and I wish I could ride in any type of clothing I wanted to any occasion without getting weird looks.
Next, I really liked the Red Dictator article and the Street Pong video. I think I really liked this article because it is also so similar to life here in Ann Arbor, especially on campus. Thankfully the rules are not so strict about crossing the road here or I'm sure many people would be unhappy. I know that even if the crosswalk says not to go but there are no cars around or cars a ways down the road I will still cross just to save time waiting. Although its probably not the safest, I will definitely be sure not to do that in Germany. I would hate to risk losing a leg or being scolded by a 5-year-old. Using crosswalks correctly and appropriately is something I will have to remember to do practically anywhere outside Ann Arbor, but especially in Germany. When waiting though, I love the idea of the street pong game. It would definitely save time and make the wait more fun. I think it's neat and a good idea.
I found the other readings interesting and somewhat funny as well, like usual. But because these two articles seemed to relate in a way to life on campus I was most drawn to these two.There is so much to learn and remember before going to Germany!
Next, I really liked the Red Dictator article and the Street Pong video. I think I really liked this article because it is also so similar to life here in Ann Arbor, especially on campus. Thankfully the rules are not so strict about crossing the road here or I'm sure many people would be unhappy. I know that even if the crosswalk says not to go but there are no cars around or cars a ways down the road I will still cross just to save time waiting. Although its probably not the safest, I will definitely be sure not to do that in Germany. I would hate to risk losing a leg or being scolded by a 5-year-old. Using crosswalks correctly and appropriately is something I will have to remember to do practically anywhere outside Ann Arbor, but especially in Germany. When waiting though, I love the idea of the street pong game. It would definitely save time and make the wait more fun. I think it's neat and a good idea.
I found the other readings interesting and somewhat funny as well, like usual. But because these two articles seemed to relate in a way to life on campus I was most drawn to these two.There is so much to learn and remember before going to Germany!
Mittwoch, 20. Februar 2013
Kultur 3
First I chose to read "An Obsession Explained: Beer, Brewskies, and Liquid Bread. Naturally, I find it interesting that Beer is such a common drink in Germany, served at McDonald's and movie theaters, when in the United States that would be completely inappropriate and would most likely raise a large controversy. However, I think that if beer was as large of a part of our culture as it is in Germany, beer being served in fast food restaurants and other such places here would be no problem either. I really liked the Hangover information that the article provided. It was funny but is probably also informational to those who drink beer and plan on exploring all the beer choices in Germany someday. Second, I read "Capping the Bottle" which by only reading the title, seemed to almost contradict the first article I read that talked about the popularity of beer all over Germany. One would think that since drinking is allowed in public and Germany is used to these laws, that the number of drunks and problems caused by drinking would be diminished. It is sort of interesting to learn that there are still problems. I would get tired of seeing drunk people in many public areas and empty cans and bottles all over also though and can understand why Germans may want to make stricter drinking laws. It is proactive to see that rather than only complaining about the problem though, people are thinking of things to do to fix the problem. Ideas such as drinking rooms may actually be a win-win for Germany, if more cities and states start doing the same. Third, I read "German Fast Food" and almost immediately got hungry. Although in America we have bratwurst, roast chicken, fries, etc, I almost feel like the German versions of these foods, especially the meats, may taste so much better than the American versions. Kind of similar to how the beer in Germany supposedly tastes so much better than American beer. My mom used to make us some German recipes and I think after reading the article I would really like to try to open myself up to more German food, I think all of it sounds delicious really and although what I make won't be nearly as good as the original food, it would still prepare me for when I go to Germany and actually have the chance to indulge.
After reading the remaining articles I decided to write about the one that appealed to me the most, "The Dark Side: Optimists are Idiots." Again, I am struck by how much I love the blunt, truthfulness of the Germans. I do not think there is anything wrong with the German's lack of optimism. I would not consider them so much as pessimists, either, (though I'm sure many are), but I would see them as realists. People who do not get their hopes up, but rather wait to see how things work out. Maybe the Germans purposely try to kill others' optimism just to make those people work hard to prove them wrong, too. Even if they aren't doing that on purpose it may motivate people to work harder to make things work rather than fail miserably. In the end, fail or succeed, I still love the real, bluntness of the Germans. There is no need to sugar coat anything, and although it may seem rude, again it is just part of the culture of Germany, and so happens to be a part that I enjoy and find very interesting.
After reading the remaining articles I decided to write about the one that appealed to me the most, "The Dark Side: Optimists are Idiots." Again, I am struck by how much I love the blunt, truthfulness of the Germans. I do not think there is anything wrong with the German's lack of optimism. I would not consider them so much as pessimists, either, (though I'm sure many are), but I would see them as realists. People who do not get their hopes up, but rather wait to see how things work out. Maybe the Germans purposely try to kill others' optimism just to make those people work hard to prove them wrong, too. Even if they aren't doing that on purpose it may motivate people to work harder to make things work rather than fail miserably. In the end, fail or succeed, I still love the real, bluntness of the Germans. There is no need to sugar coat anything, and although it may seem rude, again it is just part of the culture of Germany, and so happens to be a part that I enjoy and find very interesting.
Montag, 18. Februar 2013
AMD 2
For my activity, I visited the website www.myspass.de which allowed me to watch German television. I thought it was neat that the site was directly out of Germany and the entire website was in German, even the ads on the sides and top of the page.
First, I watched a song contest called Unser Song für Malmö. It was really interesting that the performers I watched sang in Englisch. I did not recognize the songs, but the English songs show what we learned in class about Englisch musik being playedso much in Germany. The hostess and announcer of the show, though, announced in German. The speaking sseemed sehr schnell but I was surprised at how much I could understand! I recognized the hostess mentioning that the first two performers each "kommst aus Hannover" and I recognized as she greeted Deutschland. The announcer continued to talk more about the contest itself and the Kultur in which the contest took place. I was able to understand more than I expected I would, but I had to focus and could not multitask or I would not understand much.
Second, on the same website, I was able to watch one of my favorite all time shows, Spongebob Squarepants, in German. This was even cooler to watch since I know the theme song and almost every episode in English, I could actually see how they use the German words in place of Englisch words. My favorite part was Spongebob singing "I'm ready! I'm ready!" and "Vacation! Vacation!" which I recognized from the English episode where Spongebob's boss tells him to take a vacation from work. I recognized the word "arbeiten" for "work" and I thought it was cute how Spongebob was singing "Ich bin bereit! Ich bin bereit!" und "Ich urlaub! Ich urlaub!" as he ran out of work. I was able to learn the words bereit und urlaub immediately because I knew what they were meant to say in Englisch. This happened more throughout the episode as well.
I enjoyed watching the song contest, but could only understand words I already knew, with Spongebob, I knew many words that were being substituted for English words and was able to actually learn and expand my vocabulary quicker.
I also decided to change the languages on my Facebook and my phone to Deutsch and see if I can make it Monday-Thursday seeing the German language in everything I use. This will be an adventure within itself!
I really enjoyed all of this German television and I think I may even begin watching this site more and more in my free time, not just to help my German, but because it was really interesting. Maybe I'll get hooked on a show and have to tune in each week anyway!
Mittwoch, 6. Februar 2013
Kultur 2
First I read the article, "The German National Pastime: Whining, Bitching, and Moaning." Right away I thought it was funny and portrayed a very pessimistic lifestyle for the Germans. I can assume that is where my mother and I get our semi-pessimism from. I thought this was really ironic and therefore funny because the author compares Germany to the US. He tells how Germany does not have potholes, unreliable transportation, a shortage of health care, and so on yet, Germans continue to complain. This article made me laugh, but had me questioning what exactly would make the Germans happy, and what in the world would they do if they ever had to live in the US?
Second, I read the article "The Germanic Stare Down: Watcha Lookin' at Granny?" I thought it was really neat that the author related this creepy stare down characteristic of Germans to the history that they faced in the 20th century. At first reading the article I thought maybe it was just a societal thing, like how in France the personal space bubble is much, much smaller. However, after reading that it was just usual and started in the 20th century this stare down made a lot more sense. It makes sense that during that time period Germans would want to be on watch and see everything they could. It is definitely an example of how history continues and shapes a society even many years after the event occurred.
Finally, I chose to read the "Brutally Honest: Have You Gained Weight?" article. I love that the Germans are so honest. I am a very polite person, no doubt, but I feel like society would be so much more easy going if everyone was completely honest and were not so easily offended. A few weeks ago in class when we learned "mollig" but decided not to use that for fear of offending anybody, we were told that in German it is not an insult in any way, for Germans do not place so much importance on body image. This makes more sense now that I read this article about "brutal" honesty. I also enjoyed that the article pointed out the flaws in American language- saying one thing and meaning another- because it is completely true. I have to admit I have done it, too. I think its really cool that the Germans are so honest. I kind of wish that was how American society was. Even though being polite is definitely not hard and it makes everyone feel good, being honest could decrease a lot of stress and tension.
Second, I read the article "The Germanic Stare Down: Watcha Lookin' at Granny?" I thought it was really neat that the author related this creepy stare down characteristic of Germans to the history that they faced in the 20th century. At first reading the article I thought maybe it was just a societal thing, like how in France the personal space bubble is much, much smaller. However, after reading that it was just usual and started in the 20th century this stare down made a lot more sense. It makes sense that during that time period Germans would want to be on watch and see everything they could. It is definitely an example of how history continues and shapes a society even many years after the event occurred.
Finally, I chose to read the "Brutally Honest: Have You Gained Weight?" article. I love that the Germans are so honest. I am a very polite person, no doubt, but I feel like society would be so much more easy going if everyone was completely honest and were not so easily offended. A few weeks ago in class when we learned "mollig" but decided not to use that for fear of offending anybody, we were told that in German it is not an insult in any way, for Germans do not place so much importance on body image. This makes more sense now that I read this article about "brutal" honesty. I also enjoyed that the article pointed out the flaws in American language- saying one thing and meaning another- because it is completely true. I have to admit I have done it, too. I think its really cool that the Germans are so honest. I kind of wish that was how American society was. Even though being polite is definitely not hard and it makes everyone feel good, being honest could decrease a lot of stress and tension.
Sonntag, 20. Januar 2013
Kultur1, Chloe Nolingberg
In the reading for Kapitel 1, I was able to understand a little bit more about why the Germans came to America, popular areas they settled, and some of the things they got involved in in America. It was neat to see from the map provided in the article that the majority of German-speaking settlements were in the region where I live and am most familiar with. I was not surprised that the reading revealed how "descendants of these [German] immigrants have become less likely to identify with German heritage. I am a descendant of German immigrants and my mother even lived in Germany for many years, and I still do not identify with my heritage as much as I would like and I am not as familiar with the German Kultur as I would like to be.
Another thing I found really interesting was how a popular settlement area for the German-speaking territories and immigrants was Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I am very familiar with Milwaukee but never knew of its roots to German Kultur. I plan on living in Milwaukee after college and I think it would be really neat to explore the areas of Milwaukee and Wisconsin that are still connected to German Kultur in some way to become more familiar with my heritage. The Milwaukee Turners were really interesting to learn about, also. I never expected that gymnastics would be something to connect the American and German cultures. The article also said that the Milwaukee Turners continue today and I think it would be something neat to explore in person and get to be more familiar with. It is surprising that of all the towns in Wisconsin, the Turners happen to be rooted in Milwaukee, a place I am familiar with. I believe because of this I am more likely to be willing to make an effort to learn more about the German Kultur since it is in Milwaukee, a place where I hope to spend much of my life.
As for the articles in the book, I knew that there were other countries besides Germany that spoke German, but I did not know that it was the most prominent language in Europe. I also knew of all the ways to greet a person, but it is still neat that for our "Hello" or "Hi" there are so many more ways to greet different people at different times in the German language.
Another thing I found really interesting was how a popular settlement area for the German-speaking territories and immigrants was Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I am very familiar with Milwaukee but never knew of its roots to German Kultur. I plan on living in Milwaukee after college and I think it would be really neat to explore the areas of Milwaukee and Wisconsin that are still connected to German Kultur in some way to become more familiar with my heritage. The Milwaukee Turners were really interesting to learn about, also. I never expected that gymnastics would be something to connect the American and German cultures. The article also said that the Milwaukee Turners continue today and I think it would be something neat to explore in person and get to be more familiar with. It is surprising that of all the towns in Wisconsin, the Turners happen to be rooted in Milwaukee, a place I am familiar with. I believe because of this I am more likely to be willing to make an effort to learn more about the German Kultur since it is in Milwaukee, a place where I hope to spend much of my life.
As for the articles in the book, I knew that there were other countries besides Germany that spoke German, but I did not know that it was the most prominent language in Europe. I also knew of all the ways to greet a person, but it is still neat that for our "Hello" or "Hi" there are so many more ways to greet different people at different times in the German language.
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