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<Topic 01> English logos popular, but often humorous
The use of English slogans is becoming increasingly popular among local governments, but native-English speakers find themselves scratching their heads at the use of their language.
A recent analysis showed that of 246 local governments, 44 percent were using English slogans in their branding logos.
Michael Breen, a former foreign correspondent and the chairman of Insight Communications, commented that making slogans for places may sound easy, but it is very difficult to get it right.
He said the Dongjak district of Seoul tags itself "Lucky Dongjak," but his first thought on reading that was, "Where's the casino?"
"If Dongjak's main industry were gambling, that would work well. But as it isn't, I can't quite see what it's for," Breen said. "Similarly, what can we make of Namwon, City of Love?"
He pointed out that the main mistake local governments make is to copy others. He said the effect of Dynamic Busan copied from Dynamic Korea and Yes Gumi copied from Yes Tokyo is to say, "We are not original."
Tom Coyner, president of Soft Landing Korea, said the strange use of English may possibly be due to it being categorized into three target consumption groups; domestic, international and foreign tourist.
"In the category of domestic consumption, the use and misuse of English is of little consideration to the local marketers who come up with these catch phrases."
Coyner claimed the primary consideration in the category is how the English words resonate with the local population who may have a fundamental but inadequate grasp of the language, as seen from Super Pyeongtaek and Hi-Touch Gongju.
"There can be linguistic or pedagogic connections between certain English words and corresponding Korean words, cultural points, etc. that are totally lost on most native English speakers," he noted.
Coyner said such examples are not only found in product advertising, building names, but also with local government promotions of towns and provinces.
He believes the most controversial of the three is for international consumption.
The management consultant said often prestigious and expensive international specialists are employed, but the specialists are overruled by the bureaucratic desire to "localize" the international expertise.
"This may be done out of a desire by local bureaucrats to privately boast that they came up with the final slogan," he said.
Coyner claimed, if not out and out weird, the choice of English words associated with a place's slogan often seem rather arbitrary, such as Colorful Daegu, Ulsan for You, Happy Suwon, and Nice Jecheon.
He said, sometimes, punctuation is hoped to make the difference ― particularly when employing an exclamation mark as in "New Start! Yesan."
As for foreign tourist consumption, he said while these examples were attempts to be helpful, they were made without asking foreigners to review signage or even checking a dictionary before ordering the signs to be made.
"When wrong, at best they can be humorous, and at worst, they may convey a sense that the country is made up of yokels."
1. Have you ever seen English logos like Super pyeongtaek or Smart Asan? If yes, How did you feel?
2. Why do you think people often use the English logos or slogans?
3. If you were a mayor in Daegu, how would you like to make a branding logos?
4. What is globalization? like using English logos or speaking English well?
<Topic 02> How to Prepare for a First Date
A first date for a couple can be nerve-wrecking, especially if this is the first ever date for either one of you. Here are some tips to prepare for that first date.
Instructions
Step 1 - Relax. There can be some pretty serious jitters that often occur prior to first major date. Do something that can relax you. This could be going to the gym to work out, running or walking, yoga or going to a spa to get a relaxing massage.
Step 2 - Hygiene. A clean body is important for a first date. Address all body parts from the top of your head to your toes. Oral hygiene is important for that first date smooch. Ensure that you brush your teeth and gargle with mouth wash before leaving for the date.
Take a bath or shower before you leave. Use a deodorizer and perfume to ensure that you will still smell fresh, like you just stepped out of the shower.
Step 3 - Wear clean clothes on the date. Put on something really nice to make that good first impression.
Step 4 - If you are driving to pick up and drop off your date, ensure that your car is in tip-top shape. You would not want to ruin your first date because you get stuck on the road with a broken car.
Step 5 - Bring money, whether as cash or credit card, on your first date. It is customary for the man to pick up the tab, but nowadays it is acceptable for the woman to offer to pick up the tab or to share the expenses.
Step 6 - Prepare questions to ask. As an ice-breaker, you may want to think of a conversation to start. Asking about their likes and dislikes can be good conversation, but at times it can be intimidating. For the first date, you can discuss something about the current events or sports events. Then once your date is relaxed, you can shift the conversation about getting to know each other.
Step 7 - Protection. As the saying goes "It's better to be safe than sorry". Bringing a condom on your first date, even if you do not anticipate or plan on having sex, should be practiced. Too many teen pregnancies could have been avoided if the partners used protection first before engaging in sexual activities. Furthermore, wearing protection can prevent the transfer of sexually transmitted diseases.
Step 8 - Be yourself. Put your best foot forward on your first date without going overboard. Being true to yourself, as well as being honest and sincere is a good way to strengthen the relationship with your date, especially if you want to continue on with the relationship.
1. How old were you when you went on your first date? Where did you meet? What did you do? Who did you go with?
2. Among the advices above, what do you think looks like the most useful?
3. Do you think a man always pay for a date? or go Dutch?
4. If there is a good tip for a date, let's share ours.
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첫댓글 우왕~ 일등이다^^
멋진두~~ 난 이등 ^-^~~
뭐~대충 저번주 보다 한마디 더 한다는 마음가짐으로 놀아보아요.ㅎㅎ
와~ 멋지당~ ㅎㅎㅎ 2번째 토픽 열공해야겠네 ㅋㅋㅋㅋ
하핫;;;저는 불참...;저 보고 싶어하시는 분이 계실려나...??ㅋㅋㅋ;;다음 주에 뵈어요~ㅎ
나 빼고 아무도 없을 거라고 확신함~~ ㅋㅋㅋ 농담;;
속아파.. 정참.
정참요.
정참이요^^~~
토픽 감솨감솨^^ 당근 참석이요^^/
Thanks always for your effort, Doo~~ I'll be there on time~~ Yo~~
저두 on time요~^^
첨 가는데 토욜근무가 있어서 좀 늦게 갈것같아요~ 그래도 될까욧?ㅎ
이건 지난 주 주제 입니다.ㅋㅋ 이번주 주제는 곧 올라 올거예요. 그리고 뭐 좀 늦을 수도 있죠.^^