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Xiwei Gu commented on Denisse Caguana's blog post Cultural Artifact #4
"What strikes me the most is how these Confucian values still play a role in everyday life, from family dynamics to attitudes towards education. It’s a beautiful reminder of how tradition and modern life can blend together. Reflecting on these…"
Apr 30, 2025
Xiwei Gu commented on Henry Mitchell's blog post Spring 2024 - Cultural Post 4
"The Seokguram Grotto is truly a remarkable piece of history! It's fascinating how it reflects the cultural exchange between Korea and India, showcasing the artistry and architectural skills of the time. The attention to detail in the sculptures,…"
Apr 30, 2025
Xiwei Gu commented on Henry Mitchell's blog post Spring 2024 - Monthly Language Learning Journal 4
"It sounds like you’ve been doing some amazing work in your Korean studies! Your upcoming presentation on the influence of Buddhism in Korea sounds fascinating. It’s great that you’re starting with the origins and spreading of Buddhism and…"
Apr 30, 2025
Xiwei Gu commented on Henry Mitchell's blog post Spring 2024 - Cultural Post 3
"I’ve always been fascinated by Admiral Yi Sun-sin and his turtle ships—what an incredible innovation! With their unique dragon-shaped fronts and iron armor, these ships not only looked fierce but also made the enemy think twice before attacking.…"
Apr 30, 2025
Xiwei Gu posted a status
When we think about South Korea, images of bustling cities, vibrant culture, and delicious food often come to mind. But there's an integral part of this nation’s identity that deserves celebration: its automotive industry. In this post, we’ll take a…
Apr 30, 2025
Xiwei Gu posted a status
In this final month of my Korean language learning journey, I've focused on reviewing vocabulary and phrases that I've encountered throughout the course. Additionally, I’ve wrapped up my broadcast project with my language partner, Claire, which…
Apr 29, 2025
Xiwei Gu posted a status
As a Chinese student studying in South Korea, I've come to appreciate the cultural significance of instant noodles, or ramyeon (라면). They are everywhere here, and my experience with them has opened my eyes to what they mean in Korean culture. When I…
Apr 22, 2025
Xiwei Gu posted a status
Using Squid Game as a primary resource, Claire and I have watched two additional episodes. We also began incorporating some vocabulary drills after our viewing sessions to reinforce what we’ve learned. I wanted to build on my previous insights into…
Apr 21, 2025
Xiwei Gu posted a status
South Korea is a country celebrated for its rich blend of modernity and tradition. One of the most significant aspects of its natural landscape is its rivers, which provide vital resources. This post explores some of South Korea's major rivers,…
Apr 14, 2025
Xiwei Gu posted a status
My primary focus has been on improving my listening and speaking skills in Korean through the TV series Squid Game. Claire and I watched two episodes together, during which she paused to explain key sentences, grammar, and cultural contexts. I also…
Mar 24, 2025
Xiwei Gu posted a status
When we talk about money in South Korea, we're referring to the South Korean won (₩). The coins and banknotes not only serve as a way to buy things but also tell us stories about the country's culture and history. Today, let's take a closer look at…
Mar 23, 2025
Xiwei Gu posted a status
In the first month of my study, I focused on the writing system of the Korean language. I was particularly excited to connect my travel experiences in Seoul to my language learning, hoping that using real-life contexts would enhance my retention of…
Mar 2, 2025
Xiwei Gu replied to Global Studio's discussion Discussion Post #6 due by 5pm on Sunday, October 13
"I share your intrigue about the lack of African and Indigenous words in Portuguese, especially given the historical context of colonization. It raises important questions about cultural representation and influence."
Dec 16, 2024
Xiwei Gu replied to Global Studio's discussion Discussion Post #5 due by 5pm on Sunday, October 6
"It’s smart of you to use Korean TV shows as a resource for learning about discourse styles. Observing characters switch between formal (존댓말) and informal (반말) speech provides a practical way to understand these dynamics in real-life situations. Your…"
Dec 16, 2024
Xiwei Gu replied to Global Studio's discussion Discussion Post #6 due by 5pm on Sunday, October 13
"I agree that studying these patterns can provide valuable insights not just for linguists but also for language learners like us. The idea that Korean may belong to the Altaic family or the Koreanic family, along with its significant influences from…"
Dec 16, 2024
Xiwei Gu replied to Global Studio's discussion Discussion Post #5 due by 5pm on Sunday, October 6
"I think your exploration of food, folklore, music, and festivals, along with language, will provide a well-rounded view of Malaysian culture. I look forward to seeing how your research unfolds as you delve deeper into these aspects!"
Dec 16, 2024
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Reflection Paper

Throughout this course, I have gained crucial knowledge and practical skills for learning a foreign language. Bahasa Indonesia is a beautiful language, and I am grateful for the experience of having practiced learning it. As a language learner, I have struggled in more traditional language courses, but the self-directed model has allowed me to get a better grasp of the language at my own pace. I took this course for fun, not for my communication requirement, which also made a difference because I came into the course with more enthusiasm–feeling that language learning was less of a “chore”, so to speak. I have learned a lot about my strengths and weaknesses as a language learner, but the self-directed model has increased my confidence and comfort level learning Indonesian. As a cultural explorer, I have realized the importance of engaging with media in the target language. Watching Indonesian TV shows and listening to Indonesian music have aided my immersion, understanding, and…

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Started by Kaylee Wyrick in Spring 2025 Ning Discussion Posts
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Cultural Post #4

Deaf clubs have historically acted as vital social clubs for deaf and hard of hearing individuals to not only find community during the oralist and other discriminatory movements but to advocate for their community. Oralism promoted speech and lip-reading over sign language and frequently discouraged or outright banned the wide use of ASL, especially in schools. As a result, many deaf and hard of hearing individuals experienced isolation from both hearing society. Deaf clubs offered sponsored events like holiday parties, athletic events, and plays among other things, and were the center of social life for members of the deaf and hard of hearing community, especially those who were doubly discriminated against for being a deaf person of color. The story of deaf clubs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZbgSBX3vYk&t=1sHowever, the popularity of these clubs has declined over the years because of a growing divide between the younger and older generation of deaf and hard of hearing…

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Started by Myanna Hightower in Spring 2025 Culture Posts
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Cultural Post #3

William Stokoe played a transformative role in the recognition of ASL as its own independent language as, before his research, ASL was regarded as a mere pictorial version of English. While teaching at Gallaudet University, the world’s leading university for deaf and hard of hearing students, Stokoe began closely studying the structure of ASL, recognizing patterns and linguistic rules that his collegues didn't, suggesting ASL functioned similarly to spoken languages. His observations led him to develop the Stokoe notation system, which became the first widely recognized written system for documenting ASL. This system transcribed the phonemes, or parameters, of ASL including handshape, location, palm orientation, movement, and non-manual markers/signals into a recognizable linguistic format providing undeniable evidentce that ASL was a language of its own, independent of English. It contradicted the longstanding beliefs of the oralist movement that emphasized teaching deaf individuals…

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Started by Myanna Hightower in Spring 2025 Culture Posts
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