My Last Blog!

Throughout my German classes at UNC, I have learned much about Germany, its language and culture. The months I have spent in Germany have given me a basic knowledge of southern Germany, but not of the country as a whole, not of the history, the past that so defines modern Germany. I have learned that the Holocaust, for Germany, has lasted more then the few years it occurred during World War Two. Now, more then sixty years later, Germany still struggles to overcome the horrendous events of those dark years. Even though I am a second generation immigrant from Germany, I only recently learned of continuing price all Germans are paying for the actions of a few. My first knowledge of it came in 2006 during the World Cup. My friend, Fabian, and his mother, Gudrund, spoke of how unusual it was to see so many German flags flying everywhere: Off cars, houses, skyscrapers; on jackets, shirts, and hats. I was shocked. It happened two generations ago! The youngest veterans of the war are at least 80, more than four times my age. Yet here was soccer, the world’s sport, allowing, dare I say it, German pride peak out from under the rock it has been hiding for the last half century. Bigger then just the quarterfinal exit, this world cup did for Germany what nothing else could. It gave a way to display pride without it feeling wrong. The last semester I have learned a lot more. The discrepancies between West and East Germany that I thought ended with the Berlin Wall are still there, ever present. How many more scars will Germany have in the next century? How many of the current ones will heal? Before taking the Germany classes, I never realized how much the culture and history effects citizenship. I expected that by learning German, I would automatically become more naturalized. But I am coming to see that the language is not even half of what being German is. The classes make me want to go to Germany to live for a few years at least, if not more. Both the United States and Germany are great countries, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. I firmly believe, both from first hand experience and what I learned in class, that the German public school system is in much better shape then its American counterpart. The college system in America is better though, as far as I am concerned. Thats about as much as I feel like writing right now.

What I Learned!

Throughout the course, learning about the different German-speaking cultures has made me realize aspects of my own culture that I normally don't think about. For instance, being originally British, questions about outsiderhood tend to be at least somewhat relevant in reference to my familial life. My perspective on German cultures has also shifted quite a bit. Before I started learning German here at UNC, I often had stereotypical conceptions of Germany. Now, I understand to a much greater extent the customs that govern the country.

I hope to learn even more as I continue on into German 203! I feel that my understanding of the complexities of German culture will only continue to increase as I learn more about the language and German history.

12.4.G Zu guter Letzt

Nach ich hat Deutsch studiert, ich bin mehr aufgeschloßen gewesen. Jetzt ich habe eine Ahnung über Deutschen Leben. Ich will mehr über Deutschland lernen. Jetzt ich habe mehr Respekt für Ausländeren. Es würde schwer eine Ausländer in Amerika zu sein. Ich will vielleicht ein anderes Kurs nach Jahre machen.

Studying German

I thought most Germans perceived Americans to be fat, lazy selfish and uniformed/ignorant. However, it turns out they find us very friendly and helpful. I think I am more German than American, because I am very private and reserved until I get to know people. But once a friend is made, they are a true friend who gains loyalty. German culture is very health conscious. Oktoberfest is actually held in September and only those who live nearby participate. In our country, like any foreign place tends to cause those who are alien to congregate to share in the differences and the experience being shared.

Zu gutter Letzt

Das Studieren des Deutschen hat meine Perspektive von Deutschland geändert. Bevor ich nichts über Deutschland wußte. Jetzt habe ich Einblick in deutsches Leben. Jetzt weiß ich, dass ich sehr viel wie ein Deutscher bin. Ich bin still und kann unfreundlich scheinen.

Das waren meine Ferien

Meine Lieblingsferien waren meine Familie nach New York ging. Wir gingen, als ich 10 Jahre alt war, aber ich an es mich noch erinnere. Wir blieben in einem netten Hotel. Wir sahen der Grenzstein der Stadt. Wir sahen das Empire State Building und das Statue von Liberty. Wir waren zu MET gegangen. Das MET hat die schönste kunst. New York war viel andere dann Wilmington. Ich habe die Ferien aufgefunden, aber jetzt liebe ich es.

Deutsche Filme

Good Bye, Lenin!
Der Film wird in Ostberlin eingestellt. Es ist über Alexander und seine Mutter Christiane. Christiane liebt das SED. Christiane sieht ihren festgehaltenen Sohn und fällt in ein Koma. Acht Jahre später wacht sie auf. Ostdeutschland ist nicht mehr. Jetzt muß Alexander seine Mutter Ostdeutschland glauben lassen ist noch stark.