Firework Celebrations

1. Where were you when the clock struck midnight at the start of this year? What do you call the festival that celebrates the start of a new year? What are its origins?

2. Do you let off fireworks during the Christmas/New Year period? What do you think of this practice?Are fireworks legal in your country?

3. Do you know any Germans? How would you describe a stereotypical German?

Read article here: Firework Celebration Reading

4. Are you surprised by the number of injuries suffered during Germany's New Year celebrations? Does this go against the national stereotype of Germans being more orderly and generally more law abiding? Why do you think Germans like to make their own rockets using imported components?

5. Do people in your country celebrate in a similar manner? Is there a sharp rise in hospital admissions at this time of year?

6. How are the following impacted by firework use:

health

animal welfare

debris after the event

traumatised  war veterans/refugees?

7. Which side of the argument are you on - do you want to spoil other people's fun, or is it OK for everyone to let off steam?

8. According to the article, what are some possible solutions? Tell me about firework-free zones and bans on alcohol sales. Would they work, do you think?

9. Who tidies up after the celebrations?

10. UK law says that  you cannot set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places. You must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except for: Bonfire Night, when the cut off is midnight. New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1am. How does the law differ in your country? Why do you think that the rules are disregarded in the UK?

11. Are there any other events in your country that are popular with a certain group, but are considered antisocial by others?

..........

Situation

You are Manuel Trummer, the cultural anthropologist at the University of Regensburg. Make your case for maintaining the Silvester celebrations. Your opponent in this debate is Jorg Strodter, the anti-fireworks campaigner.

..........

Discuss quotes

“Letting off steam always produces more heat than light.”

― Neal A. Maxwell

"If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun."

- Katharine Hepburn

"The ship that will not obey the helm will have to obey the rocks."

- English Proverb

“Tomorrow, is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one.”

― Brad Paisley

“Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbours, and let every new year find you a better man.”

― Benjamin Franklin

Student Handout PDF: Firework Celebration

Photo: Harrison Haines

German Dentist

1. Have recent events affected how often you visit the dentist? Are you a good patient? Most people feel anxious about visiting the dentist, are you one of them? Why did you choose your dentist and not another?

2. Do you have any techniques to help you relax while you are at the dentist's surgery? Does the surgery try to create a relaxing atmosphere with pastel colours in the waiting room and by playing music?

3. What manner should a dentist have? Should he/she try to reassure patients? Should humour be part of his/her repertoire? What funny remarks could a dentist make to put a patient at their ease?

Read article here: German Dentist

4. Were you shocked by the remarks made? Do you think the two health professionals concerned were probably just trying to 'let off steam' in a difficult job? Is the author being oversensitive? Or are tone-deaf doctors/dentists a common thing? Highly-intelligent people can sometimes be socially awkward - is that what has happened here? If a medical professional had made those remarks to you, would you have sought a different dentist/doctor?

5. Do medical professionals in your country receive training in interpersonal skills?

6. Is there such a thing as a national sense of humour? If so, do you think there is much difference between the British/German sense of humour and the sense of humour of your country?

7. How difficult is it to be funny in a foreign language? Is it best to avoid humour unless you are totally proficient in the target language/culture? Which foreign comedy shows do you find funny/offensive? Do you have any non-native comedians who are successful?

..........

Situation

Following a string of complaints from offended patients, the German Dental Association has decided to introduce a new code of conduct. You are the head of the PR agency chosen to announce the new measures at a press conference. Announce to the awaiting journalists your proposals on appropriate conduct/manner, dress code, and any new complaints procedures that you want to put in place.

..........

Below you will find the first halves of some jokes: how would you complete them to make them funny?

a) Someone once told me a pun about amnesia, but ...............

b) I told the doctor I didn't want brain surgery, but...............

c) There is the story of an American general who visited Korea and gave a speech to a big crowd. He launched into a long joke and his translator spoke very briefly and then the crowd laughed.

 The general was extremely impressed and said, “You are the best translator I have ever had. How did you retell the joke so concisely?” 

The translator responded, ........................

d) Why did the dalmatian go to the doctors? Because.................

e) What did the doctor say to the boy who ate a roll of camera film? 

..........

Answers

a) I've forgotten how it goes.

b) she changed my mind.

c) “I told them, ‘The general has told a joke. Please laugh.” 

d) every time she looked in the mirror she saw spots.

e) Let's see if anything develops.

Student Handout PDF: German Dentist

Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko