Episode Summary: I talk with a South African about life before and after apartheid.
English Level: B2 🇿🇦🇨🇦
Show Notes:
- Shaun Introduction (0:20)
- What are some changes you’ve noticed since the last time you were in South Africa? (2:30)
- What are your memories from life in South Africa? (5:03)
- Can you talk about the uncertainty people felt when Apartheid ended? (9:56)
- Did your family consider leaving South Africa after Apartheid ended? (13:31)
- What do you tell people who say life was better under the old regime? (18:02)
- Is it possible for the different groups in South Africa to co-exist? (24:39)
- What is something Germans misunderstand about South Africa? (26:56)
- Final Words (29:35)
Vocabulary Words:
- Nostalgic (adj.): feeling happy and also slightly sad when you think about things that happened in the past.
- Nomad (noun): a member of a group of people who move from one place to another rather than living in one place all of the time:
- Foreigner (noun): a person who comes from another country.
- Aware (adj.): knowing that something exists, or having knowledge or experience of a particular thing:
- Noticeable (adj.): easy to see or recognize.
- Arbitrary (adj.): based on chance rather than being planned or based on reason:
- Oppressed (adj.): governed in an unfair and cruel way and prevented from having opportunities and freedom:
- Uncertainty (noun): a situation in which something is not known, or something that is not known or certain:
- Talisman (noun): an object believed to bring good luck or to keep its owner safe from harm
- Incredible (adj.): extremely good.
- Serene (adj.): peaceful and calm; worried by nothing:
- Nepotism (noun): the act of using your power or influence to get good jobs or unfair advantages for members of your own family:
- Astounded (adj.): very surprised or shocked.
- Disparity (noun): a lack of equality or similarity, especially in a way that is not fair.
Phrases to Remember:
- to be left behind: If a person, country, or organization is left behind, they remain at a lower level than others because they are not as quick at understanding things or developing.
- to rule over: To exercise absolute authority or control over someone or something.
- sheltered existence: To have a life in which you are protected too much and experience very little danger-excitement-or change.
- to snowball: increase rapidly in size, intensity, or importance.
- to be instrumental: serving as a means of pursuing an aim or policy.
- to be well run: managed in a skillful way a well-run organization.
- to look out for: be vigilant and take notice.
- polar opposite: an idiom often used to describe people and ideas that are opposites.
- grassroots-level: the common or ordinary people, especially as contrasted with the leadership or elite of a political party, social organization
- bucket list: a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime.
Mistake to Avoid:
(incorrect use of a word) economic NOT economical (26:47)
Comprehension Questions:
- How long was Shaun away from South Africa before his last trip?
- What is a predominant memory from Shaun’s childhood?
- When was Mandela elected as president?
- (True or False) Shaun knew that apartheid was going on as a young boy.
- What did Shaun think about having a black president when he was a child?
- What is to blame for the current problems in South Africa?
- What is Jacob Zuma most known for?
- (True or False) The problem facing South Africa is not enough is being done to bridge the gap between rich and poor.
Question to consider:
What do you know about South Africa and would you like to visit it one day?
Links:
- The Germany Experience Podcast
- The Germany Experience YouTube
- Wiki about the AWB
- Nelson Mandela Speech
- Find Shaun on Instagram
- 17 Places to Visit in South Africa
- 50 Most Common Mistakes Germans Make in English
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