Photo Credit: Vallentin @pexels.com 

 

As an English teacher living in Japan, experiencing the seasons here has been quite different from what I’m used to back in the UK. Both countries have four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—but the way each season feels and is celebrated can be very different.

 

Spring: Cherry Blossoms vs. Daffodils

In Japan, spring is famous for the beautiful cherry blossoms, or sakura. People in Japan love to have picnics under these pink and white flowers during the cherry blossom festivals. In the UK, spring is also a lovely season, where flowers like daffodils and bluebells cover the parks and gardens. While we don’t have big picnics under the trees, the blooming flowers are a cheerful sight after the cold winter.

 

Summer: Festivals and Rain

Japanese summers are hot and full of lively festivals. People wear yukata, which are like light kimonos, and enjoy fireworks and street food. In the UK, our summers are usually cooler and, let’s be honest, a bit rainy. We do have music festivals and barbecues whenever the sun decides to shine, which makes for a fun time too.

 

Autumn: Leaves and More Leaves

Autumn in Japan is as stunning as the spring, with the leaves turning bright red, orange, and yellow. People go to parks and mountains just to see this colorful display. In the UK, autumn is also beautiful with the leaves changing color, but it’s generally more subdued. We enjoy cozy evenings as it starts to get colder.

 

Winter: Snowscapes vs. Dark Days

Winters can be quite different. In Japan, places like Hokkaido are famous for their snow festivals with huge ice sculptures. In other parts of Japan, New Year is a big celebration where families come together. In the UK, winter is more about short days and long nights. We get some snow, but it’s not as common. Christmas is a huge deal, and cities light up with decorations and markets.

 

Living in Japan has shown me how differently seasons can be experienced and celebrated in another culture. While the UK seasons are more about subtle changes and quiet beauty, Japan’s seasons are full of vivid colors and festivals. Both places have their unique charm, making each season special in its own way.

 

 

Questions:

Q1. What season do British people associate daffodils with?

Q2. What is one problem with summers in England?

Q3. Which of the countries gets more snow?

 

Scroll down ↓ for answers:

 

 

A1. Spring

A2. It is too rainy.

A3. Japan

Photo credit: The author 

 

As an architect and a designer, Antoni Gaudí has spoken to countless people through his many creations, most of which can be seen in Barcelona. Do you know that one of the people to whom Gaudí’s work has spoken quite loudly and eloquently used to attend a university in Kyoto? It’s true. He is the Japanese stone cutter, Etsuro Sotoo. 

 

Sotoo, a graduate of the Kyoto City University of Arts, traveled to Europe in 1978, one year after he graduated. As you can see, he was not much older than most of the students at Ritsumeikan University when he did that. That’s amazing, isn’t it? 

 

After arriving in Barcelona, he was so moved by Gaudi’s masterpiece, La Sagrada Família, that Sotoo chose to stay and learn about him, his genius, and his work. He said “I just came to Europe to carve stone. I was looking for stone and stone introduced me to La Sagrada Família and La Sagrada Família introduced me to Gaudí” (National Geographic, 2013). 

 

Sotoo strove to understand Gaudí and honor him through his own stone cutting work. In so doing, he has, for more than 40 years, made significant contributions to the construction of La Sagrada Família. This includes the work Sotoo did on the east façade of the basilica. It is there, in the Nativity scene, that we can see fifteen statues of angels that Sotoo created. He even created a few of them with Asian faces. After all, according to Sotoo, angels from the east are needed, too (Public Relations Office, Government of Japan, 2012). (A photo of Sotoo’s angels can be seen above.) 

 

Sotoo’s passion for Gaudí’s work caused him to reconsider his values and to become Catholic. As you can see, art can be a very powerful language. Does it speak to you? If so, which medium (language) do you prefer to listen to, or with which one do you prefer to create? 

 

References  

National Geographic (2013, Dec. 14). Unorthodox sculpting. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MW5Us3E--0  

 

Public Relations Office, Government of Japan (2012, Dec.) Realizing Gaudi’s Unfulfilled Wishes: Etsuro Sotoo (Spain).

https://www.govonline.go.jp/eng/publicity/book/hlj/html/201212/201212_05.html

Questions:

 

Q1. When did Sotoo travel to Europe?

a. Straight after he graduated.

b. A little while after graduation.

c. A year before he graduated.

 

Q2. Where can you see many of Gaudi’s works?

a. Barcelona

b. Ritsumeikan University

c. In the Public relations Office of the Government of Japan

 

Q3. How did Sotoo show his passion for Gaudi’s work?

a. He introduced Gaudi to Japanese visitors.

b. He helped to build Gaudi’s greatest work.

c. He looked for stone to use for La Sagrada Família.

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers 

 

Answers

A1: b

A2: a

A3: b

Photo Credit: Nobuaki Irie@pexels.com

 

 

On my 11th birthday, my cousin gave me a record of the popular singing duo, the Carpenters as a present. Of course, I didn't understand English at all back then. However, fascinated by the beautiful singing voice and melody, I wanted to know the meaning of the lyrics. That was my first encounter with English. At the age of twelve, I was impressed by the dynamic singing voice of The Three Degrees, a black trio who was as popular as the Carpenters in Japan, and that was how I became interested in Soul Music (R&B).

 

The following year, a group of five black brothers called Tavares caught my eye while watching TV. I instantly became a big fan of them and joined the Tavares fan club, which was backed up by a Japanese record company (Toshiba EMI) when I was in junior high school. Perhaps because I was very enthusiastic about the group, I ended up becoming the president of the fan club during my high school years. I often held Tavares record concerts and even went to radio stations to promote their songs. My dream was to go to a Tavares concert and meet them in America someday. So, I studied English hard to make that dream come true.

 

Tavares eventually disappeared from the music scene, not releasing records anymore in the late 1980s. When I was giving up my dream of meeting them, I heard the news that Tavares was coming to Japan to give concerts even in my home town of Osaka! Right after reading the news, I wrote to their record company even though I wasn’t sure if my letter would reach the group. I really wanted to thank them for their music that had enriched my life and given me a lot of joy and happiness. It is no exaggeration to say that they helped me become an English teacher. On the day of their concert in Osaka, my dreams finally came true. Not only was I able to hear their singing live but also allowed to meet them backstage. Tavares looked at me and said, "You are the one who wrote us." Yes, they had received my letter! The members were very happy to see me, and we took pictures together. The photos are still my lifelong treasures even to this day.

 

Just like this, through English, I was able to fulfill my dream. I hope that you too will meet many wonderful people and have valuable experiences by using English. Make your dreams come true with English!

 

 

Blog Quiz

Q1. How did the author encounter English?

Q2. What was the name of the group that the author became the president of the fan club for?

Q3. How did the author’s dream come true?

 

 

Scroll down to see the answers below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

 

1.         The author’s cousin gave him a record of the Carpenters for his birthday.

2.         Tavares

3.         The author was able to see Tavares' concert in Osaka and meet them backstage.

Photo Credit: Charlotte May@pexels.com

 

 

The Japanese tea ceremony, known as “sadō/chadō” or "chanoyu,” is a profound cultural practice that transcends the mere act of drinking tea. Rooted in the philosophy of Zen Buddhism, Japanese culture and spirit are woven into every aspect of tea ceremony etiquette.

 

At its core, the Japanese tea ceremony is not just about enjoying a cup of tea but also about appreciating the beauty of simplicity, mindfulness, and life. The ceremony is often held in a special tea room, a pure space designed to foster a sense of tranquility and mindfulness. The architectural elements and seasonal decorations within the room play an important role in creating an atmosphere that complements the tea-drinking experience. The tea room welcomes guests by being decorated with hanging scrolls and seasonal flowers and plants.

 

A typical example of a Chinese character phrase often used in hanging scrolls is wa kei sei jaku,” meaning harmony, respect, purity, and solitude, representing an atmosphere of respect and harmony between host and guests. Silence is often maintained during the ceremony, allowing guests to enjoy subtle sounds such as the rustling of the tea whisk or the quiet pouring of water.

 

During a tea ceremony, the main activities are observing “teishu” (the host) make tea, eating Japanese sweets, and drinking powdered green tea. Every gesture has a deep meaning, from the way the host purifies their utensils to the direction they turn to leave and how they present the tea bowl.

 

In the tea ceremony, there is a moment when “chashaku” (the tea scoop) and “chaire” (the tea caddy, a container for powdered green tea) are wiped with a silk cloth called "fukusa." This act is not about cleaning due to dirt but rather symbolizes purification. In reality, it may seem unnecessary, wasteful, and inefficient. However, it is done to welcome and treat guests to the fullest extent. Throughout the tea ceremony, the host may leave the tea room several times. Typically, the host avoids showing their back to the guests when moving around or exiting, but when leaving with a water container called “kensui,” the host deliberately turns their back. This is because the water in the container is not pristine after being used, so the host turns away from the guests' view. Tea bowls usually have a distinguishable front and back, and when serving the bowl, it is placed in such a way that the front faces the guest.

 

When a guest, on the other hand, is about to drink tea, they pick up the tea bowl, presented with the bowl’s front facing them, they should turn it twice in their hands, and then begin to sip. This gesture is a consideration to avoid placing their mouth directly on the depicted scene on the front of the bowl. In this way, the Japanese tea ceremony is a culture that fosters a sense of respect for everything and everyone present, transcending the immediate participants—both the host and the guest—making it an enjoyable experience that values mindfulness and appreciation for all aspects, including those not physically present.

 

We, modern people, are sometimes so engulfed in the hustle of our daily lives that we do not have time to relax, enjoy time, and reflect on our own lives. However, I believe that occasionally participating in a tea ceremony can provide a precious opportunity to sense that we are living together in a vast world.

 

 

Blog Quiz

 

1 What is the significance of turning the tea bowl twice in the hands before sipping tea?

a) It adds a decorative element to the ceremony.

b) It prevents spillage.

c) It avoids placing the mouth directly on the depicted scene.

d) It follows a specific dance routine.

 

2 Why does the host turn their back when leaving with a water container called Kensui?

a) To show disrespect to the guests.

b) To hide the water container.

c) To demonstrate efficiency.

d) To maintain purity in the water container.

 

3 What does the act of wiping the tea scoop and tea caddy symbolize during the ceremony?

a) Cleaning due to dirt.

b) Aesthetic decoration.

c) Symbolic purification.

d) Expressing efficiency.

 

 

Scroll down to see the answers below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

 

1.         C

2.         B

3.         C

Photo Credit: cottonbro studio@pexels.com

 

 

In English conversation classes, sometimes the topic turns to “What is the best way to learn English?” Of course, there is no one best way to learn—each person is different, but... as an English teacher, I have my opinions. When someone suggests that watching movies in English is an interesting way to get listening practice, I mostly agree with them. Movies are interesting and a learner can usually hear a lot of English. However, I think that watching television programs is probably better. I have a couple of reasons for this.

 

The first reason is that television shows are both shorter and longer than movies. Why shorter? On one hand, an episode of a TV program is usually between 25 and 60 minutes long—under one hour. On the other hand, a movie might be two hours long. If someone is listening intensely to their second language, a shorter time will be less tiring and more enjoyable. Why longer? An episode of a TV program is like a chapter in a book, but a movie is like a whole book. TV programs tell a story over are the entire series: that could be six episodes or twenty or more! In TV shows, the story can become deeper and more interesting because the person watching spends much more time with the characters.

 

The second reason is that television programs are just talkier. In an episode of a TV program, characters will talk more than characters in a movie. TV programs tell more of the story through dialogue than movies, so a learner will hear more English in ten minutes of a TV program than they will in ten minutes of a movie.

 

Why do I say that television is talkier than movies? This is because of the different histories of the two mediums.

 

Movies are a visual experience. They have always been primarily a visual medium. Until about 1930, movies were silent. A language of visual storytelling was developed for films, and this visual language has continued, changed, and expanded until the present. Television influenced some of the changes to visual storytelling because, when TV began in the 1940s and 50s, people started going to movies less. To get more people into the movie theatres, the movie industry created movies that offered a visual spectacle—colour, widescreen, even 3D—that TV could not match. For these reasons, much or most of the story in a film today will be told through the images and spectacle.

 

Television is more an audio experience. TV came from radio—almost all early TV performers and writers came from radio rather than the movie industry. This made sense because the radio networks already had infrastructure that could be adapted to broadcast television signals and were producing regular programs that could be easily adapted to television. As well, early television sets had small screens that could not show detail like the big screen of the movie theatres: characters had to talk more so the viewer could understand the story. Because television programs were written like radio programs, people listened to the television in the same way they listened to the radio. Someone might cook dinner with the television on or do homework while watching a favourite TV show. No one cooks dinner or reads a book in a movie theatre.

 

The emphasis on using dialogue to tell a story in television shows has continued even until the present day. This is why I think television is better for listening to English than movies. Of course, I always tell students that movies are good... but television is better.

 

 

Blog Quiz

 

Q1. Why are TV programs shorter than movies?

Q2. Why are TV progams longer than movies?

Q3. What kind of experience are movies?

Q4. What kind of experience is television?

 

Scroll down to see the answers below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

 

1.         They are usually less than an hour for one episode, but a movie is usually two or more hours.

2.         There are many episodes used to tell a story. Movies usually tell the whole story in the movie.

3.         Visual experiences

4.         Audio experiences

Photo Credit: Designecologist@pexels.com

 

 

The origin of fireworks in Japan can be traced back to the Edo period (1603-1867), when a water god festival (Sui-Jin-Sai) was held on the Sumida River in 1733. At that time, famine and epidemics caused many deaths in the Kansai and Edo areas. The first fireworks display was held to commemorate the dead and a prayer to drive out the plague. 　

 

Later, many fireworks makers started setting off a lot of fireworks as if they were competing with each other. The two most famous makers, "Tamaya" and "Kagiya"emerged and became well known as a call that spectators shout as they are moved when looking up at the fireworks. This was accepted by the common people of Edo, who preferred the spectacular, and the launching of fireworks took root as a standard event for river-opening ceremonies.

 

The hot and humid climate of Japan also made fireworks displays more deeply rooted in the evening cool-down culture of watching fireworks while enjoying the night breeze. Thus, in Japan, fireworks displays are loved by many people as a summer tradition.

 

Here are two of my favorite fireworks displays:

1. Lake Biwa Grand Fireworks Festival (Biwako-Dai-Hanabitaikai)

This festival is a summer tradition at Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. About 10,000 fireworks light up the night sky, attracting 300,000 to 400,000 people each year. The fireworks are launched very close to each other, creating an impressive show.

 

2. Atami Marine Fireworks Festival (Atami-Kaijo-Hanabitaikai)

It is held in my hometown of Shizuoka Prefecture, and this festival takes place in Atami Bay. The bay is praised by fireworks companies for its excellent location. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the bay's shape amplifies the sound of the fireworks, creating an effect similar to a large stadium. When you watch near the sea, you can feel the sound of the fireworks through your body. The best way to experience this is to lie down on the beach. This unique marine fireworks show makes the most of its venue.

 

I hope you look forward to your summer vacation and enjoy these fantastic displays.

 

 

 

Blog Quiz

 

Q1. Which fireworks makers are mentioned as having started setting off fireworks competitively?

A) Tamaya and Kagiya

B) Atami and Sumida

C) Kansai and Edo

 

Q2. Why did fireworks displays become a part of the evening cool-down culture in Japan?

A) Because of the hot and humid climate

B) Because of the clear night skies

C) Because of the long summer days

 

Q3. What is unique about the Atami Bay location for fireworks displays?

A) It is shaped like a "mortar" and surrounded by mountains on three sides.

B) It has a large stadium for viewing.

C) It is located in the Kansai area.

 

Scroll down to see the answers below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

 

1.         A

2.         A

3.         A

Photo Credit: Marcus Ireland@pexels.com

 

 

What do you think of when you hear the word “opera”? What is opera? Opera is a stage play where the actors sing rather than speak their lines. Opera incorporates drama, orchestral music, singing, dancing, costumes, and set design among others. Opera started more than 400 years ago and continues to remain popular. There are two types of opera: opera seria, which is a tragedy, and opera buffa, which is a comedy. The person who writes the music is called the composer while the person who writes the words is called the librettist. The librettist writes the libretto, which means a little book in Italian. The libretto is the script, which contains all the words.

 

Librettists are unjustly forgotten. Seldom—if ever—is the librettist’s name included when referring to or advertising the opera production. However, everything starts with the words. While a composer and lyricist for a musical might work together as the songs are created, an opera composer never starts until the words are more or less set. Some composers demand changes to the words as the music is composed, other composers do not. Still, most people come to listen to the beautiful music so understanding the words is not as important. While many opera houses have displays that run translations of the words as they are sung, it is best to know the story before going.

 

What is the difference between operas and musicals? While operas are sung from beginning to end, musicals, traditionally, are not. Even though there are some modern musicals that are also sung from beginning to end, they are not operas. The difference lies in the complexity of the music and the ability of the singers. While singers in musicals use microphones to amplify their voices, opera singers receive no such assistance; they must project their voices to the top seats in the highest balcony. Furthermore, operas are not only about powerful voices, but also about voice control and range. In other words, they are about the quality and ability of the singers. The songs in operas are not easy to sing and only the best trained and talented singers can hit the right notes.

 

The followings are the recommended operas for first timers:

The Barber of Seville: Composer—Gioachino Rossini/Librettist—Cesar Sterbini. This is a comic opera about a servant, Figaro, who tries to get the beautiful Rosina away from her perverted guardian and into the arms of the man she loves.

 

Hansel and Gretel: Composer—Englebert Humperdinck/Librettist—Adelheid Wette. This is a short opera about two abandoned children who come upon a witch’s cottage in the woods.

 

Carmen: Composer—Georges Bizet/Librettists—Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halevy. This opera is about a soldier, Don Jose, who falls in love with a gypsy woman, Carmen, who ultimately betrays and rejects Don Jose.

 

The Kansai region has many opera companies, so if you love beautiful music and live theater, I would recommend going to an opera.

 

 

Blog Quiz:

Q1. Who writes the words for opera?

a. The lyricist.

b. The librettist.

c. The composer.

 

Q2. What is comic opera called?

a. opera buffa.

b. opera seria.

c. soap opera.

 

Q3. Why do many believe opera to be the perfect art form?

a. Because it has great singers.

b. Because the music is beautiful.

c. Because it incorporates many other arts.

 

 

Scroll down to see the answers below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

1. b—the librettist.

2. a—opera buffa.

3. c—Because it incorporates many other arts.

Photo Credit: Elviss Railijs Bitāns@pexels.com

 

 

The term ‘audiophile’ refers to someone who is passionate (often obsessively so) about the high-fidelity reproduction of sound. Audiophiles will sometimes go to great lengths to find the best sounding albums from their favorite music artists. Whether you call them LPs, records or vinyl, many times the Japanese recordings of albums are considered the greatest and most sought after by many audiophiles. Let’s take a look at just some of the reasons why.

 

1. Quality Control: Especially during the 1960s to the 1980s, Japanese record pressing factories were regarded as having much better and stricter quality control than record pressing factories in the West. Japanese factories also tended to press records in much smaller quantities meaning that the overall quality was better.

 

2. Virgin Vinyl: While other factories around the world tended to use recycled vinyl, Japanese plants initially began using new vinyl for each press. This was called ‘pure virgin vinyl’ and resulted in records with less surface noise. In the 1960s and 70s, the electronics company, Toshiba, pioneered their ‘Everclean’ vinyl, which is easily distinguishable because of its shiny red color. These Toshiba red records are still highly sought after by collectors because of their rarity, but also because these records were made to reduce static electricity and dust buildup, producing a clearer sound.

 

3. The Obi: Japanese vintage records usually came with a small strip of paper wrapped around the outside of the album called the Obi, or ‘sash’ in English. Because album covers were usually all in English, the Obi was the perfect solution to present the Japanese consumer with information about the artist/album printed in Japanese on the Obi strip. Records with the Obi still intact are often highly sought after by collectors for their rarity and in some cases for their beauty.

 

4. Quality and Condition: In the case of Japanese records, not only is the vinyl of higher quality than most, but the jacket of the record was made of higher quality materials. Many Japanese records have a jacket made from thick, strong cardboard, rather than the thinner cardboard found on western releases. This means that Japanese records tend to be much heavier than their western counterparts, but also means that they are typically in better condition and last much longer.

 

It is also true that culturally Japanese people tend to value their possessions more, especially given that these records were quite expensive to buy at the time they were made. For example, a 2,000 yen record in 1960 is more than 10,000 yen in today’s money. This fact, combined with the higher quality of materials used, is the reason many Japanese records that are 50-60 years old now can still be found in superb, sometimes ‘as new’ condition.

 

 

 

Blog Quiz:

Q1. What is an Obi called in English?

Q2. What type of vinyl did the electronics company, Toshiba pioneer?

Q3. A person who is passionate about high quality reproduction of sound is

 known as an:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

A1. A sash.

A2. Everclean vinyl.

A3. Audiophile.

Photo Credit: Kseniya Budko@pexels.com

 

I really love salty pickled plums called umeboshi. I have loved them since I was a little child. When I was young, I was pretty picky about food, so I mainly ate plain white rice, miso soup, and umeboshi. My grandma had some plum trees in her garden, and every year, she would make umeboshi by hand. Her umeboshi were more sour than salty, and they were soft and had a natural red color because of an herb called red shiso.

 

I thought my grandma's umeboshi were perfect, and she kept making them until she was ninety years old. I always say umeboshi is my favorite food when people ask, but I never thought about making them from scratch until after my grandma passed away ten years ago.

 

When my mom, aunt and uncles, and I were going through her things, we found her recipe notebook, and it had an umeboshi recipe. Plums are harvested in June, so if I missed that time, I would have to wait a whole year to make umeboshi. That year, I decided to give it a try. I bought some plums at the store and picked some from my parents' trees. I have been making them every year since then.

 

Making umeboshi is simple. All you need is plums, salt, a little bit of distilled alcohol to clean the container, red shiso, and some heavy stones. First, you weigh the plums and measure out about twelve percent of their weight in salt. Then, you wash and dry the plums and clean the container with alcohol to prevent mold. Next, you layer salt and plums in the container, adding more until it is full. Place a plate and heavy stones on top, cover it, and leave it for about a week.

 

After a week, a sour and salty liquid comes out and covers the plums. That is when you add red perilla leaves. Wash them with salt and mix them into the container. The liquid turns bright red because of the leaves. Leave the plums for three to four weeks until the rainy season ends in Japan. Finally, on a sunny day, put the plums outside in a bamboo basket to dry and soften. I love seeing the red plums on my veranda.

 

I know many people, especially young ones, don't like umeboshi. But when you cook them with meat, fish, or vegetables, they lose their weird smell and add a rich flavor to the dish. I am always amazed at how people in the past made this preserved food with so few ingredients and simple steps. Umeboshi, for me, is a connection to my past and a wonderful tradition that I still enjoy today.

 

 

Blog Quiz:

Q1. Did the author like many foods when she was a child?

Q2. About how many weeks are required to complete the pickled plums?　

Q3. Why do you need shochu, a distilled alcohol, for making umeboshi?

 

Scroll down to see the answers below. ↓

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

A1. No, she was a picky eater.

A2. About four to five weeks altogether.

A3. To clean the container to prevent mold.

Photo Credit: The Author

 

Phones have been used to connect people with each other for more than a century, and the benefits of technological advances outweigh the drawbacks.

 

My experience begins as I describe using the phone in the early 1960s in the United States. Take for instance, the physical form (see photo). It was as heavy as one brick and as bulky as a cake box. It hung on a wall in the kitchen or stayed on a desk. Our family phone had a 5-foot cord that kept you standing under it. There was no room for a chair. Unlike the iPhone that you can dial with one touch on someone’s number on the screen, the 1960s’ phone had a rotary dial. That meant sticking your index finger into the hole to drag the wheel around to the “finger stop”, a different distance for each number. For example, if you dialed a “1”, you dragged the wheel 2cm. However, if you had to dial a “zero”, you dragged it around the circle clockwise for about 10 cm. Your dragging technique had to be strong and smooth lest the number not registering, which required starting all over. Dialing the number of course caused a loud ringing sound in the recipient’s house, a ring so loud that made someone in the house jump up to answer it.

 

Because families only had one phone, somebody had to usually run to the kitchen from a distant bedroom, a comfortable sofa or up from the basement to answer it. Family members sometimes shouted to each other to answer the phone. There were no answering machines, and every caller was a mystery to the recipient until the voice was heard. There was no way to know if the caller was your friend, a family member, a boss or a business. Therefore, all the calls had to be answered.

 

Messages for family members were written on a piece of paper or maybe not and forgotten. Who called? What was their number?

 

In contrast to texting communication these days, there was very little privacy 60 years ago. Listening in to my mother’s phone conversations, I knew the names of her friends and what appointments she was planning. I learned to take messages from these other moms and learned formal phone etiquette. I learned from listening to her voice about who she liked. Her chats could last hours in a child’s mind.

 

When I became a teenager, I competed to use the phone with my mom and two sisters. At that time, the cord in the kitchen became 10 feet long, but I still could not get the privacy I craved. Contrast that with today’s teen who can make calls outside, but probably doesn’t because of the dream invention of texting quietly and privately.

 

Phones have come a long way. While we have gained in convenience, we have lost by not making connections with others in the public space because everyone’s faces are glued to the screens they hold.

 

 

Blog Quiz:

Q1. Why did some phone users have to stand while talking on the phone?

a. Because they wanted to see out the window.

b. Because they talked for a short time.

c. bBcause the cord was too short to sit down.

 

Q2. Where was the 1960s phone in the house?

a. In the kitchen

b. In the bedroom

c. In the living room

 

Q3. Which phone number was easiest to dial in the 1960s?

a. One with many 1s.

b. One with many 5s.

c. One with many 9s.

 

Scroll down to see the answers below.　↓

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

A1. c

A2. a

A3. a