We’re continuing our
exploration of the intersection between careers and professions in which the
English language can play a role.
In Episode 2 of the ListenUp! Series, we explored scuba diving with our friend, Mikael. If you haven’t listened to that interview yet, click here now! :D
Today, we continue our journey with Episode 3 by having a chat with Linn, a student of Permaculture.
As always, we start by exploring the profession, or in this case, the area of study; before we plunge into the interview.
Source: Pixabay
WHAT IS PERMACULTURE
Source: Public domain
According to Earth Activist Training’s founder & teacher, Starhawk; “Permaculture is a system of ecological design that takes nature as our model, so we can meet human needs while regenerating the world around us.”
Permaculture has three basic ethics: Care for the Earth, Care for People, and Care for the Future.
It has a set of principles that direct us to observe natural systems and mimic the way they work, catching and storing the sun’s energy, using biological and local resources, with minimal inputs of fossil fuel energy, and getting multiple uses out of each element.
Permaculture is no one technique or process, but rather weaves together multiple approaches, technologies and solutions to problems of sustainability. Instead of designing separate things, we design connections and beneficial relationships.
Permaculture favors low-tech solutions that empower ordinary people to take responsibility for their own needs and impacts.
It’s important to note that, permaculture’s foundations were built not only from observing the systems of nature; but also from the ancient knowledge of tribes and indigenous people who remain deeply connected to the earth.
Permaculture principles go beyond land management and can be applied to how you build a business, organize your home, or even manage a classroom.
As you continue your journey exploring permaculture, you’ll hear terms like abundance, regeneration, healing, food forests, agroforestry, and regenerative agriculture, to name a few. Keep a look out for how these principles may already be showing up in your life.
At the end of our chat with Linn, there will be further resources for you to explore. For now, let’s meet Linn!
THE INTERVIEW – LINN
Source: Public domain
Ok, we have a nice foundation of what permaculture is, now let’s listen to the interview with Linn and hear about permaculture in her own words.
Source: Pixabay
Next, Linn tells us about her English learning journey. She shares how her English learning improved significantly outside of the classroom. Before listening, can you guess how?
Are any of you studying a subject in English? Listen as Linn tells us about studying Permaculture in English. If you’re also studying a subject in English, tell us about it below.
Interesting to hear Linn’s tips for learning English. Do you have any tips and advice?
Linn took the time to share some fun elements about her native language, German. Does your language have unique elements that are not found in English?
Source: Iya, OLS
Community Manager – English
It was fun to listen to Linn’s definition of permaculture. As you continue your exploration of permaculture, you will find that its “definition” may evolve and change for you.
Wow! Thank you so much to our interviewee, Linn! Permaculture is such a fascinating subject and there’s so much more I’d like to know. What about you? If you were speaking with Linn, what would you ask her?
Source: Iya, OLS Community Manager – English
RESOURCES
If you would like to learn more about permaculture, here are some resources for you to get started. One important thing to note, permaculture is for all ages and can be implemented in schools at the scale that’s right for the ages and abilities of the students.
DEEP DIVE INTO SOME OF THESE RESOURCES:
- How Kids Learn Permaculture (very adorable!)
- What is Permaculture?
- Permaculture Ethics
- The Foundation of Permaculture Design
- Permaculture Decision-Making Matrix
OVER TO YOU!
Now is your chance to respond to today’s episode! Click REPLY below to answer the questions in writing or verbally by recording your voice. The voice recording tutorial is here.
Task 1: Listening comprehension & responding to the episode.
1. Where is Linn from?
2. How long is Linn’s permaculture program?
3. What’s Linn’s experience learning permaculture in English?
4. Are you studying in English? What is the subject? Tell us what it is like for you to study or learn a new subject using the English language.
5. Did you know about permaculture before listening to today’s episode?
6. What questions do you have or what would you like to know more about based on today’s interview?
7. Do you like to grow food or plants? Tell us about your experience. What have you grown? Why do you enjoy working with nature?
Task 2: Take a moment to answer the questions as if YOU’RE the one being interviewed!
1. What’s your name?
2. Where are you from and what’s native language?
3. How long have you been learning English?
4. Why are you learning English?
5. What career would you like to have in which English will be useful?
6. What do you enjoy about the English language?
7. How do you use English to break out of your comfort zone?
**REMINDER** - OLS VIDEO CONTEST
Now that you’ve answered these questions; why not take it a step further and enter the OLS Video Contest? Deadline is 4 February 2024 and you can find all the details here.
Thanks for joining our conversation and being part of our English community!
Iya, OLS Community Manager - English