Ways with Words

A. Choose the words that have the following meanings.

a. The severely damaging or destructive effects of something

Answer: Ravage

b. A person forced to leave their country to escape war, persecution, or a natural disaster

Answer: Refugee

c. To face a difficult situation

Answer: Confront

d. To take a position of power or importance illegally or by force

Answer: Usurp

e. The process of becoming part of a group, country, or society

Answer: Assimilation

f. An area within a larger territory whose inhabitants are culturally or ethnically distinct

Answer: Enclave

C. Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the brackets.

a.

I asked him if he was attending the ceremony, and he shook his head to say “no.”
(shook/moved/nodded)

b.

They made a horrible decision that caused irreparable damage to our company.
(hopeless/inflexible/irreparable)

c.

The leaders need to break down barriers to create a favourable environment in the nation.
(barriers/obstacles/hindrances)

d.

You ought to talk to the manager to settle the dispute.
(solve/settle/clear up)

e.

Perhaps this issue will not receive much media coverage.
(security/examination/coverage)

f.

This is Joan’s first week as the person in charge. Everything is running smoothly.
(smoothly/calmly/easily)

g.

I have not read the text thoroughly, but I have taken a quick glance at it.
(fast/quick/rapid)

Comprehension

Answer the following questions.

a. Why did millions of Palestinians leave their country?

Answer:

Millions of Palestinians left their country because they were displaced by conflict, persecution, and the denial of basic human rights. Many of them migrated in search of safety, freedom, better living conditions, and economic opportunities.

b. How is global culture formed? Is cultural identity possible within global culture? Justify your answer.

Answer:

Global culture is formed through increasing interaction among people from different countries and cultures. Technological development, social media, international businesses, migration, tourism, education, films, music, and global communication all contribute to its formation.

Yes, cultural identity is possible within global culture. Globalisation does not necessarily destroy local identity. In many cases, it makes people more conscious of their traditions, language, customs, and cultural uniqueness.

People can participate in global culture while preserving their local values and identity. For example, individuals may use global technology and follow international trends while continuing to celebrate their traditional festivals, wear cultural dress, and speak their native languages.

Therefore, global culture and cultural identity can exist together.

c. Why can moving from one part of the world to another become an economic challenge for newcomers?

Answer:

Moving from one part of the world to another can become an economic challenge because newcomers need time to adjust to the new society.

They may need to learn a new language, understand a different culture, acquire legal documents, find housing, and enter the labour market.

Their educational qualifications or work experience may not be immediately recognised. They may also face unemployment, low wages, discrimination, and high living costs.

d. How can immigrants contribute to the economy of their new homes at different levels?

Answer:

Immigrants can contribute to the economy by working in different sectors, paying taxes, starting businesses, creating employment opportunities, and introducing new skills and ideas.

Some immigrants establish small shops and local services, while others create large companies that operate nationally or internationally.

Their labour, entrepreneurship, innovation, and cultural knowledge can support economic growth at local, national, and global levels.

e. Can immigrants fully integrate into new societies? Give reasons.

Answer:

Immigrants may not always be able to integrate fully into new societies because the receiving society may not completely accept them.

Language barriers, cultural differences, discrimination, legal restrictions, unemployment, and limited social opportunities can make integration difficult.

Some immigrants may also prefer to preserve their original culture and remain connected with people from their homeland.

However, complete or successful integration is possible when both immigrants and the receiving society make efforts to understand, respect, and support each other.

f. Mention any two benefits of integration into a new society for immigrants.

Answer:

Two benefits of integration are:

1. Immigrants receive better opportunities for education, employment, participation, and personal development.
2. They gain a stronger sense of belonging, dignity, confidence, and social security.

Integration also benefits receiving countries by increasing economic productivity and cultural diversity.

g. Why should immigrants live in harmony with global culture?

Answer:

Immigrants should live in harmony with global culture because isolation and unwillingness to adjust can create greater social, cultural, and economic difficulties.

By understanding global values and adapting to their new environment, immigrants can participate more effectively in education, employment, business, and community life.

At the same time, they can preserve their own cultural identity while respecting the laws and customs of the receiving society.

Critical Thinking

a. Do you think the local is globalised and the global is localised? Can global culture exist? Give examples.

Answer:

Yes, I believe that the local is globalised and the global is localised.

Globalisation is the process through which local products, cultures, businesses, ideas, and services spread across the world. Local music, food, films, handicrafts, clothing, and traditions can now reach international audiences through technology, tourism, trade, and social media.

For example, Nepali music, momo, handicrafts, pashmina products, and mountain tourism are recognised in many countries. This shows how local culture becomes global.

The global is also localised when international products or ideas are adapted to suit local needs, language, taste, and traditions.

For example, global food companies change their menus according to local eating habits. International films are dubbed into local languages, and foreign educational systems are modified to match national curricula.

Yes, global culture can exist. People throughout the world now share similarities in music, fashion, sports, technology, education, food, language, entertainment, and communication.

Examples of global culture include:

1. The worldwide popularity of football and international sports competitions
2. The use of smartphones and social media
3. Global fashion trends
4. International music and films
5. The use of English as an international language
6. Online education and global business practices

However, global culture should not completely replace local traditions. A healthy global society should respect cultural diversity while promoting international understanding.

b. What is globalisation? Discuss its effects on traditional cultures.

Answer:

Globalisation is the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of people, countries, markets, technologies, and cultures.

It involves the rapid movement of goods, services, money, people, information, and ideas across international borders. Developments in transport, communication, trade, and technology have greatly accelerated this process.

Globalisation has both positive and negative effects on traditional cultures.

One positive effect is that it allows local cultures to reach a global audience. Traditional music, dance, literature, food, handicrafts, and festivals can be promoted internationally.

It also encourages cultural exchange. People learn about different customs, languages, lifestyles, and beliefs, which can increase tolerance and understanding.

However, globalisation may weaken traditional practices. Young people may prefer foreign clothes, music, food, films, and languages over their own cultural traditions.

Economic and technological development also changes daily life. For example, bullock carts have been replaced by tractors and vehicles. Letters have been replaced by phones, emails, and messaging applications.

In the past, families and neighbours gathered around one television. Today, each person may use a separate screen. Such changes can reduce direct communication and community interaction.

Traditional festivals, agricultural practices, and local languages may also decline as people migrate to cities and adopt modern lifestyles.

Nevertheless, globalisation does not necessarily destroy all traditional culture. Core values, beliefs, customs, and identities can survive when communities actively preserve and promote them.

Therefore, globalisation changes traditional culture, but the extent of change depends on how societies balance modern development with cultural preservation.

c. Discuss the effects of globalisation on the process and progress of education in Nepal.

Answer:

Globalisation has significantly influenced the process and progress of education in Nepal.

One major effect is the improvement of educational quality. Nepal has gained access to international teaching methods, curricula, research materials, and modern educational technologies.

Globalisation has also introduced new forms of learning such as online education, e-learning, distance education, blended learning, and virtual classrooms.

Students can now access digital books, videos, international courses, and educational websites from different parts of the world.

Foreign universities and international educational institutions have also established partnerships and programmes in Nepal. These institutions provide students with access to internationally recognised degrees and modern educational facilities.

Globalisation has encouraged the use of English and other international languages. This has helped Nepali students communicate globally and compete for international education and employment opportunities.

It has also promoted cultural understanding. Students learn about global issues, human rights, environmental protection, technology, and different cultures.

However, globalisation has also created challenges. Not all students have equal access to technology, the internet, private schools, or international programmes.

A digital and educational gap exists between rich and poor students and between urban and rural areas.

There is also a risk that foreign educational models may reduce attention to local history, language, culture, and traditional knowledge.

Therefore, globalisation has improved education in Nepal, but the government must ensure equal access and preserve local identity while adopting global standards.

Writing

Write a news story for a newspaper about a local festival or fair you have witnessed.

Dashain: Then and Now

KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 26

Time brings change, and change is often necessary for progress. However, many people still wish that some traditions and experiences would remain unchanged.

Dashain, the biggest Hindu festival in Nepal, creates such feelings among many people.

In the past, Dashain was one of the most eagerly awaited festivals of the year. Although people still celebrate it with family gatherings, food, blessings, and entertainment, many believe that its traditional charm is gradually disappearing.

Earlier, the Dashain holiday meant meeting cousins, visiting relatives, playing games, flying kites, riding swings, and eating special meals.

For many families, eating rice and meat was a rare event that occurred mainly during Dashain. Receiving new clothes once a year was also an important part of the celebration.

The first signs of Dashain were kites appearing in the sky and bamboo swings being built in open fields. Children ran after falling kites and competed to cut each other’s kite strings.

Today, food and clothes are more easily available throughout the year. As a result, they no longer create the same excitement during Dashain.

Kite flying has also become less common, and traditional swings are rarely seen in many urban areas.

Modern technology and social media have changed the way people celebrate. In the past, people focused on enjoying the festival and creating memories. Today, many people give greater attention to taking photographs and posting them online.

The blessings of elders were once considered the most valuable part of Dashain. Some children today seem more interested in the money received with tika than in the blessings themselves.

However, the younger generation has not completely forgotten the meaning of Dashain. Families still gather, worship, receive tika and jamara, and spend time together.

Change is natural, and society must move forward with time. Nevertheless, people should not forget their identity, traditions, and festivals.

Preserving the cultural spirit of Dashain will allow future generations to experience its true meaning and create lasting memories.

Grammar

B. Complete each sentence using what, how, where, or whether with one of the given verbs.

a. Do you know __________ to Rama’s house?

Answer: How to get

Complete sentence:
Do you know how to get to Rama’s house?

b. I do not know __________ for the job or not.

Answer: Whether to apply

Complete sentence:
I do not know whether to apply for the job or not.

c. Have you decided __________ for your picnic?

Answer: Where to go

Complete sentence:
Have you decided where to go for your picnic?

d. Can you show me __________ this camera?

Answer: How to use

Complete sentence:
Can you show me how to use this camera?

e. Ask Hari. He will tell you __________ a bicycle.

Answer: How to ride

Complete sentence:
Ask Hari. He will tell you how to ride a bicycle.

f. I was really astonished. I did not know __________ the horse.

Answer: How to ride

Complete sentence:
I was really astonished. I did not know how to ride the horse.

C. Paraphrase the following sentences using the verbs given in brackets.

a. Mahesh forgets to close the windows.

(tend)

Answer:

Mahesh tends to forget to close the windows.

b. Your car has broken down.

(appear)

Answer:

Your car appears to have broken down.

c. Ashika is worried about her examination.

(seem)

Answer:

Ashika seems to be worried about her examination.

d. They have developed the theory.

(claim)

Answer:

They claim to have developed the theory.

e. He is enjoying his new job.

(pretend)

Answer:

He pretends to be enjoying his new job.