1. One of the major aspects I took away from this video is different types of mania – one thing that I had never really thought of. Could there be different types of mania? Aren’t they all just… fun, and crazy? However, it occurred to me while watching this video that there are in fact different types. Yes, they all consist of fascinations, so to speak. However, I believe I had always thought of manias as fun, entertaining things. I believe myself to be the picture-perfect mania-stricken person for one particular craze: Beatlemania(although I wasn’t alive during the actual craze). Walker showed a photo of the Nazis. Without even having to go into more detail, I realized that manias are not all fun and entertaining. I had never thought of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust as a mania, but now I see it was. Manias can cause great distress and violence, not just happiness. In addition, this presentation, of course, got me thinking about English. Why is it that it has become a worldwide mania? My first thought was of the beauty of it, the capability of it, the wonderful thing it is. However, as the presentation progressed, I realized that while that initial thought could be considered a valid part of the reasoning behind the mania, there was more to it. What was discussed was what opportunities English could bring to people, and how it would enable people to participate in worldwide conversations and issues. This is true, as it is known that English is taking over the world. So, in a sense, supporting evidence for the world’s English mania is the world’s English mania itself.
2. It did not appear that Walker possessed any particularly effective speaking techniques. One notable method, though, was his extremely loud voice. Although the volume almost reached a level of annoyance, it was notable because it gave me the feeling that he was extremely interested in what he discussed. This not only provokes the audience, but the speaker himself.
3. Walker’s presentation style was interesting. It was the first I viewed that included video, and someone else’s voice. This would only make sense, as the topic being discussed was language. Hearing and seeing Chinese citizens and students be so passionate about the language just further supported the fact that English has become a mania. Visuals also aided the presentation, with driving the point, but also by providing examples of well-known manias to familiarize the audience with the aspect of what a mania is.
4. I believe that it is essential to realize that just like people, manias inhabit a wide variety of types. When a community, whatever the size, is swept into the mania, we must make sure that we understand the meaning behind it. If, perhaps, more German people had realized the meaning behind the mania in Nazi Germany, the results wouldn’t have been as horrible. Then again, that’s just an idea. This English mania the world possesses is obviously connected to the world, as the world possesses it, and education, as the mania is being spread through the teaching of the language. English is everywhere. Instead of simply accepting it, one may benefit from considering why people all over the world turn to English. Personally, this made me think of my U.S. History education – learning about American imperialism and its journey to becoming a world power. And a world power it is! It would make sense that this English mania is due largely to the power and leadership America has in the world in all different aspects of life – politics, war, economy, science, entertainment, the list goes on and on. Since English-speakers have such an enormous influence in the world, it would only make sense that in order to participate in world events and issues, other countries would learn to speak the language in which these issues are largely discussed. On another personal note, I want to write books when I am older. I have always loved the English language. This would make sense, as it is my first and currently my only language. However, I feel that I have a connection to English that is deeper and more meaningful that the fact that I speak it. The beauty and loveliness of the language is constantly becoming of more and more importance to me as I read, speak, listen to, and write the language. To me, this would appear a major factor in the causes of the English mania.
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