Learning English with CBC
Listening Lessons for Intermediate Students
Based on CBC Manitoba Radio Broadcasts
February 12, 2013
Lesson 86: Self Study Edition
Level:
CLB 6 and up
Topic:
Libraries Are More than Books
Language Skills and Functions:
Listening – listening to a short interview and
identifying the speaker’s purpose
Speaking – expressing opinions
Reading – reading a text for detail; scanning a text
for information
Writing
– filling in a form
Language Competencies:
Language Tasks:
Vocabulary, Pronunciation, Listening and Speaking
Strategies, Socio-cultural/sociolinguistic Competence
Express opinions on the role of libraries in communities
Use new vocabulary in context
Use antonyms as a strategy to practise vocabulary
Listen to a radio interview with a volunteer for the Human Library
project; identify the speaker’s purpose
Read personal questions about someone’s health condition; decide if
they are appropriate and give reasons for your answers
Read promotional material for the Human Library project and answer
detail questions
Scan the Catalogue of Human Books to select a title of interest and
explain your choice
Fill out a form to apply for a library card
Essential Skills: Reading text, oral communication, writing
Appendices:
Transcript of the podcast
Information on the Human Library and the 2013 Catalogue of Human Books
Answers to Worksheets
Self Study: Libraries Are More than Books
Learning English with CBC
Page 1 of 23
Manitoba Memo
When was the last time you were in a library? If you haven’t visited a community
library for many years, you would notice some big changes. February is “I Love to Read
Month” so it’s a perfect time to see what your local library has to offer!
While borrowing books continues to be a large part of what libraries are about, today’s
libraries are community gathering places. One of the most important roles of a
community library is that they are an indoor public space where people can relax, browse
current magazines or newspapers, study with friends, or come with their children. You
don’t have to buy anything to stay at the library. It’s your space.
Once you have applied for a library card (also free), you can borrow books, music CD’s
and DVD’s of movies and TV programs. You can access free WiFi, use a library computer
for free or for a nominal charge (for example, one dollar an hour) or sign up for a tutorial
on how to use the internet. Many libraries offer story time for young children and book
clubs that anyone can join.
If you are looking for specific information on a topic, the librarian can help you search
through all the material and find the sources that will help you the most. Librarians can
direct you to sources that are approved and appropriate. In fact, you may find that for
most queries, your librarian is a better “search engine” than Google!
Some libraries have special resources for EAL (English as an Additional Language)
students. Winnipeg’s Millennium Library has a special EAL collection and tips on how to
use the library that are written especially for EAL students. Libraries work with EAL and
Literacy Programs to provide services for newcomers in many Manitoba communities.
For example, in Steinbach, where there is a large newcomer population of German
descent, the Jake Epp Library has a collection of books in German. Local libraries can
help you find materials to study for citizenship and help you access on-line learner
resources. In Winnipeg, there are book club kits appropriate for different reading levels,
as well as data bases available in different languages. Last but not least, EAL
conversation circles often meet at local libraries.
Visiting the library and enjoying the programming is a great way to integrate into a new
community. Examples of programming your library may offer include author readings,
craft workshops, concerts, dessert nights, contests, movie nights, writing workshops, teen
programming and travel information nights.
Libraries also partner with other organizations to provide family literacy programming,
health information sessions and events like the Human Library and Freedom to Read
Week. The Millennium Library even has a social worker on staff to help its visitors.
This lesson focuses on a special library event called the Human Library. This annual
event takes place at Winnipeg’s Millennium Library each January. During the event,
readers ‘borrow’ a person, and find out about their life. The ‘books’ are volunteers who
have experienced stereotyping or prejudice in their lives and are ready to share those
experiences with interested ‘readers’ through conversation. It’s a great way to learn
about other people’s lives and perspectives.
Self Study: Libraries Are More than Books
Learning English with CBC
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Background
1. What is the role of librairies?
This lesson is about libraries. Think about the role of libraries in your country of origin
and in Canada. How would you answer the following questions?
Are library services readily available to everyone?
What kind of services do libraries provide?
Is there a fee or charge of any kind? Do you have to have a library card?
What challenges do libraries face? e.g. lack of funding, damage to buildings
because of war, people reading less etc.
Did you or your family use libraries in your country?
Have you ever used a library in Canada? If so, what services have you
used?
2. Vocabulary definitions
Here are some words you need to know to understand the CBC interview.
Vocabulary
the Human Library
In a Human Library, people become the books.
Readers ‘borrow’ them for short conversations and
ask them questions about their lives. Human book
volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds but
they all have one thing in common. They have all
experienced prejudice or stereotyping in their lives.
to be a partner (in a project)
If you are a partner in a project, you agree to work
with one or more organizations to make the project
happen. You share the responsibilities of the
project with your partners.
to sign out a library book
When you use your library card to borrow a book
from the library, we say you are signing out a book.
Books are signed out so that the library knows who
has borrowed a book and for how long.
chronic pain
If someone lives with chronic pain, it means that
the pain is continuous and cannot be cured. For
example, some people who have arthritis often
live with chronic pain.
Self Study: Libraries Are More than Books
Learning English with CBC
Page 3 of 23
a condition
A specific illness or health problem that affects
someone for a long period of time, or on a
permanent basis, is sometimes called a condition.
For example: Mia lives with a serious heart
condition. She has to be careful and rest often.
fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a medical condition that can be
treated but not cured. The disease is
characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain,
fatigue, sleep difficulties, memory loss and mood
issues.
prejudice
Prejudice is an unreasonable or unfair dislike of
people who are different from you in some way.
Prejudice may be based on such things as gender,
faith, race, disability and sexual orientation.
the onset of an illness
The onset of an illness is when an illness begins to
affect someone and when its symptoms appear.
to be fatigued
If someone describes themselves as fatigued, they
are very tired or exhausted.
voluntary activities
Voluntary activities are things you choose to do,
not things you have to do. Voluntary activities
include such things as hobbies, sports and
attending concerts or plays.
artistic activities
Artistic activities are things that you do that are
creative. For example, you might paint, do crafts
or play an instrument. Or you may attend an art
show, a concert or a play.
to appear sickly
If someone appears sickly, they look sick or ill. For
example, they may look very pale, weak and
unhealthy.
to factor (something) in
When you factor something in, it means that you
include it in what you are thinking. It’s part of your
calculations or your analysis of a situation.
a running joke
This idiom means that you repeat a joke over and
over. For example: There’s a running joke in our
workplace about the day Joel backed the forklift
over the box of doughnuts. We tell that joke over
and over.
a common thing
If something is described as being common, it is
because it happens often to many people and in
many places.
Self Study: Libraries Are More than Books
Learning English with CBC
Page 4 of 23
an invisible disability
When something is invisible, it exists, but you
cannot see it with your eyes. An invisible disability
is a physical or mental condition that affects the
body or mind but cannot be seen. The person
looks healthy. Examples of invisible disabilities are
fibromyalgia and dyslexia.
a stereotype
A stereotype is a belief or idea of what a particular
type of person is like. It is not based on fact or
evidence. For example, if someone says women
are too emotional to be managers, that’s
stereotyping women. It’s an opinion, not a fact.
to rail against something
This idiom is used when someone complains
angrily about something because they feel it is
unfair. For example: Maria railed against the new
rule her parents put in place. She complained over
and over again about having to be home by 11 p.m.
on weekends.
to make accommodations
If you agree to make accommodations for
someone, you try to meet their needs. In an
employment situation, this means doing a fair and
reasonable job of providing an employee with the
extra supports they need to do their job.
the twilight zone
The concept of a twilight zone is based on a
science fiction/fantasy TV show that first aired in
the United States in 1959. When we talk about the
twilight zone today, we are talking about a middle
ground between light and shadow, between
science and superstition. It refers to things that are
uncertain, unpredictable and undefined.
medical advances
Progress in the field of medicine is referred to as a
medical advance. For example, medical advances
include new drugs or new treatments for illnesses.
to lie down and play sick
The idiom “to lie/lay down” means to give up.
People who have health conditions sometimes feel
that society expects them to just accept that
condition and not try to function normally, e.g. to
marry, go to work etc. They feel others expect
them to give up and not even attempt to live a
normal life.
Self Study: Libraries Are More than Books
Learning English with CBC
Page 5 of 23
3. Can you match the vocabulary words with the correct meaning?
Learning vocabulary before you listen helps you understand the podcast. Can you match
each vocabulary word or phrase with its meaning? You can use an English Language
Learner’s Dictionary to help you. The first one is completed for you as an example.
Vocabulary Word
Meaning
1. _h a partner
a)
an illness that affects a person’s muscularskeletal system and causes pain, fatigue,
sleep difficulties and other issues
2. __ to sign something out
b)
to be creative; to enjoy the arts
3. __ chronic pain
c)
to take out or borrow something
4. __ a medical condition
d)
an unreasonable or unfair dislike of people
who are different from you
5. __ fibromyalgia
e)
to look unhealthy
6. __ prejudice
f)
a joke that’s repeated over and over
7. __ the onset of something
g)
a specific illness or health condition that
affects someone for a long period of time
or permanently
8. __ fatigue
h)
someone who you agree to work with on
something, e.g. on a project
9. __ a voluntary activity
i)
to be unable to be seen by the human eye
10. __ to be artistic
j)
the beginning or start of something
11. __ to appear sickly
k)
a continuous pain which does not go away
and cannot be cured
12. __ to factor (something) in
l)
to complain angrily about something you
feel is unfair
13. __ a running joke
m)
to happen often, to many people in many
places
14. __ to be common
n)
an activity you choose to do
15. __ to be invisible
o)
to try to meet or accommodate someone’s
needs
16. __ to rail against something
p)
tiredness, exhaustion
17. __ to make accommodations
q)
e.g. new drugs or new treatments for
illnesses
18. __ medical advances
r)
to include a thought or fact in your thinking
about a particular situation
Self Study: Libraries Are More than Books
Learning English with CBC
Page 6 of 23
4. Using antonyms to practise vocabulary
The more you know about a word, the better you understand its meaning. Can you
underline the word that has the opposite meaning to the first word? When a word has the
opposite meaning to another word, it is called an antonym. You can use an English
Language Learner’s Dictionary to help you. The first one is completed for you as an
example.
1.
fatigued
energized
tired
exhausted
2.
sickly
unhealthy
healthy
unwell
3.
the onset
the end
the start
the beginning
4.
common
unusual
typical
usual
5.
partner
colleague
opponent
spouse
6.
chronic
occasional
continuous
lasting
7.
voluntary
optional
by choice
obligatory
8.
sickly
ill
robust
unwell
9.
prejudiced
intolerant
respectful
bigoted
10. invisible
real
hidden
not seen
11. to stereotype
to judge
to typecast
to be open-minded
12. accommodate aid
hinder
assist
13. advances
progress
set backs
improvements
Self Study: Libraries Are More than Books
Learning English with CBC
Page 7 of 23
5. Predict what the interview is about
In this interview, Marcy Markusa interviews Diane Driedger. Diane has volunteered to
be part of the Human Library. In the Human Library, people become the books.
Readers ‘borrow’ them for short conversations and ask them questions about their lives.
Human book volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds but they all have one thing
in common. They have all experienced prejudice or stereotyping in their lives. Diane
has a medical condition called fibromyalgia. People with this condition are often in pain
and they are too tired to carry out their normal level of activities. But the condition is
invisible to others. Can you predict the kinds of situations where Diane might have
experienced or faced prejudice or stereotyping?
I think she might say she faced prejudice…at work.
She may have felt stereotyped…by friends and family who didn’t understand
her medical condition and how it affects her.
She might say that she experiences prejudice…in many aspects of her life.
6. Get ready to listen
In this podcast, you will hear two speakers. You will hear:
Marcy Markusa – host and interviewer
Diane Driedger – Human book volunteer
7. Listen for pronunciation
Play the first part of the podcast again. Listen carefully to the second question Marcy
asks Diane. When talking about Diane’s illness, Marcy begins by saying the article a in
front of the word illness, but then changes it to an. Do you know why an is correct?
The article an is correct in this case because the word illness begins with a vowel. We
use an in front of a word beginning with a vowel. When we hear an illness, it also
sounds better to the ear than a illness.
Would you use a or an before the word hour? To decide which one is correct, it’s
important to focus on what you hear, not what you see. The word hour starts with a
consonant, so you would think it should be a hour. But in this case, you don’t hear the
h, so you say an hour.
Would you use a or an in front of the word human? What about the word home?
After-listening activities
1. Review pre-listening predictions
Were you able to predict some of the kinds of situations where Diane experienced or
faced prejudice or stereotyping?
Self Study: Libraries Are More than Books
Learning English with CBC
Page 8 of 23
2. Can you identify the speaker’s purpose? What are they trying to accomplish?
Listen to the interview once again. Think about the purpose of each of the speakers. What
are they trying to accomplish? Then, read the samples from the interview and decide which
language task you heard. The first one is completed for you as an example.
What I heard
1.
i
2.
What the speaker is doing
Hi, I’m Marcy Markusa…
a)
introducing another person
__ You’re about to meet Diane
Driedger.
b)
giving someone a compliment
3.
__ So, what kind of prejudice
have you faced about your
illness?
c)
describing one’s coping strategy
4.
__ I was getting more fatigued
and ah tired.
d)
describing a medical problem in
society
5.
__ I was a very busy person.
e)
describing a state of mind or state of
being
6.
__ I’ve continued in my life in
terms of doing what I am able
to do.
f)
describing a problem with one’s
physical health
7.
__ You look so good.
g)
asking for specific details
8.
__ That’s another stereotype I’ve
been railing against.
h)
describing the pace of one’s daily life
9.
__ We have more and more
people who have chronic
illnesses.
i)
introducing oneself
10. __ You’re kind of in a twilight
zone.
j)
expressing frustration
Self Study: Libraries Are More than Books
Learning English with CBC
Page 9 of 23
3. What kinds of personal health questions are appropriate to ask?
Diane Driedger has volunteered to participate in the Human Library Catalogue. She is available to meet with people and
answer their questions about her situation. If you had a chance to speak with her, what questions would you ask? Think
about the appropriateness of possible questions. Consider the fact that illness is often a very personal and sensitive topic,
but that she has agreed to participate in this kind of a forum.
Question
Appropriate
Inappropriate
1. When did your medical condition begin?
2. What were the first symptoms?
3. How old are you now?
4. What is the biggest challenge that your
medical condition creates?
5. Does it affect your sex life?
6. Can you afford the medicine?
7. Is this condition genetic?
8. Do you suffer from depression? If so,
how do you deal with it?
9. Will you die from this condition?
10. Is there a cure?
Self Study: Libraries Are More than Books
Learning English with CBC
Page 10 of 23
Reason for Opinion
4. Read about the Human Library and answer detail questions
Winnipeg’s Millennium Library had information about the 2013 Human Library on its website
and in its newsletter. Read the information about the event in Appendix 2. Can you answer
the following detail questions?
1. The main objective of a Human Library is for people to have a
conversation and share experiences.
True
False
2. All books in the Human Library are volunteers.
True
False
3. The volunteers have all had experiences with prejudice or
stereotyping.
True
False
4. Only one reader per book is allowed.
True
False
5. You have to come prepared with questions to ask.
True
False
6. Conversations between a human book and a reader cannot last
more than thirty minutes.
True
False
7. You need to have a library card to borrow a human book.
True
False
8. The first Human Library in Winnipeg was held in 2011.
True
False
9. This year, the event took place over three days in January.
True
False
10. The event was held from noon to 5 p.m. each day.
True
False
11. The event took place on the third floor of the Millennium library.
True
False
12. You can find out more about the Human Library by browsing the
schedule and catalogue.
True
False
13. Other cities in Canada also host Human Library events.
True
False
Self Study: Libraries Are More than Books
Learning English with CBC
Page 11 of 23
5. Scan the Catalogue of Human Books for information
If you had a chance to participate in the 2013 Human Library, what human book would you
have borrowed? Can you scan the list of books in Appendix 3 and find one that is of interest to
you?
When we look quickly for information, but don’t want to read too many details, we say we are
scanning for information. When you scan the Catalogue of Human Books, remember these
pointers:
•
•
•
•
•
Think about what specific information you need.
Read the title of each human book first. If the title doesn’t interest you, you can scan for
additional information or move on to the next title.
If the title of a human book interests you, then read one or two sentences in the first paragraph.
If you decide you aren’t interested, move on to the next title.
If you are interested in a book after reading the title and the first paragraph, read the paragraph
in italics. It gives you more information about the author.
Once you have found a human book that interests you, answer the following questions.
Discussion questions:
1. What human book did you choose? Why?
2. Do you think there is a good selection of human books on this list?
3. Can you think of a few questions you would like to ask the volunteer who is your human book?
4. Do you think the Human Library is a good idea? Why or why not?
5. Would you consider volunteering as a human book? Why or why not?
Self Study: Libraries Are More than Books
Learning English with CBC
Page 12 of 23
6. Fill out a form to apply for a library card
Complete the following form with your personal information.
Self Study: Libraries Are More than Books
Learning English with CBC
Page 13 of 23
Want to know more….
The 2013 Human Library was a success. Over 329 people came in and there were
257 conversations. You can see photos from the event here:
www.flickr.com/photos/winnipegpubliclibrary/sets/72157632632605895/
You can find more information on the Human Library at:
humanlibrary.org/
You can find out more information on the Winnipeg library system, English as an
Additional Language (EAL) resources, applying for a library card and about the
Human Library and other programs and resources at:
wpl.winnipeg.ca/library/
The website for the Jake Epp Library in Steinbach is:
www.jakeepplibrary.com/
CBC does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external websites
Self Study: Libraries Are More than Books
Learning English with CBC
Page 14 of 23
Appendix 1: Transcript1
January 18, 2013 (broadcast date)
Speaker
Podcast
Line
Marcy
Hi I'm Marcy Markusa and you're listening to Learning English
with CBC. Well, this week, our interview is about a special
project called the Human Library. CBC, the Canadian Museum
for Human Rights and the Winnipeg Public Library are partners
in this project. Instead of signing a book out of the library, you
5
sign out a real person, sit with them and ask questions about
their life. All of the human books this year have a human
rights theme. You’re about to meet Diane Driedger, a woman
who is fighting chronic pain because of a condition called
10
fibromyalgia.
Marcy
So what kind of prejudice have you faced about your illness?
Diane
Well actually, I ah I I got my illness about twenty years ago and
um when it had the onset a lot of people didn’t understand
what it was about. Um at my workplace, friends, family, the the
question was, why are you now doing less than you did
15
before? Maybe you don’t want to be with us, maybe you don’t
want to work as hard because part of what was happening is, I,
I was getting more fatigued, and ah tired, and I was a very
busy person who was involved in many, many um voluntary
activities as well as work activities and and personal artistic
20
activities, and it was ah it was a change. I found I needed to
stay at home more.
Marcy
When you have a an illness, that does that to you, but yet you
don’t perhaps appear sickly is the word that I’ll use, how does
that factor in?
1
25
You can listen to other Information Radio podcasts at: www.cbc.ca/podcasting/includes/mbinforadio.xml
Self Study: Libraries Are More than Books
Learning English with CBC
Page 15 of 23
Diane
That’s a really big factor, I know the running joke for me always
is people, I’ll say to people, I’m not feeling well and I can’t
make it and and they’ll look at me and say, but you look so
good, and that’s a common ah ah thing that people who have
invisible disability um share. That people think that it’s gotta
30
look a certain way, disability and illness has to look a certain
way. When you’re sick you should look sick, you should act
sick and you know, sick people don’t go around working and so
that’s another stereotype that I have been ah railing against in
terms of, I mean I have continued my life doing what I am able
35
to do, um, with accommodations, and a lot of people think well
if you were really sick you wouldn’t be doing all these things.
You’re kind of in a in a twilight zone area that’s really new I
think for our society. We have more and more people who
have chronic illnesses, because of medical advances, and
people wanna participate in society. We don’t want to just ah
lie down and play sick.
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Learning English with CBC
Page 16 of 23
40
Appendix 2: The Human Library2
The Human Library 2013 the sequel
Winnipeg Public Library, in partnership with CBC and The Canadian Museum for Human
Rights, are pleased to announce the Human Library: 2013 edition! This sequel to Winnipeg's
first Human Library in 2011 will feature over 30 Books in 3 days, held once again at the
Millennium Library.
What is a Human Library?
In a Human Library, people become the books and are 'borrowed' for conversation. The
Human Books come from all backgrounds and ways of life, but they all have one thing in
common: for different reasons they are often subjected to stereotyping or prejudice. Books and
readers meet for a 'loan period' of up to 30 minutes in a safe and welcoming environment – the
library – with the opportunity to listen, ask questions, and share experiences.
Who are the Books?
A Human Book is a volunteer who has chosen to speak openly and with honesty about their
own life experiences, especially the challenges they have experienced because of stereotyping
and prejudice.
Who are the Readers?
Readers are anyone and everyone – especially you! Bring your curiosity, questions, and a real
interest in learning about other people's lives and perspectives, face-to-face in a safe and fun
environment. Up to 2 readers per booking is allowed (e.g. a couple, 2 friends, parent and
youth).
2
From the Winnipeg Public Library Website: wpl.winnipeg.ca/library/
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How do I borrow a Human Book?
Borrowing is as easy as coming to the Human Library event desk, checking for Book
availability, and choosing a Book to borrow for conversation. Book and Reader then meet at
identified stations in the Library for up to 30 minutes. All conversations happen in the event
area, Books are 'on reserve' (you cannot take them home!). Due to demand the 30 minutes is
the maximum available (no 'renewals'). All readers will receive a check out receipt that
includes questions to get you started and guidelines to follow for a fun, engaging, and
respectful conversation. No library card is required, just bring your enthusiasm for learning.
Where: Millennium Library, second floor
When: Thursday, January 24 from 5 - 9 p.m.
When: Friday, January 25 from noon - 5 p.m.
When: Saturday, January 26 from noon - 5 p.m.
It's as easy as 1-2-3:
1) Browse the Catalogue of Human Books and Schedule at-a-glance
2) Pre-reserve Human Books starting January 14 or drop in to the event and 'browse the shelf'
(see below for all the details on borrowing)
3) Have a conversation with a Human Book - share, learn and have fun!
Self Study: Libraries Are More than Books
Learning English with CBC
Page 18 of 23
Appendix 3: The Catalogue of Human Books3
Alex K. Cuentacuentos: A Chilean tale Thursday 5 - 9 p.m.
I had not yet turned 10 when my world changed dramatically from what I had known - family and safety in Chile
- to the cold and hard realities of rural Alberta, Canada. At a time when society was not aware of the impact
immigration could have on children, moving away from everything one knows shaped my life and initiated
events which led to self-awareness and trust in humanity.
Alex K.’s family immigrated to Canada in 1973, seeking a better life following the coup d’état’s aftermath.
Despite the challenges she and her family faced in their new home, she has lived in some of the most beautiful
cities around the world, speaks three languages and has enjoyed a 20+ year career in the arts and cultural
heritage sectors.
Ali Saeed: Freedom on the Inside Thursday 5 - 9 p.m. | Friday Noon - 5 p.m.
Some people may think my life is a horror story. But my message is about hope. After being tortured and
imprisoned in Ethiopia and Somalia, I came to Canada. There are many more chapters of my story to come.
Ali Saeed was a political prisoner in Somalia and Ethiopia before he came to Canada. He’s self employed, a
human rights activist, a baker, and most recently, a standup comedian. Ali lives in Winnipeg.
Ariana Yaftali: A Journey of Excitement and Apprehension: Why is Our Freedom important?
Friday Noon - 5 p.m.
When our rights were taken away and the place that I called home looked strange and threatening, the only
option left was to search for freedom where I could live with dignity, respect, peace and security. My journey
started at a young age when I lost many of family members during the Soviet invasion in Afghanistan. I came to
Canada to be free and live in peace. This journey led me to Winnipeg where I live now active as an advocate for
refugees.
Ariana Yaftali is a proud Afghan-Canadian, a feminist and an activist, who chose Winnipeg as her new home
after a journey of fear and hope escaping persecution in Afghanistan. She is the author of refugee stories We
Did It, and is married and mom to three year Liliana.
Bonnie Schroeder: Alternative Health Practitioner Saturday Noon - 5 p.m.
I worked as a trained professional in the medical system but walked away from a fantastic career to follow my
deeper calling in the healing arts. Some people only believe in hospital medicine and think complementary
healing practices are a waste of money and effort. But more and more people are coming to people like me
when they are in physical pain or when they are simply in a rut and want to have more meaning in their life. I
‘see’ beneath the surface of one’s life and help them bring their body, mind, emotions & spirit back into balance
so they can live a more joyful and happy life. Follow your true path....even when it’s not popular!
Bonnie Schroeder offers healing support locally and internationally. She is also a world traveller, photographer,
and life coach.
33
From the Winnipeg Public Library Website: wpl.winnipeg.ca/library/
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Learning English with CBC
Page 19 of 23
Cecil Sveinson: Walking in Two Worlds: Wearing a Badge and a Braid
Friday Noon - 5 p.m. | Saturday Noon - 5 p.m.
Cecil has a unique perspective. He was born status First Nation but apprehended as part of the Sixties Scoop
and adopted by a non- Aboriginal family. Raised in Winnipeg’s core area, many of the youth he grew up with
became involved in criminal activity whereas Cecil became a police officer. Baptized in the United Church as a
baby, Cecil later went on to facilitate and help with traditional Aboriginal ceremonies such as the sweatlodge
and sundance. This book will touch on many Aboriginal issues, perhaps some that the readers weren’t even
aware of. Cecil’s alternate title is “Everything you ever wanted to ask an Aboriginal – but were afraid to ask”!
Cecil Sveinson has served as a police officer for over 21 years. He continues to train officers regarding
Aboriginal issues across the country through the Canadian Police College. He has won several awards and
recognition for his work with the Aboriginal community.
Chris Summerville: We’d Like to Change Your Mind Thursday 5 - 9 p.m.
What do you think about when you hear about people living with mental illness? I can tell you what we hear.
Violent, unbalanced, lazy, just plain nuts! Recovery IS possible. Through the support of a caring community.
Take me off the shelf. I just might change your mind.
Chris is the Executive Director of the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society. He is committed to enabling the walking
wounded to become the wounded healers. He is one of 11 non-governmental board members on the Canadian
Mental Health Commission
Diane Driedger: Dissonant Disability: Experiencing Invisible Chronic Illness
Friday Noon - 5 p.m.
The world of invisible disability has its joys and challenges. Workplaces can be made accessible and flexible for
people who experience chronic pain and fatigue. But our concept of “work” influences who gets hired in our
workplaces. People with chronic illness are sometimes called ‘delicate’, ‘invalids’, or just plain ‘sick’ - but I do
not have to take on those roles - I’m far from idle!
Diane Driedger is a visual artist and poet, and holds a Ph.D. in Education. She is the Provincial Coordinator of
the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities Inc. Diane experiences chronic pain and fatigue due to
fibromyalgia, an invisible disability.
Doreen Demas: Aboriginal Living with Disability Friday Noon - 5 p.m. | Saturday Noon - 5 p.m.
I live with a visual disability and I am a visible minority. I am a Dakota woman who is also an activist. It is
estimated that over 40% of some First Nations communities in Canada live with a disability. So there is a lot of
work to do.
Doreen Demas spent her early years living in her home community of Canupawakpa Dakota nation in
Manitoba, but has made Winnipeg her home for many years. She is pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work.
Duncan Mercredi: Born Red/Tattered Sash Thursday 5 - 9 p.m. | Friday Noon - 5 p.m.
The story of a Cree/Métis boy’s journey from (to him anyway) an idyllic life in a small northern village to one
filled with violence and an alcohol-fueled struggle for survival. With the construction of a hydroelectric dam and
the rediscovery of the path his grandmother had chosen for him, this book uncovers a whole new life when he
resettles in Winnipeg.
Duncan Mercredi is a poet, writer and storyteller. He has four books of poetry published and has had his work
featured in several anthologies, journals and magazines.
Self Study: Libraries Are More than Books
Learning English with CBC
Page 20 of 23
Ervin Chartrand: Life on the Outside Friday Noon - 5 p.m.
How did I leave a life of crime behind? Come ask me. I was incarcerated and found my freedom behind bars.
Now, I am a filmmaker, determined to make the most of the second chance I have. But it was tough to convince
others when you have a criminal record.
Ervin Chartrand is an award winning Ojibway/Métis filmmaker who lives in Winnipeg. Prior to film, Ervin was a
gang leader who reformed his life after incarceration. He lives in Winnipeg where he attends the University of
Winnipeg and works with at-risk youth.
Gentil Misigaro: A Warm Welcome - Uganda to Winnipeg Thursday 5 - 9 p.m.
You might think I am bitter based on what’s happened to me in my life. It may surprise you to know the opposite
is true. I came to Winnipeg after spending 5 years as a refugee. People ask me how I can stand the cold in
Winnipeg. I say when you are afraid for your life every day, the cold is nothing. I want to be a voice for the
voiceless and I have a song to sing.
Gentil Misigaro is a multi-talented musician and producer living in Winnipeg. His latest album is called “A Better
Home”.
Ismalia Alfa: All Mixed up Thursday 5 - 9 p.m. | Saturday Noon - 5 p.m.
Born in Nigeria to a British/French mother and Nigerian father, I was moved to Pipestone, Manitoba at the age
of 2 months and a few months later...off to Sydney, Australia. At 3 we moved to Edmonton for three more years
before coming to Winnipeg. I was a star athlete in High School and University who quit it all to pursue a career
in music. Since then I have found myself working as a draftsman, custodian, waiter, cook, administrative
assistant and even as a radio personality. So you want to find out how mixed up my life really is? Come check
me out!
Ismalia Alfa hosts CBC’s Weekend Morning Show. He is a hip hop musician, producer, and father to two
beautiful girls.
Jared Funk I May Be in a Wheelchair but I can Still Kick Your Butt
Thursday 5 - 9 p.m. | Saturday Noon - 5 p.m.
A car accident left me a quadriplegic almost 20 years ago. But now I am a Murderball champion! I am a
paralympian with bronze and silver medals. But I’m still going for the gold. If you like sports stories, come check
me out.
Jared has competed in wheelchair rugby for 18 years. He has won at three Paralympic Games-Silver in Athens
in 2004, Bronze in Beijing in 2008, and silver in London. He lives in Niverville with his family.
Ken: My Positive Life Thursday 5 - 9 p.m. | Saturday Noon - 5 p.m.
My life from the diagnosis of HIV to the successes, failures, discrimination, stigma and the uncertainty of the
future. There are day to day struggles with medications and the virus but every day is a positive one!
Ken was diagnosed with HIV 9 years ago and is devoted to educating people about HIV. His favourite pastime is
his birds.
Self Study: Libraries Are More than Books
Learning English with CBC
Page 21 of 23
Answers to Worksheets
Vocabulary Match
1. h
2.
c
3.
k
4.
g
5.
a
6.
d
7.
j
8.
p
9.
n
10. b
11. e
12. r
13. f
14. m
15. i
16. l
17. o
18. g
Antonyms
1. energized
2.
healthy
3.
the end
4.
unusual
5.
opponent
6.
occasional
7.
obligatory
8.
robust
9.
respectful
10. real
11. to be open-minded
12. hinder
13. set backs
Listen for the Speaker’s Purpose
1.
i
2.
a
3.
g
4.
f
5.
h
6.
c
7.
b
8.
j
9.
d
10. e
Self Study: Libraries Are More than Books
Learning English with CBC
Page 22 of 23
What Kinds of Personal Health Questions Are Appropriate?
Even though Diane has volunteered to be a human book, her readers do not know her. The
following questions could be seen as too sensitive or inappropriate.
3. How old are you?
5. Does it affect your sex life?
9. Will you die from this condition?
Read about the Human Library and Answer Detail Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
T
T
T
F
F
T
F
T
T
F
F
T
T
Self Study: Libraries Are More than Books
Learning English with CBC
Page 23 of 23