Humour and Satire (A Few Kind Words for Superstition)

Match the following

a. transcendental i. to feel or express strong disapproval of (something) b. deplore ii. a charm or fetish used by some West African peoples c. absolve iii. natural state d. juju iv. spiritual, nonphysical or mystical e. crude v. a written record of historical events f. chronicle vi. set free from blame, guilt, or responsibility; release

Find the contextual meanings of the following words from the text and then use them in sentences of your own.

• Condemn: to criticize or express strong disapproval of something or someone
  Example: "The government condemned the actions of the terrorist group."
• Terror: extreme fear or anxiety
  Example: "The thought of flying on an airplane fills me with terror."
• Unbidden: without being invited or expected
  Example: "She showed up at my party unbidden, and I didn't know how to react."
• Persist: to continue to exist or happen over a period of time
  Example: "Despite my best efforts to change my habits, my procrastination persists."
• Devout: deeply religious or sincere
  Example: "The devout man spent hours each day praying and studying the Bible."
• Banish: to force someone to leave a place, especially as punishment
  Example: "The dictator banned anyone who opposed his regime from the country."
• Creed: a set of beliefs or principles, especially religious ones
  Example: "The church's creed emphasizes the importance of love and compassion for all people."
• Hasten: to make something happen sooner or more quickly
  Example: "We must hasten the completion of the project if we want to meet the deadline."
• Sober: not under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  Example: "I always make sure to have a designated driver to ensure that I get home sober."
• Scorn: strong contempt or disrespect for something or someone
  Example: "She held nothing but scorn for the politicians who lied to their constituents."
• Yearning: a strong desire or longing for something
  Example: "I had a yearning to travel and see the world."
• Aloof: distant or uninvolved emotionally
  Example: "She seemed aloof and disinterested in the conversation."
• Swarthy: having dark or olive skin
  Example: "The swarthy man was often mistaken for being from a different ethnicity."
• Humbler: more modest or respectful
  Example: "After achieving great success, he remained humble and never let it go to his head."

One of the ways to understand words and their meanings is to learn the origin of the word. For example, the word 'expand', which means 'to spread out or extend', comes from Middle English expanden, derived from the Latin word expandere: ex-(out)+ pandere (to spread). Trace the origins of each of the following words finding such explanations in a dictionary or the Internet. Then make sentences by using each word

minatory, placated, cajoled, antedates, proliferated,

• Minatory:
  Meaning: threatening or menacing
  Origin: From the Latin word "minari," meaning "to threaten."
  Example: "The minatory look in his eyes made me feel uneasy."
• Placated:
  Meaning: make someone less angry
  Origin: From the Latin word "placatus," meaning "pleased."
  Example: "After apologizing and promising to make things right, the angry customer was placated."
• Cajoled:
  Meaning: persuade someone to do something by sustained coaxing or flattery
  Origin: From the French word "cajoler," meaning "to flatter."
  Example: "He tried to cajole his boss into giving him the day off by praising her work."
• Antedates:
  Meaning: precede in time; come before (something) in date.
  Origin: From the Latin "ante," meaning "before," and "datus," meaning "given."
  Example: "The ancient ruins in this city antedate even the earliest known civilizations."
• Proliferated:
  Meaning: grow or increase rapidly; multiply.
  Origin: From the Latin "proliferare," meaning "to grow quickly."
  Example: "The small company proliferated into a successful global corporation."
• Philter:
  Meaning: a love potion.
  Origin: From the Latin "philtra," meaning "love potions."
  Example: "She tried to win his heart by giving him a philter, but it didn't work."

List any five words found in an English dictionary beginning with the prefix 'super-.' What common meaning do all of these words share? How do the words in your list change meaning if you eliminate the prefix?

• Superhuman: having or exhibiting exceptional or extraordinary powers or abilities
• Superlative: of the highest quality or degree
• Supernatural: beyond or above what is natural or explainable by natural law
• Supernova: a star that explodes and becomes extremely bright for a short time
• Supersonic: faster than the speed of sound

All of these words share the meaning of being above or beyond the normal or expected level. If the prefix "super-" is eliminated, the words would lose this connotation of being exceptional or extraordinary. For example, "human" would simply refer to a member of the species Homo sapiens, "lative" would not have a specific meaning, "natural" would refer to something that exists in nature or is governed by natural laws, "nova" would refer to a new star, and "sonic" would refer to a sound or the speed at which sound travels.

Comprehension

Answer these questions

a. According to the author, what are the four types of superstition?

According to the author, the four types of superstition are Vain Observances, Divination, Idolatry, and Improper Worship of the True God.

b. Which language is the word 'superstition' derived from? What does it mean?

The word "superstition" is derived from the Latin language. It means to stand in terror of the deity.

c. How do psychologists understand superstition?

Psychologists understand superstition as a type of irrational belief or behavior that is often driven by a need to find meaning or control in life.

d. How does superstition differ from religion?

Superstition differs from religion in that it often involves beliefs or practices that are not based on the teachings of a recognized religion, and may even go against them. It is often more focused on personal superstitions or rituals that are believed to bring good luck or ward off bad luck, rather than a larger belief system or moral code.

e. What is the belief of some people in the Middle Europe about sneezing?

Some peoples of Middle Europe believe that when a man sneezes, his soul, for that moment, is absent from his body, and they hasten to bless him, lest the soul be seized by the Devil.

f. In the author’s view, why are people so fascinated about superstition?

People are so fascinated by superstition because it offers a sense of control or meaning in situations that may seem uncertain or beyond our understanding. Superstitions can give people a sense of comfort or assurance in the face of the unknown.

Critical thinking

What is the key takeaway of this essay? Do you think that this essay is satirical? Why?

The key takeaway of this essay is that superstition is a common and persistent aspect of human behavior, even among rational and learned people. The author presents various examples of superstitious behavior among professors at a university and suggests that superstition is a form of crude religion that is deeply ingrained in human consciousness.

It is possible that this essay is meant to be satirical, as the author presents a somewhat humorous and lighthearted tone throughout. The use of exaggerations and anecdotes, such as the professor throwing salt over his shoulder to "hit the Devil in the eye," and the engineering student bribing God with a $2 bill, could be seen as humorous or ironic. Additionally, the author's suggestion that superstition is a "submerged river of crude religion" and that it is "more prevalent today than it has always been" could be seen as a tongue-in-cheek comment on the enduring nature of superstitious beliefs. Overall, the essay seems to be poking fun at the persistence of superstition, while also acknowledging its enduring presence in human behavior.

Can education bring change in the belief of superstition? Present your arguments to support your answer.

Education can potentially bring change in the belief of superstition in some cases, but it may not be able to completely eradicate superstitious beliefs in all individuals.

On the one hand, education can help to provide people with a greater understanding of scientific principles and critical thinking skills, which can help to challenge and debunk superstitious beliefs. By learning about how the world works and the ways in which scientific evidence can be used to explain natural phenomena, people may be less likely to hold onto superstitious beliefs that have no basis in fact.

On the other hand, superstitious beliefs can often be deeply ingrained and emotionally charged, and may be resistant to change even with education. Some people may hold onto superstitions as a way of coping with uncertainty or as a way of finding meaning in life, and may be unwilling to let go of these beliefs even in the face of contrary evidence. Additionally, superstitious beliefs may be reinforced by social or cultural factors, and education alone may not be sufficient to change these influences.

Overall, while education can certainly play a role in challenging and changing superstitious beliefs, it is likely that superstitions will persist to some extent in some individuals no matter how much education they receive.

Write an essay on superstitions that exists in your community in about 250 words.

Superstitions in My Community

Superstitions are a common aspect of many cultures, and my community is no exception. In the my community, there are a variety of superstitions that are believed to bring good luck, ward off bad luck, or protect against supernatural forces.

One common superstition in my community is the belief in the evil eye, which is thought to bring misfortune to those who are the target of envy or jealousy. To protect against the evil eye, people may wear amulets or talismans, or they may hang blue beads or eye-shaped charms in their homes or on their clothing.

Another superstition in my community is the belief in the power of mantras, or sacred words or phrases, to bring good fortune or protection. Many people believe that reciting certain mantras or performing rituals can bring blessings or ward off evil.

In my community, there are also a number of superstitions related to childbirth and pregnancy. For example, some people believe that it is unlucky for a pregnant woman to see a funeral or to be in the presence of sharp objects, as it is thought that these things could harm the unborn child. There are also a number of superstitions related to the naming of children, such as the belief that certain names are more auspicious than others.

Overall, superstitions play a significant role in the Nepalese community, and many people continue to believe in and follow these traditional practices in spite of the lack of scientific evidence to support them.

"Superstition is prevalent in every walk of life." Argue for or against this statement.

It can be argued that superstition is indeed prevalent in every walk of life. Superstitions are a common aspect of human behavior and can be found in virtually every culture and society around the world. From ancient civilizations to modern-day cultures, people have always had superstitions about things like luck, fate, and the supernatural.

One reason why superstition is so prevalent is that it offers people a sense of comfort or control in situations that may seem uncertain or beyond their understanding. Superstitions can provide people with a sense of meaning or purpose, and can give them a sense of hope or reassurance in the face of the unknown. Additionally, superstitions may be reinforced by social or cultural factors, as people may feel pressure to conform to the beliefs and practices of their community.

Another reason why superstition is so prevalent is that it is often deeply ingrained in human psychology. Many superstitious beliefs and behaviors have their roots in basic human instincts or needs, such as the need for security, the desire for control, or the fear of the unknown. These instincts or needs may be difficult to overcome, even in the face of scientific evidence or logical arguments.

Overall, it is clear that superstition is a widespread and enduring aspect of human behavior, and can be found in every walk of life. Whether it is the belief in the power of lucky charms, the fear of the evil eye, or the desire to follow certain rituals or practices, superstitions are a common and persistent aspect of human behavior.

Grammar

Put the verb into the correct form, present simple or present continuous.

1. Nisha speaks (speak) English very well.
2. Hurry up! We are waiting (wait) for you.
3. Excuse me! Do you speak (you/speak) English?
4. She is having (have) a shower in bathroom.
5. How often do you read (you/read) a newspaper?
6. I'm sorry, I don't understand (not/understand). Can you speak more slowly?
7. You can turn off the radio. I am not listening (not/listen) to it.
8. I usually get up (get up) at 5 o'clock every morning.
9. Look! The river is flowing (flow) very fast.
10. Amrita does not seem (not/seem) very happy at the moment.

Are the underlined verbs in the correct form? Correct them where necessary.

1. Water boils at 100° C. → Water boils at 100° C.
2. The water boils. Can you turn it off? → The water is boiling. Can you turn it off?
3. I must go now. It gets late. → I must go now. It is getting late.
4. This sauce's tasting really good. → This sauce's taste really good.
5. I'm thinking this is your key. → I'm thinking this is your key.
6. Are you believing in God? → Do you believe in God?
7. I usually go to school on foot. → I usually go to school on foot.
8. Look! That man tries to open the door of her car. → Look! That man is trying to open the door of her car.
9. The moon is going round the earth. → The moon goes round the earth.
10. I'm getting hungry. Let's go and eat. → I'm getting hungry. Let's go and eat.