Customer Reviews

101 American Superstitions : Understanding Language and Culture through Superstitions

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Here's a delightful collection of American superstitions, wonderfully illustrated with whimsical cartoons. 101 American Superstitions will amuse you for hours - while giving insight into American customs, beliefs, and humor. Each superstition is accompanied by an explanation and then is used in a real-life context - either in a dialogue or in a narrative - to show how these beliefs and behaviors fit into everyday life. This lively text offers nonnative speakers of English a wealth of linguistic and cultural information - while native speakers of English will enjoy seeing these principles of folk wisdom illustrated with wit and whimsy.

Although witty and amusing, this book fails to accomplish the purpose of its subtitle: "Understanding Language and Culture through Superstitions." Half of these superstitions I have never even heard of so I'm not sure how they help other to better understand the English language and American culture.

Furthermore, some of the "superstitions" are actually English idioms rather than superstitious activities such as getting out of bed on the wrong side which is also included in 101 American English Idioms. Still others are examples of cultural "wisdom sayings."

This book is perhaps the weakest in its series in terms of providing help with the American culture and language.

Here's a delighfful collection of American superstitions, wonderfully illustrated with whimsical cartoons. 101 American Superstitions will amuse you for hours - while giving insight into American customs, beliefs, and humor. Each superstition is accompanied by an explanation and then is used in a real-life context - either in a dialogue or in a narrative - to show how these beliefs and behaviors fit into everyday life. This lively text offers nonnative speakers of English a wealth of linguistic and cultural information - while native speakers of English will enjoy seeing these principles of folk wisdom illustrated with wit and whimsy.

I love the understanding which I gained about my own language and culture

This book really scared me. I don't think you should read it

This book was good. it touched me in spots I've never been touched before. Beautiful and magnificent.