Learn English with a poem!
Вставка
- Опубліковано 3 лис 2015
- Ready for a fun English lesson? Today I'll teach you English with a funny poem called "The Owl and the Pussycat"! I've chosen an easy poem and will read it with you one line at a time, so you can understand everything. You'll learn vocabulary and gain knowledge about British culture with this classic poem, written by Edward Lear in 1871. Reading poetry and immersing yourself in English culture is a great way to learn the language. So is taking the quiz at www.engvid.com/learn-english-w... , and subscribing to my UA-cam channel!
TRANSCRIPT
Hello. I'm Gill at www.engvid.com, and today we're going to do something a little bit different. We're going to look at an English poem. And I know you're probably thinking: "Poetry, that's too difficult. English prose is hard enough, but poetry, ah no." But I'm hoping to make you realize that it is possible to read an English poem and to understand it.
I've chosen quite an easy, straightforward one. It's called "The Owl and the Pussy-cat", which is in the first line, here. And it was written by a poet called Edward Lear. Edward Lear in 1871. Okay. And Edward Lear was well-known for his humorous writing, so a lot of his writing is funny, it makes you smile, it makes you laugh. So, hopefully this poem will do that for you. And so, it tells a story. It's in three sections. This is the first of three sections, and I'm just going to go through it with you and I will explain any words that I think maybe need explaining, and I hope you enjoy it. Okay? So, I'll read it.
"The Owl and the Pussy-cat went to sea". Okay? Now, the Owl, do you know what an "owl" is? You probably know what a bird is. A bird that flies? Well, an owl is the kind of bird that is awake at night. It has big, round eyes. If you look it up on Google images, you'll see lots of pictures of owls. Okay? So we have a bird, here, an owl. And a pussy-cat. I'm sure you know what a cat is. We use the word "pussy-cat", it's a sort of a comic name or a... An affectionate name for a cat. People say: "Oh, puss, puss, puss. Here, pussy, pussy, pussy." So, it's a name for a cat. And children also say: "Oh, pussy-cat, pussy-cat". So, "pussy" is a cat, but here, it's being called "Pussy-cat" with a hyphen.
So: "The Owl and the Pussy-cat", so we have a bird and a cat. Okay? Which usually, birds and cats don't usually make friends. Usually, the cat is going to attack the bird and kill it, probably. But in this poem, because it's Edward Lear and because he's being funny, he's put a bird and a cat together, and they're not just friends, but they're going on a journey together. They're on a trip together, so we'll see what happens, shall we?
So: "The Owl and the Pussy-cat went to sea", on the sea. So even more dangerous. "Went to sea In a beautiful pea green boat". So, they're in a boat. You know the word "boat" on the sea. "Boat". It's "pea green". It's not just a green boat, it's the colour of a green pea, the vegetable that you eat. Little green peas. So it's pea green. We have all sorts of shades of green. Olive green, sage green, light green, dark green, pea green. So the boat is the colour of a green pea. No particular reason. It just... It just sort of fits for the rhythm, because rhythm is important. "In a beautiful pea green boat", something had to go in there.
Okay, so what did they take with them? "They took some honey". You know honey? The sweet stuff that the bees go to flowers and then they make honey? Honey, it's like jam, only it's honey in a pot. Very sweet, you put it on the bread and eat it, or you put it in the pudding or something. "They took some honey, and plenty of money", well that was sensible. They're not very sensible, I don't think, going on to the sea in a boat, but at least they've been sensible enough to take some money with them.
Okay, "plenty of money, Wrapped up in a five pound note." Okay. Well, here, this is a modern five pound note. It has the Queen on it. Okay? And some of the pictures on the back. Five pound note. But that's quite small compared with in 1871, a five pound note I think was a lot bigger than this, and it was a big white sheet of paper. So much easier to wrap other things in. You wouldn't be able to wrap much in this little thing. You can't buy much with this either these days.
Anyway, ah: "They took some honey, and plenty of money, Wrapped up". Wrapped. So if you wrap something up, you put it inside, and you fold the pieces over and that's wrapped up. Okay? "Wrapped up in a five pound note." I just hope that the honey and the money didn't get all, eww, that would be horrible. I hope they managed to keep it separate. Anyway: "Wrapped up in a five pound note." Right.
"The Owl looked up to the stars above", so it's nighttime and the stars are in the sky, little stars in the sky. Looking up at the sky is very romantic at night. "The Owl looked up to the stars above, And sang", a singing owl. You see? I told you it was funny.
I think I am falling in love with Gill. A long time ago no one else like my Mom, had taken this time for explaining me word by word into a text. Thanks a lot, Gill! It has been a lesson that warmed my heart!
Completely agree! It's an old school approach: firm & clear!
Nor fansy-shmansy 1,2,3, like nowdays and you feel yourself like a fool!
To have a teacher like Gill in the class is a blessing!
Hello, Gill. Your lessons are amazing. All of them have some spirit, and that makes them special. In the morning I had this lesson, and later on I watched the film "Butterfield 8". There was a man and a woman. They loved each other. The woman said: '' Let's sail away for a year and a day...'' And the man added: "The Owl and the Cat". And thanks to YOU I knew what they were talking about. It was fun. Thank you again, Gill. Bye.
{{ You are a great teacher }}
Such a lovely lesson,thank you Gill you're great teacher ❤
In Chinese, the literal meaning of "an owl" (猫头鹰） is that "a hawk that has a cat's head"（猫头鹰（owl）=猫头（cat's head)+鹰（hawk））. So, it generates many jokes in Chinese. My favorite version is that: In a zoo, there is a hot debate among animals. They are arguing whether cats can climb up a tree. A hawk says that "they definitely can do that!". All the others are very curious and ask "why?". Then, the hawk bursts into tears and says, "That night I was sleeping. A cat climbed up to the tree. And then I had an owl!".
When I read Lear's "The Owl and the Pussycat", the first thing came to my mind is that joke. hahaha
Dont finish the stock at zoo😂😂😂
This poem brought back lovely memories. We were grateful to Teacher Senira for selecting this lovely poem which my son said perfectly and won second prize in Poetry Recitation Competition when he was in Std.1 in the year 2007. It was wonderful to imagine about the friendship of the owl and the pussy cat. Thank you to the great poet who wrote this wonderful one and thank you Ma'am for reminding us once again. God bless you.
Thank you, dear! I have been reading English poetry regularly (at least once a week) for years (I think maybe 7 years) in an attempt of getting a better understanding of the language and culture. I don't know if I have improved my English that much because of this habit of mine, but ooh have I had fun reading it!! I am subscribed to Goodreads newsletter and there is a nice poem at the end of every email, if anyone is interested.
Hugs from Chile :)
CarolNav it means you learn English by read?
What a great Teacher you are!
2:40 I swear i laughed and my tears in my cheeks 😂
SAMEE WE LOVE GILL
I love your sweet way of teaching,Gill. And this poem is quite easy. A lovely poem indeed!
Her British accent sounds really beautiful and also her lecture is really good.
Her Lesson very lovely and her manner its clear her voice also has a quiet tone i can understanding in every word she is said
Love your lessons!!😉😃
FANTASTIC, Gill... You have a sophisticated , magical and crystal clear way to explain the concepts of the English literature. I relish every single class you prepare. Keep on this track... #number1fanofGill. Thank you for putting love in everything you offer to us. I look up to Gill. Huge Hug! Congrats to engVid
You are an amazing teacher. I love poetry and I fist love it in my native language (Spanish), but I want to love it in English as well, and it is a quite different rhythm.
Loved these lessons explaining poems because there are a few expressions that if you don't know the origin of them, you can't really understand the poem... and therefore lose interest... Loved your lesson, mentioning the rhythm, explaining the origin of the words and what they used to mean at the time... Please, make more videos like this one, I would love to understand and enjoy english poetry with your help, thank you so much!
I found your channel only 3 days ago and must tell you, that you're a greatest teacher, that I saw in UA-cam. Thank you very much. With love from Ukraine.
Олег, я тоже в восторге от мадам Джил.
Она действительно лучше всех!
I love this course, Gill is really great. Always feel relaxed and happy to listen to the lessons. lovely explanations, soft tones, intriguing poems
I like how clearly you talk and I understand every word you saying. Thank you❤️❤️💕
What a great class ma'am, i learned this enjoyly.. Love from Indonesia ❣️
So many personal channel on UA-cam, but yours dedicated for a better reason..İ really appreciate for your effort...You are the sweetest English teacher İ have ever seen..and what a amazing way to teach a language via poems...İ assume that you also create some kind of interest to literature for students..and that is really praiseworthy...Thanks ma'am...Greeting you from İstanbul...💕
Dear Gill good morning.You've made very creative and funny lesson.Thanks a bunch.Greetings from Moscow, Russia.🇷🇺
Gill, thank you very much for sharing this nice poem..I enjoy your teaching, I found myself willing to finish the lesson with joy..Keep doing the good work! Bye from Italy.
Merci. C'est un réel plaisir de vous retrouver, de vous écouter et d'apprendre à vos côtés !
Gill you are an inspiration and so very dignified. Well done!
2:45 her face lol she gpt so red
yeea but she kept going on, what a lovely person she is! And the story was fairly entertaining I must say and educational for some ppl.
I love her videos!!! thank you your lessons, for your time....
Thanks for the video, teacher Gill. Very useful as always!
Gill, you are awesome. Your classes are by far the best English classes I have found in the internet so far. God bless you!
Yes, I understood the poem! I loved this lovely teacher! God bless you!
DEAR GILL, THIS IS AN AMAZING AND USEFUL VIDEO FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH AND EVEN FOR WATCHING JUST FOR FUN. THANKS FOR SHARING! I'M SUBSCRIBING NOW! CONGRATULATIONS!
Amazing! And it is very clear, that you like poetry a lot! ;) Thank you for your work!
I LOVE YOU GILL
She's very lovely , always very attentive !
amazing black humour along with the explanation! I am laughing all the time, and with the vision Gill told I am touched
You are like an apple pie teacher. You are a such sweet person :))
Thank you,Gill.i enjoy your wonderful and useful lessons.
Thank you , Gill, for this lovely poem. This nocturnal and carnivorous couple will live happily ever after.
I love this great teacher.
I am from Brazil and I love the way you teach English . Your pronounce is very good . Congratulations !
You explain everything systematically, so I like listening to your programs on UA-cam. Please make different, new programs for us. Good Luck!
I´m amazing the way you explain your class in a very dynamic way.
Thank you very much for your wonderful lesson! I enjoyed it very much, I love English humor , especially the literary nonsense and limericks. I hope you will continue your awesome lessons !
Gill, you are a great teacher! Thanks!
thanks for your credible way of teaching, Gill.
I love You Gill... A great and adorable Teacher ...
Lovely, funny, useful, elegant, clever, as you are. Thanks a lot for this nice moment.
In Mandarin, the owl is called 猫头鹰(māo tóu yīng) which literally means "cat head eagle".
What a cool way to name an owl, it really looks like that though. İn Turkish it is Baykuş which is literally means as "mr. bird" i don't know why but I liked the chinese one more.
@@jianghuwang l am amazing it is good poem l love your lesson
In Mexico, we call the owl, búho; and the cat, gato! Thanks! This lesson is like a caramel in my mouth!!!
I love your lessons!! Thank you very much!!
Many thanks, mrs. Gill!!!
Hi ma'am Gill, You're my favourite personality and amazing teacher. Your teaching accent is excellent and so inspiring that really penetrating to mind for easy understanding to English language. Stay blessed with healthier life and lot of happiness and pleasures.
Watching your video after long and busy day is a real pleasure and together with your gentle voice- icing on the cake for me. :)
You don't need to explain every word in the poem.I listen to your lectures simply because I like your pronunciation and I am fascinated with British accent.
Great class! I’ve learned a lot of vocabulary. Thank you very much!
Thanks, Gill.
listening to your voice is just listening the first time i hear from the tape in earlier studying english in college, so wonderful...
I love your lessons!!!!
i study english language and literature in my country(Turkey).I am so happy ı could find you ,your
expression is just amazing
Thank you teacher! Bring us more poetry
Very nice Gill, thank you :-)
what a wonderful poetry teacher is Gill I just loved the way she teaches this poem in a very systematic way and this reminds me back when I was in high school being taught poem by madam mshambala ....love it
Thank you Gill.
I love your lessons!
I can't wait your next lesson!!!
Gill, it's so funny) Thanks!
I love your feed and appreciated for your contents!
Oh! I love you Gill 💕 you are wise and I love your videos. Your channel is addictive 🤩
thank you so much for this lesson. you are such a skillful teacher.
i just amagine that the owl was singing a song and playing a guitar hahahaahahahahaah
Hello Gill. I AM Mónica from Colombia .i try yo improve My English with your class.thanks a lot ! Now i need to practicar and speak.
Hello Gill¡¡¡¡ thank you for your wonderful lesson,those are so clearly and really helpful, you are a great teacher.In that lesson you had gave back when I used wrote some poems, but in Spanish my mother language,Thank you for remmember me this lovely time,.And I would like ask you, if that is possible ..that you share us a lesson about the different ways to use the word " FAIR" many thanks and God bless you for your fantastic work
Gill. You helped me get close to fiction. Sometimes at place aside fiction as just imagination. But in this case imagination allows a curious relation between naturally are antagonist. THUS, IT IS COMING FUNNY. THANKS GILL. IT IS MY second week enjoing see you and the way you put close the students language issues. YOU ARE OUTSTANDING. THANKS.
I like you so much, Gill, you explain very well each word, making me understand all the poem.
really appreciate what you have taught.
thank you so much for making me laugh my head off
Thank you 🙏🏻 very much!
You are the best teacher ; and I love to watch your videos. Thank you 🙏🏻
Great Teacher!
Thanks for your perfect explations from Turkey :)
Harbiden açıklamaları ve harf yemeden konuşması çok iyi yaa
A real feel good video! Thanks Gill! You’re an English🌹
I’m in love with poetry and the way you doing your lessons ) i write and illustrate poems on my channel) English is not my native language but i am fortunate to work with great American editors who help me to overcome writing challenges)))
Gill, it's absolutely sensational lesson! Love it!
I'm wondering what is the special name for the poetry where humans' characters substituted by animal? Can't remember, but there is a special name for the style and was very popular, as far as I know, in the 19th century poetry.
P/S. Lost & found: the name of the poetical device- Anthropomorphism and it's one of the 12 parts of Figurative language!
Excellent teacher!!!!
Good way of teaching,old is always gold.
Excellent! Thank You!
I like you very much after watching this lovely poem.
You explain this fantastically.
Great teacher!
I like so mutch the poetry. Can you play a famous beautiful poetry " to Silvia" by Leopardi? I'm an old (80) Italian learner and I'd like listen this poetry by your perfect English. Thanks.
A wonderful class thank you I expect more poetry classes like this. You are an excellent teacher.
I really love this video.Thankyou very much. I love this!
Thanks teacher I really love your literature classes
You are a great teacher very lovely I took delight listening to your lessons, I hope I can be like you in this manner of teaching , thank you so much
thanks again guys I love you
Poetry is much more than words, it's the silent voice that speaks to our soul.
Funny poem. Enjoyed. Thanks 😊
So inspiring, thanks
You are such a wonderful teacher
Great teacher
Thanks a lot!
It is VERY useful and professionaly done.
I liked this class a lot, I don´t know any English but for me was interesting and saludos desde Laredo