An Emporium?
Why, yes! But why this title?
The simplest reason is that it would have been incredibly boring for me to title this page something like Mr. Swanson's English Page or 8th Grade English or One More Website That Your Teacher Is Making You Look Up for Class, in which case I don't imagine you'd want to explore it, and I don't imagine I'd want to make it, anyway. Class websites are generally boring and full of information that is too useful to be any fun at all, so let's pretend that this is not a class website, even if it actually is.
The more interesting reason is that I really like the word emporium. When I was growing up my hometown had a store that was called an emporium, and it was full of all kinds of interesting things like candles and Christmas decorations (even in the middle of summer) and birthday cards that were often too inappropriate to quote here. When I was downtown in the summers I'd often stop in and look around, because I never quite knew what I'd find, but it was always something interesting and exciting.
It may be a little nerdy to admit, but I really think that language is very much like that Emporium. There is a near-infinite number of books written in English (and so many more in other languages!) full of all sorts of stories and ideas, and even the language itself is a mine of interesting little facts and quirks. (If you'd like some interesting reading, you might look here for the rather strange history of what we call English, which is very closely related to a lot of drama about English kings, Vikings, Normans, and a lot of fighting.) It may be that by the end of our class you think the same! It's my hope that both here and especially in class you find language to be something that opens doors and expands your possibilities, and even that you might come to really enjoy it.
So take some time. Be curious. Browse around and find something interesting. Maybe you'll even be able to add something to the mix!
Warmly,
Mr. Swanson
Photo credit
A note on fair use:
Resources displayed or linked on this website are strictly for educational purposes. No profit or gain is being made by them on the part of the creator of this website or any other party. However, if I am using material that you own and you would like me to stop using it for any reason, contact me and I will gladly remove it.
The simplest reason is that it would have been incredibly boring for me to title this page something like Mr. Swanson's English Page or 8th Grade English or One More Website That Your Teacher Is Making You Look Up for Class, in which case I don't imagine you'd want to explore it, and I don't imagine I'd want to make it, anyway. Class websites are generally boring and full of information that is too useful to be any fun at all, so let's pretend that this is not a class website, even if it actually is.
The more interesting reason is that I really like the word emporium. When I was growing up my hometown had a store that was called an emporium, and it was full of all kinds of interesting things like candles and Christmas decorations (even in the middle of summer) and birthday cards that were often too inappropriate to quote here. When I was downtown in the summers I'd often stop in and look around, because I never quite knew what I'd find, but it was always something interesting and exciting.
It may be a little nerdy to admit, but I really think that language is very much like that Emporium. There is a near-infinite number of books written in English (and so many more in other languages!) full of all sorts of stories and ideas, and even the language itself is a mine of interesting little facts and quirks. (If you'd like some interesting reading, you might look here for the rather strange history of what we call English, which is very closely related to a lot of drama about English kings, Vikings, Normans, and a lot of fighting.) It may be that by the end of our class you think the same! It's my hope that both here and especially in class you find language to be something that opens doors and expands your possibilities, and even that you might come to really enjoy it.
So take some time. Be curious. Browse around and find something interesting. Maybe you'll even be able to add something to the mix!
Warmly,
Mr. Swanson
Photo credit
A note on fair use:
Resources displayed or linked on this website are strictly for educational purposes. No profit or gain is being made by them on the part of the creator of this website or any other party. However, if I am using material that you own and you would like me to stop using it for any reason, contact me and I will gladly remove it.