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Welcome to Speakeasy

2018/10/31

SPEAKEASY

ADVENTURES IN ENGLISH

WELCOME TO THE ACE BLOG!

October 25, 2018

Welcome to SPEAKEASY, the official blog for the Activity Center for English (英語教育センター). While the staff here was working hard to come up with a name for this blog, it reminded me of an interesting and important part of American culture -- the speakeasy. Some of you may have heard of "prohibition". This was time in American history (1920-1933) when hard alcohol, like whiskey and rum, was banned. During this time, small, illegal bars opened that would sell home-made alcohol and alcohol smuggled in from Canada in secret. These places attracted many different kinds of people.

This was a time when social class, race and gender were very important. There were lines between poor and rich, black and white and women and men. However, in a speakeasy people with money would sit and have a drink with poor people; women and men would be able to talk and laugh together, and people of any colour would be able to come and enjoy the atmosphere. A speakeasy was also one of the first places to introduce live musical acts in small venues, and helped promote the birth of jazz. Though alcohol is now legal, speakeasies continue to thrive and it is not uncommon to find a welcoming bar with upbeat music in many parts of the U.S.

So, the name of this blog, SPEAKEASY, means that not only will we share with you English you can use to "speak easier", but also share some stories of culture and experiences behind the words and the English language. This is also a place for you to share your own English experiences with others!

Sit back, grab your favourite drink and welcome to SPEAKEASY.

A sunny day in the English Cafe!

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