Zionism

Zionism...Japanese people are taught to pronounce it as SI-O-NI-ZU-MU. Today's topic in Israeli music class was Zionism. Starting this class,  I was surprised. The theacher repeated ZA-I-O-NI-ZU-MU!? Therefore, I could not understand what she said at the beginning. Anyway, I learned about several kinds of Zionism and Shirei Eretz Yisrael or "Songs of the Land of Israel"(SLI). SLI is the most important musical genre in popular music until the 1960s and sung by Hebrew, references to the land are often seen in the texts. What I was ashemed, I didn't know Israel National Anthem "Ha'tikva". I thought I heard its melody from somewhere...Yes! It is very similar with Smetana's The Moldau. (the teacher also mentioned the similarity)
"Ha'tikva" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvDrBXBUx8E
"The Moldau" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK_3WlXfm9o

To be honest, it is difficult to understand all thing in the class. I think I followed 70 percent today, I could take notes about what was written on the screen, and what the teacher and classmates said. I know I usually do not make sense the specific terms like Aliyeh, Balfour Declaration in a moment because I am not familiar with them. But then why I was not able to join a discussion more? The main reason is a lack of enough listening ability. I didn't understand the questions so I could not answer. The insessional English course at SOAS starts in this week, and I take a listening class tomorrow morning. It lasts only for four weeks, but I will make efforts to find the reason why I have a listening difficulty and improve.

BTW, I went to the organic shop, called Planet Organic to take a lunch with my japanese friend. There is a DELI corner, and we enjoyed some organic dishes and soup. It is a little higher than other normal shops, but the taste was good. The order system is very simple. First, you choose the size of box, small/ midium/ large. After that, you choose which doshes you want. For example, I chose 3 dishes, brown rice, lasagna, and broccoli salad. Then, go to the register and pay for them. If you want a cup of soup, you help yourself. If you want coffee, or tea, fresh jouces, you just say it before the payment.