UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI PADOVA - CENTRO LINGUISTICO DI ATENEO

IMPARA LE LINGUE CON I FILM AL CLA

Vedere film in lingua straniera è un modo utile e divertente per imparare o perfezionare una lingua straniera. La scheda didattica ti propone delle attività da svolgere prima, durante o dopo la visione del film. Qui sotto sono specificati la lingua e il/i livello/i a cui si rivolgono le attività contenute nella scheda.

TITOLO DEL FILM IN LINGUA ORIGINALE: Seven Years in TITOLO DEL FILM IN ITALIANO: Sette Anni in Tibet LINGUA: inglese

LIVELLO: B2 (upper intermediate)

LEGENDA DEI SIMBOLI:

attività che richiede l’uso di carta e penna

attività con domande a risposta chiusa

attività con domande a risposta aperta senza correzione

attività che richiede un computer e/o un collegamento ad Internet

consigli per la visione del film e per le attività didattiche

SCHEDA DIDATTICA SUL FILM: Seven Years in Tibet ATTIVITÀ PER IL LIVELLO: B2 (upper intermediate)

ATTIVITÀ PRIMA DELLA VISIONE DEL FILM

Esercizio 1: historical background This film is based on the incredible true adventures of , an Austrian mountaineer who died in January 2006, aged 93. His story is intertwined with the history of World War II, and of Tibet. Can you put these events in order, by choosing the correct year for each?

If you want, you can look at this website to help you: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinrich_Harrer

Heinrich Harrer and Peter Aufschnaiter are captured by the 1912 British army in British colony India when Britain and France declare war on Germany. The escapes Tibet to live in exile in Darmasala, 1935 India, where he remains today. 1938 The Dalai Lama is born in the village of Taktser, Tibet. The Second World War ends. Heinrich Harrer and Peter April Aufschnaiter arrive in , the capital of Tibet shortly 1939 after.* The Chinese army invade Tibet. There is some resistance by Autumn the local people, but in the end an agreement is signed 1939 between Lhasa and Beijing affirming Chinese sovereignty over Tibet. Heinrich Harrer leaves Tibet. 1944 Heinrich Harrer is born in . Heinrich Harrer and Peter Aufschnaiter eventually arrive in 1945 Tibet, after having escaped from the Dehra Dun Prisoner of War camp. 1950 Austria is absorbed into Nazi Germany. Heinrich Harrer and Peter Aufschnaiter leave for their 1959 expedition to climb in the Himalayas.

*In the film they arrive in Tibet shortly before the end of the war.

Esercizio 2: vocabulary Read the following quotes from the film. Then read the clues and complete the crossword with words you can find in the quotes.

“In the country where I’m travelling, Tibet, people believe that if they walk long distances to holy places, it purifies the bad deeds they’ve committed. They believe the more difficult the journey, the greater the depth of purification ” (Heinrich Harrer, writing to his son)

“When the Tibetans clap hands, it means they are driving out evil forces. ” (Peter Aufschnaiter explains a Tibetan custom to Heinrich)

“This is another great difference between our civilisation and yours. You admire the man who pushes his way to the top in any walk of life, while we admire the man who abandons his ego ” (Pema the Tibetan tailor, to Heinrich and Peter)

“When you are in the presence of His Holiness, you must always be standing, bent in obeisance, hands folded in supplication. If seated, you must always be seated lower than he. Never look him in the eye, never speak before he does; always refer to him as Your Holiness; never turn your back to him and never never touch him. He is the reincarnation of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. After his recognition, he was renamed Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso: Holy Lord, Gentle Glory, Eloquent, Compassionate, Learned Defender of the Faith, Ocean of Wisdom. ” (Great Mother – the mother of the Dalai Lama – to Heinrich)

“Tibetans believe all living things were their mothers in a past life, so we must show them respect and repay their kindness and never never harm anything that lives ” (Dalai Lama, to Heinrich)

“The monks have been making this mandala of sand for many days. It is a symbol of enlightenment and peace” (Minister Ngawang Jigme, to the Chinese general)

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

1. The belief that after somebody’s death their soul lives again in a new body. 2. A feeling of sympathy for someone who is suffering, embodied by Avalokitesvara. 3. To hit your open hands together. 4. In Buddhism, to remove the evil from what you have done. 5. The part of the mind responsible for your sense of identity, which Buddhists believe you should abandon. 6. Connected with religion. Often used to describe a place or person, such as the Dalai Lama. 7. Your previous incarnation. (2 words: 4-4) 8. Negative or harmful energies (2 words: 4-6) 9. Buddhist ______: members of the religion who live apart from others and do not marry. 10. Deep understanding and knowledge; the noun from ‘wise’. 11. Actions. In Buddhism, if they are bad you need to make them pure. 12. A round picture representing the universe. It may symbolise Buddhist concepts such as peace. 13. A Buddha who decides to continue living in a human body to help others.

When you have completed all the words going across, going down you will find the word which describes the aim of Buddhists: a state of total awareness of the reality of life.

Don’t forget to listen out for the quotes while you are watching the film!

Esercizio 3: vocabulary “If you can imagine a hidden place tucked safely away from the world, concealed by walls of high snow-capped mountains; a place rich with all the strange beauty of your night-time dreams, then you know where I am” (Heinrich Harrer).

This film has beautiful mountain photography, some of which was shot in the Himalayas itself. You probably know that Mount Everest is the tallest mountain on earth, but how much do you know about this place ‘on top of the world’? Complete this text and use a dictionary to make sure you understand the words in bold, which you will hear in the film.

base camp avalanches peak sherpas summit storms glaciers climbers

The ______ridge of Everest separates the countries of and Tibet and its ______is at 8,850 metres above sea level. Tibetan ______call the mountain Chomolungma, which means ‘goddess of the sky’. The first successful ______of the mountain were Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, in 1953. It usually takes 4 days to climb from the ______at 5,400 metres, to the top, and most people make their ascent in May, before the summer ______begin. However, Chomolungma has also claimed a number of lives over the years. The highest cause of death on Everest is ______. Another great danger is ______, which can suddenly open, remaining hidden by snow.

Try watching the film without subtitles. However, a lot of the English in this film is spoken with a strong Tibetan or German accent. If you have difficulty understanding, use the English subtitles to help you.

ATTIVITÀ DURANTE LA VISIONE DEL FILM

Answer True or False. In brackets is the part of the film where you can find the answer.

1. Heinrich plans to be back before his baby is born (Chapter 1) 2. Heinrich doesn’t tell Peter about his injured leg (Chapter 2) 3. Heinrich writes to his wife because he believes it will be impossible to escape the prison camp. (Chapter 4-5) 4. Heinrich’s wife hopes that he will be able to see his son soon. (Chapter 6) 5. After escaping, Heinrich decides not to continue with the others (Chapter 7) 6. Heinrich wants to reach the Japanese in China, and then return to Austria (Chapter 8) 7. The Garpon (Tibetan official) gives Heinrich and Peter permission to stay in Tibet (Chapter 9) 8. Heinrich and Peter argue because Heinrich made Peter sell his watch. (Chapter 10) 9. Heinrich and Peter join the caravan to Lhasa by pretending to be Tibetans. (Chapter 12) 10. After secretary Ngawang Jang’s meeting at the Chinese mission, Tibetan-Chinese relations begin to improve (Chapter 14) 11. Heinrich is pleased about the marriage of Peter and Pema (Chapter 15) 12. The monks want to stop building the cinema at the Potala palace because they don’t want to kill the worms (Chapter 16) 13. The Tibetans accept Chairman Mao’s proclamation that Tibet should become a part of China (Chapter 17) 14. Minister Ngawang Jigme refuses to surrender to the Chinese (Chapter 20) 15. The Dalai Lama agrees to escape Tibet with Heinrich (Chapter 21)

ATTIVITÀ DOPO LA VISIONE DEL FILM

Esercizio 1: Chapter 8 Some time after their escape, Peter meets up with Heinrich again. Match the 10 descriptions on the left with the appropriate quote from their dialogue on the right.

Heinrich shows sympathy for Lutz and by the way Hans’ bad luck you have to go over the ice masses be my guest Heinrich is happy that he is liberated from where are you headed? the prison camp and his marriage. Exactly I thought I’d pay you a visit Peter had the idea of going to see Heinrich there are glaciers to be crossed it might be hard for Heinrich to reach the I’m sorry to hear that Japanese go ahead you may have difficulty catching up with them Peter thinks Heinrich has made a mistake Precisely with his arithmetic Heinrich asks Peter what his destination is I think you’re wrong about that Tibetan border calculation Peter changes the subject I’m glad to be free of them both

Now put the phrases into the correct place in the script below. Then watch the scene again (without subtitles) to check your answer.

Peter : Take 2 and sleep it off. I’ll send you a bill in the morning. Heinrich : What are you doing here? Peter : I missed you so much Heinrich; ……………………………... Heinrich : What about the others? Peter : The Italians were caught, outside Nilang, and Lutz and Hans, they got sick and had to turn back. Heinrich : ………………………………… Peter : I’m sure you’re heartbroken. May I impose upon your generous nature and camp here tonight? Heinrich : …………………………………… Peter : Thank you. It is very gracious of you.

Peter : Good! Heinrich : What else do you have in there; a ten piece orchestra? Peter : Oh, ………………………………, I heard the Japanese have retreated all the way back to Shanghai. So even if you make it to the Chinese border ………………………………………….. Heinrich : I don’t care if they retreat all the way back to Tokyo. Peter : Well, you should if you want to get back to Austria. Heinrich : But I don’t. Peter : Don’t what? Heinrich : Plan to go back. Peter : Why not? Heinrich : No particular reason. But when you get there, tell my wife that 2 years in prison camp is roughly equivalent to 4 years of marriage, and …………………………………. Peter : Well, I’m not going back either. Not until this shameful war is over. Heinrich : And …………………………………………… Peter : Tibet, then on to China. I’ll see if I can find some work there. And you? Heinrich : By my calculations, the Chinese border is 2,058 kilometres away. Tibet is 68. It’s a long way to travel with such a heavy load. Peter : No, no, it’s just full of food. Heinrich : ………………………………………………….. Peter : Mine. Heinrich : That’s too bad. Those mountains are treacherous, ………………………………….. If you had roped up to me I could have kept you alive. Peter : Considering your performance the last time we roped up, I think I’m safer without you. Heinrich : Of course. Peter : But ………………………………………………….. By my measurements it is 65 kilometres. Heinrich : Care to wager a kilo of food on that? Peter : All you’ve got is some stale crackers, Heinrich. Heinrich : But I’m right, I’ll win.

Esercizio 2: Chapter 21. Listen again to Heinrich’s final conversation with the Dalai Lama (without subtitles) and try to complete the dialogue.

Dalai Lama : We have a saying in Tibet: if the problem can be solved, there is no ………..……. worrying about it. If it ………………….. be solved, worrying will do no good. So stop worrying, Heinrich. Heinrich : You have to leave. You have to leave Tibet, Kundun, your life is at ……………….. risk. Fogive my presumption, but I have ……………… arrangements to get you out, safely. We should leave …………………. after the enthronement; the Chinese will never expect it. Dalai Lama : How can I help people if I run away from them? What kind of leader would I be? I have to stay here, Heinrich. …………………… others is my path to liberation. Heinrich : Then I don’t go either. Dalai Lama : Why not? Heinrich : Because you are my path to liberation. Dalai Lama : The Buddha said: “Salvation does not come from the ……………….. of me. It demands strenuous effort and practice. So ………………….. hard, and seek your own salvation diligently. I am not your son, and I never thought of you as my father. You were …………….. too informal with me for that. Do you ever think about him? And what do you think about? Heinrich : It’s not a conscious thought really, Kundun. He’s ……………….. always there. When I crossed Tibet, he was with me. When I came to Lhasa he was with me. When I sit …………………. you he’s there with me. I can’t even imagine how I pictured the world without him in it. Dalai Lama : Then you …………………… go home and be his father. Heinrich : I know. Dalai Lama : You have finished your ………………….. with me. Oh, you have to stay for my enthronement. I want you to see me in all my pomp and glory. Heinrich : It will be a …………………… my friend.

If this film has inspired you to find out more about Tibet, or the real story of Heinrich Harrer, you might find these websites interesting:

Introduction of Tibetan Buddhism: http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/subdivisions/tibetan_1.shtml Information about Tibet: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/country_profiles/4152353.stm Obituary of Heinrich Harrer: http://www.economist.com/people/displayStory.cfm?story_id=5407487 Official website of the Dalai Lama: http://www.dalailama.com/

SOLUZIONI

PRIMA DELLA VISIONE DEL FILM

Esercizio 1 1912 Heinrich Harrer is born in Austria. 1935 The Dalai Lama is born in the village of Taktser, Tibet 1938 Austria is absorbed into Nazi Germany. April Heinrich Harrer and Peter Aufschnaiter leave for their expedition to climb 1939 Nanga Parbat in the Himalayas. Autumn Heinrich Harrer and Peter Aufschnaiter are captured by the British army in 1939 British colony India when Britain and France declare war on Germany. 1944 Heinrich Harrer and Peter Aufschnaiter eventually arrive in Tibet, after having escaped from the Dehra Dun Prisoner of War camp. 1945 The Second World War ends. Heinrich Harrer and Peter Aufschnaiter arrive in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet shortly after. 1950 The Chinese army invade Tibet. There is some resistance by the local people, but in the end an agreement is signed between Lhasa and Beijing affirming Chinese sovereignty over Tibet. Heinrich Harrer leaves Tibet. 1959 The Dalai Lama escapes Tibet to live in exile in Darmasala, India, where he remains today.

Esercizio 2 1R E I N C A R N A T I O N

2C O M P A S S I O N

3C L A P

4P U R I F Y

5E G O

6H O L Y

7P A S T L I F E

8E V I L F O R C E S

9M O N K S

10 W I S D O M

11 D E E D S

12 M A N D A L A

13B O D H I S A T T V A

Esercizio 3 The summit ridge of Everest separates the countries of Nepal and Tibet and its peak is at 8,850 metres above sea level. Tibetan sherpas call the mountain Chomolungma, which means ‘goddess of the sky’. The first successful climbers of the mountain were Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, in 1953. It usually takes 4 days to climb from the base camp at 5,400 metres, to the top, and most people make their ascent in May, before the summer storms begin. However, Chomolungma has also claimed a number of lives over the years. The highest cause of death on Everest is avalanches . Another great danger is glaciers , which can suddenly open, remaining hidden by snow.

DURANTE LA VISIONE DEL FILM: 1) F 8) T

2) T 9) T

3) F 10) F

4) F 11) F

5) T 12) T

6) F 13) F

7) F 14) F

15) F

DOPO LA VISIONE DEL FILM

Esercizio 1: Heinrich shows sympathy for Lutz and I’m sorry to hear that Hans’ bad luck you have to go over the ice masses there are glaciers to be crossed Heinrich is happy that he is liberated from I’m glad to be free of them both the prison camp and his marriage. Exactly Precisely Peter had the idea of going to see Heinrich I thought I’d pay you a visit it might be hard for Heinrich to reach the you may have difficulty catching up with Japanese them go ahead be my guest Peter thinks Heinrich has made a mistake I think you’re wrong about that Tibetan with his arithmetic border calculation Heinrich asks Peter what his destination is where are you headed? Peter changes the subject by the way

Peter: Take 2 and sleep it off. I’ll send you a bill in the morning. Heinrich: What are you doing here? Peter: I missed you so much Heinrich; I thought I’d pay you a visit . Heinrich: What about the others? Peter: The Italians were caught, outside Nilang, and Lutz and Hans, they got sick and had to turn back. Heinrich: I’m sorry to hear that . Peter: I’m sure you’re heartbroken. May I impose upon your generous nature and camp here tonight? Heinrich: Be my guest . Peter: Thank you. It is very gracious of you.

Peter: Good! Heinrich: What else do you have in there; a ten piece orchestra? Peter: Oh , by the way , I heard the Japanese have retreated all the way back to Shanghai. So even if you make it to the Chinese border you may have difficulty catching up with them. Heinrich: I don’t care if they retreat all the way back to Tokyo. Peter: Well, you should if you want to get back to Austria. Heinrich: But I don’t. Peter: Don’t what? Heinrich: Plan to go back. Peter: Why not? Heinrich: No particular reason. But when you get there, tell my wife that 2 years in prison camp is roughly equivalent to 4 years of marriage, and I’m glad to be free of them both . Peter: Well, I’m not going back either. Not until this shameful war is over. Heinrich: And where are you headed? Peter: Tibet, then on to China. I’ll see if I can find some work there. And you? Heinrich: By my calculations, the Chinese border is 2,058 kilometres away. Tibet is 68. It’s a long way to travel with such a heavy load. Peter: No, no, it’s just full of food. Heinrich: Precisely . Peter: Mine. Heinrich: That’s too bad. Those mountains are treacherous, there are glaciers to be crossed . If you had roped up to me I could have kept you alive. Peter: Considering your performance the last time we roped up, I think I’m safer without you. Heinrich: Of course. Peter: But I think you’re wrong about that Tibetan border calculation . By my measurements it is 65 kilometres. Heinrich: Care to wager a kilo of food on that? Peter: All you’ve got is some stale crackers, Heinrich. Heinrich: But I’m right, I’ll win.

Esercizio 2

Dalai Lama: We have a saying in Tibet: if the problem can be solved, there is no use worrying about it. If it can’t be solved, worrying will do no good. So stop worrying, Heinrich. Heinrich: You have to leave. You have to leave Tibet, Kundun, your life is at great risk. Fogive my presumption, but I have made arrangements to get you out, safely. We should leave directly after the enthronement; the Chinese will never expect it. Dalai Lama: How can I help people if I run away from them? What kind of leader would I be? I have to stay here, Heinrich. Serving others is my path to liberation. Heinrich: Then I don’t go either. Dalai Lama: Why not? Heinrich: Because you are my path to liberation. Dalai Lama: The Buddha said: “Salvation does not come from the sight of me. It demands strenuous effort and practice. So work hard, and seek your own salvation diligently. I am not your son, and I never thought of you as my father. You were much too informal with me for that. Do you ever think about him? And what do you think about? Heinrich: It’s not a conscious thought really, Kundun. He’s just always there. When I crossed Tibet, he was with me. When I came to Lhasa he was with me. When I sit beside you he’s there with me. I can’t even imagine how I pictured the world without him in it. Dalai Lama: Then you should go home and be his father. Heinrich: I know. Dalai Lama: You have finished your job with me. Oh, you have to stay for my enthronement. I want you to see me in all my pomp and glory. Heinrich: It will be a pleasure my friend.