Cover of the textbook Performer B1, Vol. 2

The key answer of exercise 5

The key to exercise solutions in chapter 4 - Culture and competences for the textbook Performer B1, Vol. 2 with authors Marina Spiazzi, Marina Tavella e Margaret Layton from Zanichelli

Question

Before you listen, discuss in pairs. Do you know any walls used for different purposes like a memorial, a piece of art or as a reminder of a historical event?

Answer

Berlin Wall (East Side Gallery)

  • Purpose: After the fall of the Berlin Wall, a section known as the East Side Gallery was preserved as a canvas for artists. It became an international memorial for freedom, featuring murals and artwork that reflect the political changes of the time.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall

  • Purpose: Located in Washington, D.C., the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall is a solemn tribute to those who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam War. The wall is inscribed with the names of over 58,000 servicemen and women.

The Murals of Belfast (Peace Walls)

  • Purpose: In Belfast, Northern Ireland, "Peace Walls" were erected to separate Catholic and Protestant communities during the Troubles. Some of these walls have become spaces for murals conveying messages of peace, remembrance, and hope for reconciliation.

The Israeli West Bank Barrier (Banksy's Wall)

  • Purpose: Parts of the Israeli West Bank Barrier have become a canvas for street artist Banksy. His politically charged graffiti and murals on the wall highlight the impact of the barrier on the lives of Palestinians.

The Wall of Love (Le Mur des "Je t'aime")

  • Purpose: Located in Paris, the Wall of Love is an art installation featuring the words "I love you" in over 300 languages. It serves as a symbol of love, unity, and cultural diversity.

The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Peace Wall

  • Purpose: In the Korean Demilitarized Zone, the Peace Wall is a symbolic structure promoting peace and reconciliation between North and South Korea. It features messages, artwork, and ribbons expressing hopes for reunification.

The Warsaw Ghetto Wall Fragment

  • Purpose: Remnants of the Warsaw Ghetto Wall in Poland serve as a memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. The preserved fragment stands as a reminder of the historical events during World War II.