Japan in the Ancient World 

Japanese archaeologists divide the earliest part of Japanese history into four periods: the Paleolithic (preceramic) period, the Jomon (cord-marked pottery) period, the Yayoi period, and the Kofun (burial mound) period. Underlying this chronology, however, are two basic problems: First, who are the Japanese, and where did they come from? Second, how do the Japanese or "proto-Japanese" relate to the Ainu, a group of people who have resided in Japan since about 7500 B.C.E. but differ racially, culturally, and linguistically from modern Japanese in significant ways? 

Paleolithic Japan (before 10,000 B.C.E.)

The Japanese islands have probably been occupied by humans for at least 30,000 years, if not longer. However, 10,000 years ago, Paleolithic Japan was a cooler place, and the sea level was 125 feet (38 meters) lower; therefore, some of the archaeological evidence of the earliest inhabitants is submerged. These hunters and gatherers, who had an extensive stone-tool inventory, most likely came to southern Japan through present-day Korea or to northern Japan from eastern Siberia, though there is abundant evidence of land connections to Asia at this time throughout the islands. It appears that the complete physical separation of the Japanese islands occurred only as recently as 18,000 to 12,000 years ago.

Jomon period (c. 10,000-c. 300 B.C.E.)

Starting about 13,000 years ago, when the Japanese climate began to warm, beautiful local pottery traditions—characterized by complex impressions made by twisted cords or sticks on the outside of pots before baking—abruptly appeared at various locales. Such ceramics eventually became commonplace throughout the islands. The Jomon people (named for this distinctive "cord-marked" ceramic style) were probably the direct descendants of the people of the previous Paleolithic traditions. They were very successful at hunting, fishing, and gathering, and because of the numerous rivers and rugged coastlines, they were largely sedentary. Shell mounds all over the islands indicate how extensively the ocean and rivers were exploited by Jomon people. The Jomon pottery eventually came to show distinctive regional styles, suggesting the existence of rather well-defined cultural groups and local folk traditions.

Yayoi (c. 300 B.C.E.-c. 300 C.E.)

About two thousand years ago, a distinct break occurred in the archaeological record. In Kyushu, the southernmost main island of Japan, bronze from the Korean peninsula and a newer style of earthenware pottery appeared, and iron smelting was developed. These changes characterize the Yayoi period, named after the district in modern Tokyo where certain artifacts were first discovered. The Yayoi period also saw the beginning of Japanese-style intensive irrigated wet-rice cultivation, which became the main means of subsistence for almost everyone on the islands. This agrarian rice-based economy—with basically the same kind of farming practices—would persist until Japan's westernization in the late nineteenth century.

However, controversy surrounds the origins of this culture. The Yayoi people may have come from overseas and replaced the earlier Jomon people (as evidenced by the presence of many new technologies from abroad). For many years, Japanese archaeologists have assumed this to be true, with the implication being that the Jomon people are the ancestors of modern Ainu, and modern Japanese are the descendants of those who migrated from the Asian mainland during the Yayoi and Kofun periods. However, a majority of archaeologists feel that the record probably indicates a gradual but direct continuity from Jomon people to early, but historically identifiable, Japanese, with any migration from the mainland blending in with the local cultures. In either case, by the end of the Yayoi period, certain institutional structures were in place—a division of labor, the accumulation of prestige and luxury goods by particular individuals, and the rise of complex political organizations—which created a more stratified society, allowing for the development of a full-fledged Japanese state in the Kofun period.

https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/japan-ancient-world 

California is Free of Drought for The First Time in 25 Years

By Clara Harter 

*California can be referred to as “The Golden State”.

(Available at: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-01-09/california-has-no-areas-of-dryness-first- time-in-25-years – text specially adapted for this test).  

Leia o texto para responder à questão.

    It has been common in second language teaching to stress the role of interference – that is, the interfering effects of the native language on the target (the second) language. It is of course not surprising that this process has been so singled out, for native language interference is surely the most immediately noticeable source of error among second language learners. The saliency of interference has been so strong that some have viewed second language learning as exclusively involving the overcoming of the effects of the native language. It is clear from learning theory that a person will use whatever previous experience he or she has had with language to facilitate the second language learning process. The native language is an obvious set of prior experiences. For example, a French native speaker might say in English, “I am in New York since January,” a perfectly logical transfer of the comparable French sentence “Je suis a New York depuis Janvier.” Because of the negative transfer of the French verb form to English, the French system has, in this case, interfered with the person’s production of a correct English form.

(Brown, D. 1994. Principles of Language

Learning and Teaching. Adaptado)

Text 1

Smatphones are banned in Brazilian Schools

Brazil’s president has signed a law to limit smartphone use in schools, starting in February. This rule will apply to elementary and high schools across the country. Phones will only be allowed in emergencies, for educational activities, or for students with disabilities. The goal is to help students focus better and reduce distractions caused by phones.

Officials explained that children are using the internet at younger ages, which makes it harder for parents to monitor them. Limiting smartphones at school can help students concentrate on studying. A recent survey found that nearly two-thirds of Brazilians support banning smartphones in schools, and over threequarters believe these devices are harmful for kids.

Some families and students agree with the move, saying it will encourage more interaction and help classmates focus better. However, others believe it won’t solve all school issues, like bullying and harassment.

As of 2023, about two-thirds of Brazilian schools already limit smartphone use, while 28% ban them completely. Some states, such as Rio de Janeiro and Goias, have passed local laws restricting phones in schools, but enforcement has been challenging. In Sao Paulo, discussions are ongoing about banning phones in both public and private schools.

Globally, concerns ______________ smartphone use ______________ children have led to similar measures. Countries ______________ China, France, and parts of the U.S. have introduced restrictions to reduce distractions and protect children’s mental health. A report ______________ UNESCO found that one in four countries has already limited smartphone use in schools.

Adapted from: https://en.islcollective.com

Disponível em: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/25/climate/climate-change-environment-planet.html. Acesso em:24 de setembro de 2024.