B1 – Intermediate
“Hikikomori” is a Japanese term describing the total withdrawal of teens and young adults from the society. This social withdrawal started in Japan during the 1990’s. This is during the “employment ice age” in Japan when young people were unable to find stable jobs. This phenomenon seems to be affecting some young South Koreans at present.
Let’s read the article about the a new measure in South Korea to help solve this problem.
https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2304/230420-reclusiveness.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- Define the noun “recluse“. “The number of recluses has gone up because of the pandemic.” Use it in a sentence.
- What is the meaning of the phrasal verb “shut (something/someone) off“? “The government said children shut themselves off from society for many reasons.” Use it in your own sentence.
- What does the word “noticeable” mean? “They have noticeable difficulty in living a normal life.” Use it in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your opinion on this new initiative by the South Korean government?
- What are the reasons young people become reclusive?
- What possible effects do social withdrawal have on young people?
- Have you had temporary moments of social withdrawal? If yes, how long did it take and why did you want to be isolated?
- Share your opinion on this, “Korea has an ageing society. It needs young people to work so they can help old people.”.