Summary
Summary:
The text discusses the history and current state of pearl diving. Before the 20th century, pearls were harvested from pearl oysters found at great depths in oceans, lakes, or rivers, requiring free-divers to descend over 100 feet, which made pearls rare and of varying quality due to the hazardous nature of the dives.
It also highlights the Ama divers of Japan, groups of women known for their independent diving skills. These divers, who dive without oxygen tanks, can reach depths of 25 meters and hold their breath for up to two minutes using their unique techniques and instincts. However, the profession is declining as younger villagers seek urban jobs, leaving the remaining Ama divers mostly in their 50s to 70s. The continuation of this profession is at risk if young people do not continue the tradition.
Key words : rare descend hazardous rely
A. Read the text and answer the following questions.
Before the beginning of the 20th century, pearls were obtained from pearl oysters. These oysters were collected from the bottom of the ocean, lake or river.
To get enough pearl oysters, free-divers were often forced to descend to the depth of more than 100 feet in one breath. Because of the difficulty of diving, pearls at that time were of different quality as well as very rare.
In Asia some pearl oysters could be found on shoals at a depth of 5-7 feet from the surface. At times the divers had to go 40 feet or even up to 125 feet deep to find enough pearl oysters. These deep dives were extremely hazardous to the divers.
Questions
- What is the text about?
- Where did the people get the pearls from?
B. Read about the Ama divers of Japan. Discuss in pairs the information that you have got from the text and answer the questions.
In some fishing villages along the coast of Japan, there are amazing groups of women known as 'Ama divers'. These women worked and are still working as Ama. The word 'Ama' means 'women of the sea or sea women'. They are independent divers. They make their living by diving. They can dive to the depth of the sea up to 25 metres. And they dive without using oxygen tanks or other breathing equipment.
The Ama divers rely on their own skills and breathing techniques. They use that skill and technique to push themselves down to the bottom of the sea and back to the surface again. They can hold their breath for up to two minutes. Careful watching, lung capacity and hunter instincts are the special qualities of Ama divers.
However some of these young villagers are going to the city for other jobs. The remaining Ama divers are now aged between 50 and 60. But there are still some who continue to dive even at their 70s. If the young people do not take up Ama diving, soon this profession will die out.
Questions
- Why are the Ama divers amazing?
- How deep can the Ama divers go down into the sea?
- What techniques and skills do the Ama divers use in diving?
- Why do you think the young villagers are going to the city?
