Origami

Vocabulary

1. exclude (v)

/ɪkˈskluːd/ to deliberately refuse to include something/someone

Eg: The price for the car excludes tax.

2. precision (v)

/prɪˈsɪʒən/ accuracy and exactness

Eg: She has always performed her job with the utmost care and precision.

3. auspicious (Adj)

/ɔːˈspɪʃəs/ very likely to be prosperous in the future; favourable

Eg: New Year is about gathering with the whole family and doing everything we can to ensure that the upcoming year is auspicious.

4. abstract (adj)

/ˈæbstrækt/ existing in thought or concept, rather than in a physical sense

Eg: I like abstract paintings

5. hone (v)

/hoʊn/ to refine, perfect or improve

Eg: She hones her skills by practicing every day.

Reading

Origami

The term "origami” is comprised of two Japanese words, the verb oru meaning “to bend” and the noun kami meaning “paper,” and it represents the art of paper folding, which excludes cutting, gluing, or stapling. Accuracy and precision are key to origami. Every single fold needs to be perfect in order to produce the desired outcome. Thin paper is preferred as it is typically easy to fold.

The introduction of origami in to people’s lives has been auspicious from the outset. For instance, the envelope, a paper container with a sealable flap used to enclose a letter or document, is a product of origami.

What is more, origami is an inexpensive way to engage the brain in a meaningful activity, creating paper artwork in the process. This practice can be highly beneficial to brain development, seeing as it enhances our sense of beauty, hones our skills, and helps us improve abstract thinking.

Produced by Naito Akira, the world's smallest origami crane was made by folding plastic film that measured 0.1 by 0.1 millimeters. On the other hand, the world's largest ever origami crane - created by the Peace Piece Project in Hiroshima in 2009 - had a wingspan of over 81 meters.

1. What is the meaning of the word "origami"?
2. What sort of paper is preferred for origami?
3. Who created the world's largest ever origami crane?

Discussion

“Creation out of nothing. I often say that origami is as close as you can get to that.” - Joseph Wu

1. Do you agree with this statement? Why? Why not?
2. What else can be perceived as creation out of nothing?

Further Discussion

1. Have you ever tried making origami? Why? Why not?
2. Did you learn about origami in school?
3. Is origami important in your culture?
4. How can origami inspire creativity?
5. Do you consider origami to be an art?