proto-
adjectival prefix
Commonality Score: 2 (common)
Translations
Arabic: أولي (ʾAwali) / بدائي (Bida’i)
Chinese (Mandarin): 原始的 (Yuánshǐ de)
French: proto- (unchanged) / primitif (-ive)
German: proto- (unchanged) / ur- (prefix with similar meaning)
Hindi: प्रारंभिक (Prārambhik)
Japanese: 原始的な (Genshiteki na)
Korean: 원시적인 (Wonsijeog-in)
Polish: proto- (unchanged) / pierwotny
Portuguese: proto- (unchanged) / primitivo
Russian: прото- (proto-) / первичный (pervichnyy)
Spanish: proto- (unchanged) / primitivo
Thai: ดั้งเดิม (Dâng deim)
Turkish: proto- (unchanged) / ilkel
Vietnamese: sơ khai
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Whilst every care has been taken to ensure accuracy, translations could be misleading. Check with your teacher if you are unsure.
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Definition/s
- Denoting the first or earliest form of something, often in an undeveloped or experimental stage.
- Indicating a precursor to a more developed or modern version.
- Used to describe a concept that serves as a foundational or primitive version of something.
Examples
- The fossilised remains of a proto-bird suggest an evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds.
- The early versions of the internet can be seen as a proto-social network.
- Some historians argue that tribal councils were a proto-democracy before formal governments emerged.
What are Openers?
- Openers are conversation starters you will use to participate in a discussion. They come in three forms:
1. Open Questions
- Ask an open question and understand your conversation partners’s views.
- Make sure to ask follow ups, and remember: this is a conversation, not an interview!
2. Stories
- Tell a personal story. Something that has happened to you, or somebody you know.
- Or tell us about something that you have done or seen.
- Your conversation partners must then follow up with you or reciprocate with their own stories.
3. Opinions
- Share an opinion about something that the content has inspired.
- Respectfully identify any agreement or disagreement there is in the room.
What are Openers?
- Openers are conversation starters you will use to participate in a discussion. They come in three forms:
1. Open Questions
- Ask an open question and understand your conversation partners’s views.
- Make sure to ask follow ups, and remember: this is a conversation, not an interview!
2. Stories
- Tell a personal story. Something that has happened to you, or somebody you know.
- Or tell us about something that you have done or seen.
- Your conversation partners must then follow up with you or reciprocate with their own stories.
3. Opinions
- Share an opinion about something that the content has inspired.
- Respectfully identify any agreement or disagreement there is in the room.
The Skinny
You’ve been asked to brief a senior executive (the “boss”) on a key issue from a recent business news event. This person is busy and relies on you to give them insight, not headlines.
You have 60–90 seconds to deliver a concise, high-value update tailored to their concerns and communication preferences.
1. Read the boss profile carefully.
- Who are they?
- What do they care about?
- What do they not want to hear?
2. Stick to their focus.
- What part of the story matters most to them?
- Don’t explain everything—prioritise.
3. Use business English.
- Be clear, precise, and professional.
- Avoid informal or emotional language.
Two Papal Styles: Clerical vs. Pastoral
Not all popes lead the same way. Some focus more on rules and tradition, while others focus on care and connection. These two styles are often called clerical and pastoral.
Understanding the difference can help us see why Pope Francis felt so different from past leaders—and why some people loved his style while others disagreed with it.
Understanding the difference can help us see why Pope Francis felt so different from past leaders—and why some people loved his style while others disagreed with it.
🟣 Clerical Style
- Focuses on rules, tradition, and Church authority
- Speaks with clear, firm direction
- Keeps strong boundaries between Church leaders and members.
Example: A clerical pope might defend strict Church teachings on family or sacraments.
🟢 Pastoral Style
- Focuses on compassion, listening, and inclusion
- Tries to meet people where they are.
- Emphasises mercy over judgment.
Example: A pastoral pope might welcome divorced people or support migrants and the poor.
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