English – An Adaptable Tool
- Tuesday, 24 May 2016
As we know, no two individuals speak identically. Thus, language changes, often infinitesimally, whenever speakers come into contact with each other. Clearly, people from different geographical areas speak differently, but even within a single community there are variations according to a speaker’s age, gender, ethnic group as well as their social and educational background. Through […]
The Right Words Every Time
- Tuesday, 17 May 2016
We have all been in situations where we hear or read something and think to ourselves: “I wish I had said or written that”. These are perfect phrases: memorable quotes and ways of expressing ideas that can be used time and again for certain occasions and events.
What’s in a Name?
- Tuesday, 10 May 2016
If a language learner doesn’t realize the positive or negative connotation of words they can really cause offense! That is why you need to learn the cultural connotation as well as the dictionary denotation of words.
Fun with Dictionaries
- Tuesday, 03 May 2016
You might think paper dictionaries are “serious” books that help us write our essays, but they can be used for fun language-learning and language-extension activities, too. Teachers and parents can try the following activities for intermediate to advanced learners of any age. 1. Dictionary Digging To play this game, give a series of clues. As […]
New Words and New Meanings
- Tuesday, 26 April 2016
Take the Oxford Dictionaries Word of the Year for 2013 “selfie” for instance. The first use of this word was in an Australian Internet forum. Selfie refers to taking a photograph of oneself using a smart phone, and is just a shortened form of “self portrait”. This word seemed to gain popularity quickly, mainly due […]
The Body’s Language
- Tuesday, 19 April 2016
The difference between the words that people speak and our understanding of what they are saying are often related to body language. This is what we mean by receiving or giving “mixed messages”. By being aware of how the body “talks”, you may more easily understand what people are really saying and thus more effectively […]
Punctuation: The “Traffic Signs” of English
- Tuesday, 12 April 2016
Punctuation marks can be thought of as the “traffic signs” of the English language. Knowing the “sign” that each punctuation mark represents helps us use it correctly in writing, and when reading. Comma = Speed Bump In English, a comma is used to indicate a slight pause or a break in the sentences. So […]
Getting to Know Words
- Tuesday, 05 April 2016
Getting to really “know” words is more than just a matter of memorising how to spell them and a vague idea when to use them. Like friendship, we need time to fully understand a word. The following are ten tips on how to form a long-lasting relationship to a word. The Meaning – Try to […]
Sloganeering!
- Tuesday, 29 March 2016
Outside of poetry and literature, one of the most efficient and creative uses of English is to be found in advertisements. Adverts have to communicate their message almost instantly, without the reader having to wonder over the meaning. They also have to be memorable; the advertiser wants the consumer to remember their ad every time […]