Learning English can be a great way to meet new people but learning with friends can also increase your chances of success. Here are five ways in which learning English as part of a group will help you reach your goals.
Momentum
When you learn something alone, it’s easy to take a break. After you take that break, though, it’s tempting just to quit. When you learn as part of a group, the energy of the other members will help you keep going when you feel like you are losing momentum.
Accountability
Stating your goals in front of a group of people is a great way to help you commit to achieving them. It’s a lot more difficult to quit studying while preparing for an IELTS exam when you feel like that would be letting a group of people down than if you can quit quietly with nobody knowing about it.
Fun
Learning as part of a group is fun! You get to share ideas with other people, find out new ways of looking at things, and undoubtedly share a few jokes along the way. You can also conversate and have discussions with one another, practicing what you have just learned.
An Extra Pair of Ears
Practising alone is great, but when it comes to conversation you really need two or more people. It’s also useful when you are practising pronunciation to have someone who can check how you sound.
Share Resources
Even though you don’t need expensive textbooks to learn English, it can sometimes be difficult to find the best resources to learn from. Being part of a group means you can share these resources and spend more time on actually learning English.
So, those are my five reasons why it’s better to learn English with friends. Do you have a friend learning English are the moment? If so, share this article with them to let them know how important they are!
Source: EF Education First
Read More PostsEveryone loves a bit of code, and acronyms and abbreviations are great little tools that make communication faster and more fun, especially when trying to type fast on a slippery smartphone. And in English, you really can’t get away from them.
Here are 15 that you’ll encounter often and that every English speaker should know.
But first, a quick cheat sheet:
- Abbreviations are shortened versions of words and sometimes end in a period (for example, accomm. for accommodation or adj. for adjective).
- Acronyms are pronounceable, so you read them out as if they’re a name and are formed by using the first letter of each word in a phrase (such as NASA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
- An initalism is when the word is pronounced letter by letter, such as the UN (the United Nations). (Fun fact – “the” is usually added before an initialism but not an acronym, as in “I’m an interpreter at the UN,” or “I have an interview at NASA.”)
RSVP – Please reply
As with so much of English, this comes from French. RSVP stands for “Répondez s’il vous plait”. You’ll see this request on invitations to weddings and other parties. And yes, please do reply – that way, the bride or host knows exactly how many salmon fillets to order.
ASAP – As soon as possible
“Can you get this in ASAP?” reads the email from your boss. Depending on the project, this may or may not cause panic – but in any case, you don’t have much time to think!
AM/PM – Before midday (morning) and after midday (afternoon)
There’s a huge difference between 5 in the morning and 5 in the afternoon – and these little terms have it covered. Remember, don’t use them if you use 24-hour time (6 PM is the same as 18:00) and be careful to set your alarm correctly. A “morning” alarm that goes off at 7 PM doesn’t help anyone!
LMK – Let me know
Casual, friendly – perfect for the end of a text. LMK shows that you are expecting confirmation or more information.
BRB – Be right back
Sometimes when chatting, something demands our attention be it the doorbell, a cat wanting to be let out or an irresistible caffeine craving. Don’t sweat it – just let your friend know you’ll BRB.
DOB – Date of birth
“What IS my DOB?” you might have wondered the first time you saw this. After all, it does sound like a poorly chosen item of clothing or foul type of medicine. Well, rest assured you do have a DOB – we all do. You probably celebrate yours each year with far too much cake, ice cream and requisite silly hats.
CC/BCC – Carbon copy/blind carbon copy
Although they refer to the age of email, these terms take their names from the analogue years, when copies were made using carbon paper. Quick etiquette tip: when adding people to the CC email field, remember they “can clearly” see who else has received the email. (And don’t “reply all” unless you REALLY want to!)
TBA/TBC- To be announced/To be confirmed
Remember your friend whose wedding invitation you need to RSVP ASAP to? Be careful if it says venue TBA or groom TBC. It means she doesn’t have everything organized just yet!
ETA – Estimated time of arrival
“See you on Tuesday, ETA 9 PM.” You might see this when someone is traveling but is unsure of when their flight gets in.
TGIF – Thank goodness it’s Friday
Sung by workers worldwide each Friday afternoon – the weekend is here!
FOMO – Fear of missing out
And with the weekend can come a some pretty serious FOMO. Imagine: You’ve been invited out but don’t feel like going. But, at the same time, you know it’ll be fun and that you may regret not going. So, you agonize over what to do.
IMO – In my opinion (or IMHO – in my humble opinion)
We’ve all got a few opinions. This is how you can express them.
N/A – Not available, not applicable
Use this when filling out a form to show that particular section doesn’t apply to you.
AKA – Also known as
This little beauty is used to refer to someone or something by another name – often a nickname, such as how your bro (might) refer to his newborn baby (“This is Eddie, aka ‘The poop machine'”), or how Chile refers to a much-loved footballer, Alexis Sanchez, aka ‘El Niño Maravilla’.
DIY – Do it yourself
People who are interested in completing tasks themselves rather than hiring professionals (aka DIY-ers) exist in all walks of life. From fixing electronics and upholstering furniture to completely renovating their homes, as you can imagine, DIY projects can result in as many great successes as horrible messes!
Source: EF Education First
Read More PostsThe history of the English language really started with the arrival of three Germanic tribes who invaded Britain during the 5th century AD. These tribes, the Angles, the Saxons and the Jutes, crossed the North Sea from what today is Denmark and northern Germany. At that time the inhabitants of Britain spoke a Celtic language. But most of the Celtic speakers were pushed west and north by the invaders - mainly into what is now Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The Angles came from "Englaland" [sic] and their language was called "Englisc" - from which the words "England" and "English" are derived.
Old English (450-1100 AD)
The invading Germanic tribes spoke similar languages, which in Britain developed into what we now call Old English. Old English did not sound or look like English today. Native English speakers now would have great difficulty understanding Old English. Nevertheless, about half of the most commonly used words in Modern English have Old English roots. The words be, strong and water, for example, derive from Old English. Old English was spoken until around 1100.
Middle English (1100-1500)
In 1066 William the Conqueror, the Duke of Normandy (part of modern France), invaded and conquered England. The new conquerors (called the Normans) brought with them a kind of French, which became the language of the Royal Court, and the ruling and business classes. For a period, there was a kind of linguistic class division, where the lower classes spoke English and the upper classes spoke French. In the 14th century English became dominant in Britain again, but with many French words added. This language is called Middle English. It was the language of the great poet Chaucer (c1340-1400), but it would still be difficult for native English speakers to understand today.
Early Modern English (1500-1800)
Towards the end of Middle English, a sudden and distinct change in pronunciation (the Great Vowel Shift) started, with vowels being pronounced shorter and shorter. From the 16th century the British had contact with many peoples from around the world.
This, and the Renaissance of Classical learning, meant that many new words and phrases entered the language. The invention of printing also meant that there was now a common language in print. Books became cheaper and more people learned to read. Printing also brought standardization to English. Spelling and grammar became fixed, and the dialect of London, where most publishing houses were, became the standard. In 1604 the first English dictionary was published.
Late Modern English (1800-Present)
The main difference between Early Modern English and Late Modern English is vocabulary. Late Modern English has many more words, arising from two principal factors: firstly, the Industrial Revolution and technology created a need for new words; secondly, the British Empire at its height covered one quarter of the earth's surface, and the English language adopted foreign words from many countries.
Varieties of English
From around 1600, the English colonization of North America resulted in the creation of a distinct American variety of English. Some English pronunciations and words "froze" when they reached America. In some ways, American English is more like the English of Shakespeare than modern British English is. Some expressions that the British call "Americanisms" are in fact original British expressions that were preserved in the colonies while lost for a time in Britain (for example trash for rubbish, loan as a verb instead of lend, and fall for autumn; another example, frame-up, was re-imported into Britain through Hollywood gangster movies). Spanish also had an influence on American English (and subsequently British English), with words like canyon, ranch, stampede and vigilante being examples of Spanish words that entered English through the settlement of the American West. French words (through Louisiana) and West African words (through the slave trade) also influenced American English (and so, to an extent, British English).
Today, American English is particularly influential, due to the USA's dominance of cinema, television, popular music, trade and technology (including the Internet). But there are many other varieties of English around the world, including for example Australian English, New Zealand English, Canadian English, South African English, Indian English and Caribbean English.
Source: English Club
Read More PostsLearning a new language can be a daunting task, but it is also an exciting opportunity to expand your horizons and enrich your life. By engaging in a process of in-depth exploration of a new language, you will also find yourself immersed in a different culture. Understanding the importance of culture when learning a new language will help you maximize your progress and gain a deeper appreciation of the language itself.
Grammar, Vocabulary, and Handwriting: Building the Foundation of a New Language
Grammar, vocabulary, and handwriting are all important aspects of learning a second language. Knowledge of grammar is essential in order to properly construct sentences and express yourself in a clear and effective way. Vocabulary is a vital tool in being able to communicate in any language, while handwriting is essential for expressing ideas through written communication.
Going beyond Grammar, Vocabulary and Handwriting: Mastering the Language
In addition to grammar, vocabulary, and handwriting, however, there are other elements that are necessary for mastering a new language. To understand the full message that someone is trying to communicate, it is necessary to go beyond the technical aspects of the language to explore the culture of the language’s native speakers. Understanding the culture of those who speak the language is essential to gaining a comprehensive understanding of the language and being able to communicate effectively.
Communication Across Cultures: Opening New Horizons
With a greater understanding of the culture of a new language comes the ability to communicate across cultures. Learning a new language offers endless opportunities for travel and business, allowing for a greater understanding of different customs and cultures as well as making work in foreign countries much easier. Language is an essential tool in bridging cultural divides and opening new horizons, both personally and professionally.
The Benefits of Learning a New Language
Learning a new language has numerous benefits, both personal and professional. It helps to improve decision making skills and increases memory retention. It also helps to develop a better understanding of our native language and its culture, as well as enhancing communication and problem solving skills. In short, learning a new language can make a great difference in our lives.
Immersion in Another Culture: Exploring the Language in Depth
Studying another language also offers the chance to explore the culture and idiosyncrasies of the country or culture that speaks it. Not only does it provide the opportunity to learn more about the language itself, but it gives insight into the mentality and worldview of the people who speak that language. In this way, language becomes an integral part of a culture.
Boosting the Brain and Enhancing Self-Esteem: The Benefits of Language Learning
Language learning is not only beneficial for understanding and communicating in different cultures, but it has been linked with a number of psychological, social, and cognitive benefits. It has been found to boost memory retention and mental acuity, as well as providing a sense of accomplishment and self confidence. Language learning is also an effective way of developing empathy for other cultures.
Meeting Market Demands: A Key Role for Language Learning
Being able to speak a second language is a valuable asset in the job market, as it can open up new opportunities in diverse fields such as business, law, medicine, and education. Many employers seek out bilingual individuals, as being able to speak a second language gives a person an edge over those who don’t. Learning a new language also allows a person to have an edge in international competition and give them a better chance of succeeding. RPI College offers a great English for the Workplace course that focuses on business English.
Communicating with Confidence: Taking Language Learning to the Next Level
Communicating effectively in any language requires more than a knowledge of the basics. To truly master a language, it is important to understand the cultural context in which it is spoken. Knowing the local language is a show of respect and appreciation and will help to gain the trust of the locals. Understanding the culture of the language will also help to build an appreciation for its nuance and complexity, resulting in confidence and competence when communicating in the language.
Conclusion: Learning a New Language is an Exciting Opportunity for Personal and Professional Development
The importance of culture when learning a new language cannot be emphasized enough.
Language learning is not just an important tool for communication and personal development, but an exciting opportunity to open up new horizons and explore other cultures in an in-depth and meaningful way. With knowledge and understanding of the cultural context of a new language come the opportunity to communicate with confidence across cultures and maximize opportunities in the job market. Learning a new language is an essential and rewarding experience that can provide a lifetime of benefits.
Source: Talkao
Read More PostsLooking for how to become a better writer? Start by improving your writing vocabulary. After all, the stronger your words are, the more powerful your writing will be. But why is writing important? Why bother expanding your vocabulary and building your writing skills? Reading more from a variety of sources can help improve your writing vocabulary. Try making notes about the new words you learn to help enhance the word power in your personal writing.
For starters, it may lead to fewer revisions during editing stages, meaning your essays and assignments won’t take as long to complete. And it may even result in higher grades for the work you turn in for class. And who doesn’t want that? There are many methods you can use to expand your vocabulary as a writer. Here are some tips on how to increase your word power.
1. Read More
Read a lot and read from a variety of sources. Magazines, newspapers, blogs, novels, comics, and more can fill you up with new words you might never have seen without exploring these texts. The more words you put into your brain, the more words you will have available for you to use in your writing. Reading other people’s writing can open your mind to a plethora of new words. (plethora = overabundance, excess.)
2. Look Up Words in a Dictionary
As you are reading more varied texts, you will come across words you don’t know. Don’t just simply gloss over them. Instead, stop and look up the meaning of each new word. If you’re reading an e-reader, such as a Kindle, you just need to highlight the word and you’ll see the dictionary definition. Dictionary.com and the Merriam Webster dictionary app are also helpful to have on-hand. Taking the time to investigate the meanings will help cement the word into your brain for future use. It helps cohere the new word to your memory. (cohere = to stick to, cling.)
3. Keep a Word Journal
Once you’ve looked up new words using your dictionary, record each new word in a journal. This will put all of your new words in one handy space. Refer back to your journal often to review some of the vocabulary terms you have gained. Make a goal to incorporate these words into your writing (for school, social media, personal journals, notes, etc.). Actively practicing these new words in written form will help you improve your vocabulary. You will soon acclimate to using your fancier vocabulary. (acclimate = make or become adjusted.)
4. Learn a New Word Each Day
There are numerous sites that can help you learn a new word every day. Merriam-Webster has a Word-of-the-Day feature that has a mini-podcast each day to give multiple examples of how to use the word. Collins Dictionary also offers a Word of the Day. Using a dictionary (either online or in print) will help you discover the meanings of new words. You can also use apps and websites that teach you a new word and meaning each day. As you visit these sites, make a note in your word journal of these new words. You can also visit an improve vocabulary app on your phone to get some word coaching on the go. These circadian visits to learn words can help you stay on track with broadening your vocabulary. (circadian = daily.)
5. Use New Words Frequently in Conversations
Try out your new words verbally in daily conversations. Make a goal to incorporate one new word into your communication with others every day. The more you speak and use new words, the more they will be committed to your memory. There’s definitely a connection between speaking and writing. Improving your spoken vocabulary also improves your written vocabulary and vice versa (or contrariwise.) (contrariwise = vice versa)
6. Play Word Games
Doing daily crosswords can help you step up your vocab game. There are online options or you can use the simple pencil-and-paper route. Interactive word games like Scrabble and Boggle can be fun and educational for you and a group of your friends. Apps on your phone such as Words With Friends can also be entertaining ways to increase your vocabulary. Many of these games are riveting. (riveting = fascinating, gripping.)
7. Choose Better, More Specific Words
Once you’ve started to learn new words and expand your vocabulary, choose better words in your writing. Certain vague words (like big or small) should be avoided and replaced with specific, more descriptive words. If the house was big, was it colossal? Enormous? Monstrous? Gigantic? There are better choices you can make with an expanded vocabulary. Using these precise words helps paint a clearer picture for your reader. It also helps your writing be less obscure. (obscure = not easily understood.)
8. Use a Thesaurus
If you’re trying to incorporate more specific words, it’s helpful to use a thesaurus. When you see a vague word in your essay, look it up in a thesaurus and pick a more accurate and effective word. OneLook has a thorough thesaurus that is extremely helpful. Or should I say practical? Beneficial? Handy? The thesaurus helps you find the exact word you are looking for. It will ameliorate your word choices. (ameliorate = make, become better.)
Becoming a better writer means choosing better words in your writing. The more specific and interesting your words are, the more engaging and comprehensible your writing will be. With a small amount of daily effort, you can increase your vocabulary and take your writing to the next level, which in turn will also help you become a better speaker!
Source: Word Counter
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