Inside The Language

Hello Mr. Alston,

That’s definitely an important point. I had to do more searching to find out more about types of questions and see examples to get a better understanding of it, and I found out I was using them without even knowing it.

Here are some suggestions based on my understanding,

1. Direct question: Have you done your home work yet?

2. Rhetorical question: Why can’t all people just live in peace putting aside their differences?

3. Loaded question: Are you done blaming me for losing your job?

It actually took me quite a while to come up with these examples, I hope they are right.

Thank you Mr. Alston for another beneficial post of yours.

Types of Questions: 

Asking questions is an effective method of expressing yourself in an indirect manner.

There are various types of questions that are used to persuade or challenge a person.

Below are 3 types of questions:

1. A Direct Question: This is a simple type of question where the answer is either yes or no.

2. A Rhetorical Question: This type of question is asked to cause a person to think. It does not seek a direct answer but is thought-provoking.

3. A Loaded Question: This type of question contains an assumption or something controversial that traps the person into a position of guilt.

My Question: Can you think of an example for each type of question listed above?

If so, please write your answers.

Dear Lesya, thank you for your comments. I always appreciate your feedback because you write from your heart.

The slang phrase “what’s up” is not ordinarily a rude greeting but is oftentimes used among friends or with people you feel comfortable in using it. It depends on the context as to how its meaning is perceived.

Consider these scenarios:

1. What’s up = Good morning or how are you doing?

2. What’s up = Hello!

3. What’s up = Why are you doing that?

You wouldn’t use this slang greeting to your boss or any superior level person unless you are on such an informal basis with that person, in that case, it would be acceptable and not a sign of disrespect.

There are many reasons people want to learn English, be it, for school, business, promotions, personal life, etc. However, your hobby of learning English for your pleasure is a noble one. Thanks for your years of support.

You have made a brilliant post, dear Alston, as usually :) 

I always try to follow your recommendations. 

Concerning your explanation about level 3 “idioms,phrases,slang” I must confess that I was confused and thought to myself “what a rude referring!” when I got an email with informal “what’s up?”.  Really, not seeing the person, not knowing a slang of native Americans or English people we have a risk to misunderstand the person we talk to. 

Of course, my level of English is too far from even level one and to my shame I don’t improve it last time though must do it everyday.  My hobby, lots of chores plus other things put me aside Of English language for a while.

But I still love this language and never give up on it. As I said long time ago here, English is not my work, or responsibility,  or something else. English is my hobby which I have chosen by myself and which brings me only pleasure. 

Have a nice day, my dearest teacher :) 

Mahisan, you’re welcome. I agree with you that knowing where to begin is most important. In addition, knowing the categories can give a sense of direction.

Thanks for your input.

Hello Mr.alston

I want to thank you about  explain level of  the  english .

 In my idea when we want to learn a foreign language it is very important to know where should we start it.

Easypeasy, thanks for your feedback and I agree with you wholeheartedly. Your suggestion to listen to radio stations of the target language is a good idea and I’d like to add to pay attention to the commercials and traffic reports that is directly connected to everyday life in that city. The internet is great for this type of activity.

Justina, I appreciate your feedback as well. Concerning your request of where to find English phrases and idioms, you can start building a vocabulary list right here on Englishbaby in the vocabulary section: http://englishbaby.com/vocab

In addition, here are a couple more links: http://www.learnenglishfeelgood.com/

http://www.englishcurrent.com/idioms/esl-idioms-intermediate-advanced/

In regards to your dilemma of “locking up” before speaking, my suggestion is that you need to seize an opportunity to speak or at least chat or communicate English on a regular basis.

It doesn’t take an extensive vocabulary to speak a light sentence, it only takes an opportunity to use the vocabulary you already have.

The suggestions and thoughts that Easypeasy, Amira and I wrote will help you to accomplish your goal. I hope this helps you and others.

Mr. Alston, I want to thank you for your help ! I want to ask, maybe you know websides, where I can find English phrases and idioms?

I have a problem, when people a talking in English, I can understood quite good, but when I want to say sometging it’s really hard, I cannot say a light sentences… It’s my poor vocabulary quilty ? Dear Alston what I have to do ? 

 Mr. Alston I think you gave us some nice ideas how to make your environment “English” (or another language you learn). This is an important aspect when you want to learn a foreign language. The more the language surrounds you the faster you learn it. Some people might think you have to be in the country where the language you want to learn is spoken. However, we have so many possibilities to learn it at home. Communicating with native speakers with the help of social media is a very good way to do so. When I started to communicate with people here on EnglishBaby my English improved a lot( even though they weren’t English native speakers). 

Another good way to learn/improve your foreign language skills is listening to radio stations that are in your target language for example. It’s even effective just to let it play in the background. At this way you automatically get used to the language’s melody and rhythm. You create the “English”(or Spanish, or French …ect.) environment. 

Amira, you’re welcome; no pains in the neck but you are a good motivator to have a reason to invest my time to help students like you!

If you keep on your present course, it’s only a matter of time before you reach your English goals. :)

Mr. Alston, that was a really powerfully beneficial reply of you. I’m considering every one of the suggestions you have proposed below.

Working in an English-speaking environment is more of a goal for me than a way to improve my English, but still one of the greatest motivations pushing me to learn more and indulge more in the language.

Seeking an English tutor was one of the potential plans for me. However, I prefer to continue with second best option for a while at the present until I can afford one, especially that I’m learning more than one language.

Role-playing is also a good option. I’m going to give it a shot.

Thank you so much Mr. Alston for dedicating your time and effort to answer my questions. I hope I’m not getting a pain in the neck :)

Amira, you have given an insightful commentary on the lesson and the assessment of your current level in English. Your written English is superb and by your own admission you have a good working knowledge of Level 3. I presume there to be many people who would love to trade places with you.

You have alluded to the million dollar question of how to use the English knowledge when you’re not in an English speaking environment?

There is not an easy answer to this dilemma but I will offer some suggestions:

1. Seek a job in an English-speaking environment such as an embassy, governmental agencies, international companies, and companies that seek English speaking employees.

2. Use a fee-based English tutor for as many times per week that you can afford. The advantage of a paid tutor is that you can depend on them on a regular basis and receive precise instruction that you need. The link below have many tutors from $5.00-$25.00 per hour USD, although I think an half -hour is sufficient. I previously offered tutoring on that website.

https://buddyschool.com/

3. If you cannot afford a fee-based tutor, a language exchange relationship is the next best option. Below are a couple of language exchange websites. Be prepared to teach your partner your language.

https://www.interpals.net/     https://www.mylanguageexchange.com/

4. Locate an English speaking pen-pal and communicate by email or chat.

5. Role play with yourself, write out a script as Person A and Person B and communicate as two people. This will give you practice to think up a script and then to verbalize it. Record it and play it back to critique your speech.

In direct answer to your question, instead of reducing your competency of English by using basic “direct” language, overcome this tendency by connecting with a speaker that can help you to use what you have and continue to expand your English from your current level.

Hi, Mr. Alston,

I’d like to thank you for explaining the three levels of English language to reach fluency. I’m sure it’s of great advantage to all the readers, including me of course, to know where we’re standing exactly in the learning process and taking the advice how to move to the next level.

Me, I think I’ve been standing in the third level for a long time now, I kind of have a lot of idioms and expressions I’ve learned through the few past years from e,baby and others. I even have a word file where I note every new word and idiom written in a phrase from my creation following your advice. Now they’re almost all stored in my mind, but I use none. I do know them and I recognize them while reading or watching a movie, but I have a lack of usage. For some reason I prefer direct language while writing!

Can I ask your advice what to do to overcome this?

Sorry for prolonging!

Learning 3 Levels of English to Achieve Fluency:

The purpose of this forum is to take the reader beyond the surface of English into deeper aspects of English, thus, Inside the Language.

The first step is to answer the question, “What is fluency?”

Simply put, fluency is the ability to write and speak smoothly. It means to understand and be understood by others. A person can be fluent in written form but not fluent in speech and vice-versa. The word “fluent” in relation to the English language means to be fluent in speech and written form.

Level No. 1 (Parts of Speech) - The first level includes basic and intermediate levels of English that includes relating vocabulary, basic grammar, objects, expressions, and sentence structure in English along with proper pronunciation. On this level the student is able to communicate a thought in English using words that have a literal meaning.

For example, if a person on this level is hungry they know how to communicate the thought “I am hungry” and in addition “where can I get some food?” This is Basic English and necessary as a foundation to work towards fluency. 

With that being said, English usage progresses from the basic to creative uses of words. If native speakers remained on this level, learning English would be a lot easier than it is. English as taught to non-speakers primarily focuses on the content that is on this level, with grammar being the main part.

To receive the maximum benefit of the items on this level, the strategy should be to have a thorough understanding of the basics and focus on applying the principles learned. A hands-on approach is more productive than a mind full of English technical information that is not being used.

It appears that a student who is proficient on this level as a result of English classes from school should be able to easily understand a native speaker; however, this is not necessarily the case because native speakers are not limited to using only the fundamentals of this level. Therefore, it is necessary to go to Level No. 2 inside the language.

Level No. 2 (Figures of Speech)  On this level the literal (actual) meaning of words are changed or modified through figures of speech (figurative language) expressed as metaphors, similes, hyperbole, personification, and many more. As a category, it is the opposite of a literal expression. Below is a brief description of some figures of speech:

1. Metaphors  Is a comparison between two unlike objects to make a point, for example: “The whole world is a stage, and everybody is playing a part.” “Stage” is the metaphor to make a point about the world.

2. Simile - This figure of speech is very similar to a metaphor but uses words such as “like” “as” “seems” “appears” etc. For example, “The whole world is like a stage and everybody plays a part. In this case, “stage” is a simile because it used the word “like” before stage.

3. Hyperbole - This figure of speech uses an extreme or overstatement to make a point. For example, “The hungry boy came over and ate the whole house!” Does this mean that the hungry boy came over and ate the table, chairs, lamps, books, etc.? No, it is using an exaggeration to indicate that the boy was hungry and ate a lot.

4. Personification - This figure of speech attaches human features to non-human objects. For example, “The wind was singing a song during the night.” Singing a song is something that humans do but in this case it describes the wind was blowing harder than usual.

5. Sarcasm - A technique of expressing bitterness, harshness, displeasure or critical comments. Sarcasm can be expressed in a direct or indirect form. For example, “The fence you built is so weak if a fox climbs on it, it will fall down.” 

Some sarcastic comments can be communicated in such a way that you have to “read between the lines” to reveal it.

As you can see, on Level 2 you must be aware of this figurative language to understand the true meaning of a statement. If you interpret everything in a literal sense, you will be confused as to the intended meaning.

Therefore to achieve fluency, this level is necessary to include in your acquiring English. Everything spoken or written is not always what it appears to be. Understand the context; observe facial expressions, body movement, tone, intonation, and silence.

Level 3 – Idioms, Phrases, Slang - English on this level marches to the beat of a different drummer. In other words, many of the words and phrases used in English have no basis in logic, may not be found in a traditional dictionary, and are unique to the culture.

This level is the most difficult and challenging to acquire, especially if you’re not in the U.S. However, the best strategy to achieve success on this level is to live in the U.S. and engage with the residents or if this is not possible, to be in communication on a regular basis with a knowledgeable native teacher or a non-native teacher who is knowledgeable on this level.

The content of this level is so woven into the fabric of English that most is a part of everyday English. Below are some examples:

Idiom - An arm and a leg= Something expensive or a large amount of money.  

Phrase - Straight up = To be direct about something.

Slang - What’s up? = An informal greeting or current status about something.

Conclusion

The 3 levels inside the language covers a lot of what you’ll encounter in everyday English. To achieve fluency, it is recommended that you pay close attention to things you don’t understand, write them down and determine what they mean and how they’re used. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, don’t worry about making mistakes.

Think in English on a regular basis (everyday), find English speakers to communicate with and be pro-active in using what you’ve learned. Discard fear and avoid starting and stopping. Avoid excessive grammar, it can discourage you. Build your vocabulary from frequently used words and not from a traditional dictionary (you don’t want to spend time learning words you’ll never use.)

Use the internet to learn idioms, phrases, and slang or specific dictionaries on these items and search for additional information according to your interest.

Well, that’s all for now, please feel free if you have any questions on this topic.    

Anja, I can’t blame you for banning the word “awesome” from your active vocabulary because I basically have done the same thing.

Many words and phrases come and go, for example a phrase that is prevalent now is “Do you feel me?” which means “Do you  understand what I am saying?” or “Don’t even go there!” which means “Don’t pursue a point that may cause an argument”

This is information that takes the reader inside the language. You do well to learn and teach natural English that is current being used in everyday society. 

Alston, you and I share a peeve.  My dislike for the word ‘awesome’ is so strong that I literally banned it from my active vocabulary. :)

Thanks so very much for your round-up on words. I do understand now that using literally is a form of hyperbole and may even be seen as a metaphor. Therefore native speakers don’t misuse the term but exaggerate wildely and that on purpose. 

I guess this is where language changes come from? Because words become what people decide they are – literally :)

Hello Anja,

You have asked a very good question and I hope to give an understanding of the word “literally.” First let’s establish a few rules about any word:

1. Most words (if not all words) have more than one meaning and can be used in different figures of speech (e.g. verb, adjective, etc.)

2. Words have to be understood in the context they’re used.

3. A determination has to be made if the word is used “literally”, “metaphorically”, “hyperbolically” or  in a “phrase/slang.”

4. In speech, tone, facial expression, body gestures, or if spoken sarcastically or tongue-in-cheek must be considered for the true intent of the speaker.

5. One-size (word) does not fit all meanings.

Now in regards to your question about the use of the word “Literally” I would agree that some native speakers are getting carried away with its usage. However, it is being used within the normal definition of the word. 

The meaning can be: strictly speaking, actually, word-for-word (verbatim), or hyperbolically (using extremes to describe something.)

Yes, the word “Literally” can be the opposite of “figuratively” but it’s not a “slam dunk,” or in other words, it’s not limited to just that definition.

No, native speakers are not mis-using the term, they’re just using more of the other definitions of it. Also, you are correct in your assessment that it’s also used to add emphasis to a statement. Therefore, “literally” is not the new “literally” although it may seem like it.

Speaking of God, one of my pet peeves is the frequent flippant use of the word “Awesome.” This word is reserved for speaking of something that fills you with “Awe” which is an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, respect, fear, etc.

You can see that it is an English word that you could use in speaking of God’s majesty. However, nowadays the word “Awesome” is used for anything that excites a person.

For example, statements such as: “That was an awesome cake you baked” or “The jelly beans from Ed’s candy store are awesome!” or ”The performance was awesome”

You can see how the word “Awesome” has been reduced to a frivolous, almost meaningless word.

Well, that’s my take on these two words. Any subsequent questions are welcomed.

The saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” may have its place, but don’t always take it to the bank.

Hello Alston,

the word ’literally’ literally drives me insane! :) I hear statements with ‘literally’ all the time from native speakers. ” Oh my God! There were literally thousands of people waiting in line!” ” I literally wrote a thousand emails today!”  Really? Did you all count them?

Now I might sound a bit nerdy here but isn’t literally the opposite adjective of figuratively? Why is it then, that so many native speakes misuse this word so often. Can it be that literally is the new actually??   Just like 40 is the new 30..or Orange is the new black! Or is it actually used as an intensifier to add more drama to a statement?

It really would be super interesting to know what your take on this is.

 Sincere thanks from someone who wants to speak  a n d  teach natural English ;)

In the Bible, God uses this famous sentence to Moses ”...I am that I am...” in answer to Moses in regards to who sent Moses. Exodus 3:14

Thanks for your excellent conclusion.

Somy J, I suppose your suggestion that “I go” may qualify to be included technically. Hoewever, gramatically it isn’t correct because it should be stated as “I went” if in the past tense or “I am going…” if in the present tense. In the future tense it would be rendered “I will go.”

Nevertheless, it may turn out to be a case of six-on-one, half-a-dozen on the other.

Thanks for your efforts in answering this question.