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Inside The Language

Inside The Language

Date: Sep 26 2011

Topic: Conversational English

Author: englishteacher24/7

Lesson

Inside the Language – Lesson No. 1

Learning English can be challenging and the beginning is to learn the basic Parts of Speech which will provide the rules of the language. In many countries, English is the native language and others it’s taught in junior and high school.

This structured study is necessary and the teachers are limited by time and the vastness of the language. My area of teaching English is to focus on the area that is not taught or is only taught by way of mentioning it. The side of English that is not taught is as large or larger than the structured parts of English.

This side of English is an area that doesn’t have any rules and many times cannot be understood by using logic. This is what I call “Inside the Language” which I will attempt to reveal to you in a brief lesson.

The areas I’m speaking of are comprised of the following:

1. Figures of speech- Using words in a distinctive manner to guide or mis-guide the listener. The titles below can all be placed under this name.

2. Puns- A word or phrase that has a double-meaning and used to allude the listener. William Shakespeare was known to use puns in his plays.

3. A play on words- Using puns to express a thought that has a double meaning.

4. Phrases and Idioms- Using a phrase to express a thought. Examples: A pretty penny (something was expensive), a drop in the bucket (a small contribution to the amount that is required.)

“An idiom is a phrase where the words together has a meaning that is different from the dictionary definitions of the individual words.” (UsingEnglish.com)

5. Homophones (homonyms)- Words that are spelled differently but have the same pronunciation sound. Example: Night /knight, bear /bare, hear/here

6. Personification- A figure of speech in which an inanimate object is used having human qualities. Example: “The ocean screamed in it’s fury!”

In this example, oceans don’t have a voice to scream, but the word “screamed” is used as if it were a human. In other words, the waves of the ocean produced a loud sound.

7. Euphemisms- Substituting an offensive or less desirable word for a non-offensive more desirable word. Example: Instead of saying a person died, you could say they passed away or a pre-owned car instead of a used car.

On this side of learning English, you will have to:

1.  Expose yourself to reading informal English materials.

2.  If possible speak to native speakers.

3.  Write down expressions you hear and make it your goal to learn the meaning.

Step-by-step you will increase your knowledge and you’ll see your improvement over time.

Lesson No. 2 will be: Determining the mood of the speaker

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Nijar

Nijar

Egypt

My teacher, I can notice that the same word can switch between verbs, nouns and adjectives( In English the same word can identify and take the shape as many parts of speech with the same pronunciation sometimes). To be sure that I understand it, I’ll give it a try to prove myself:


1.The bandage was tied around the injury(the first wound was verb and the second is noun).


2.The farm was used to grow food( with large quantity)(the first one is verb and the second is noun)


3.The dump was so full that it had to reject more rubbish (the first is verb and the second is noun but with different pronunciations).


4.We must clean the furniture which made in poland(the first one is verb and the second is adjective)


5.He could win if he would get the points out(the first is verb and the second is noun)(note: this sentence confused me, so explain it more my teacher, please!)


6.The soldier decided to leave his dessert in the desert(area of hot, dry land)(the first one is verb and the second is noun with different pronunciations)


7.Since there is no time like now, he thought it was time to introduce(give)the gift(the first and the third are noun whatever the second is verb with different pronunciations).


8.A fish was painted on the head of the double drum(both of them are noun but in different pronunciations).


9.When shot at, the white bird moved down quickly throw the air(the first is noun and the second is verb with different pronunciations).


10.I didn’t oppose to the topic(plan)(the first is verb, though the second is noun with different pronunciations).


11.The insurance was not acceptable for the sick (the first is adjective, though the second is noun).


12.There was an argument among the oarsmen about how to line(the first is noun, though the second is verb).


13.They were too near to the door to shut it(the first is adjective, though the second is verb with different pronunciations).


14.The buck performs funny things when the females are present(the first is verb ,though the second is noun with different pronunciations)


15.A seamstress and a sewing machine fell down into the pipe(both of them are    nouns).


16.To help with planting the farmer taught his pig to scatter(plough)(the first is noun and the second is verb).


17.The air was too strong to turn(twist)the sail(the first is noun, though the second is verb with different pronunciations).


18.Upon seeing the hole in the painting I shed a cry(both of them are nouns).


19.I had to submit the study to a series of tests(the first is verb ,though the second is noun).


20.How can I explain this to my close friends(the first is verb, though the second is adjective with difference pronunciations)


Finally here’s one which I composed: It’s a rough world, so take the rough with the smooth!


Thanks my teacher(you fill the tank with water …HEEEE) I worked a lot , got benefits and taught my eye how to catch anything while observing the dictionary.

10:33 PM Apr 21 2013 |

englishteacher24/7

United States

Lesson 4B- Homonym sentences :


What is a Homonym?  Let’s take apart the word and discover its meaning.


Homo= Same / Onym= Word or name.


Therefore Homonyms are words with the same sound or spelling but with a different meaning.  However, all of these words are spelled the same but are pronounced differently with vastly different meanings. Therefore these are called “Heteronyms” Consider the sentences below:


1.  The bandage was wound around the wound.


2.  The farm was used to produce produce.


3.  The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.


4.  We must polish the Polish furniture.


5.  He could lead if he would get the lead out.


6.  The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.


7.  Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to presentthe present.


8.  A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.


9.  When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.


10. I did not object to the object.


11. The insurance was invalid for the invalid.


12. There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.


13. They were too close to the door to close it.


14. The buck does funny things when the does are present.


15. A seamtress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.


16. To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.


17. The wind was too strong to wind the sail.


18. Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.


19. I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.


20. How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?


Try to understand the pronunciation and meaning of these homonyms which will advance your understanding of an aspect of English.  If you have any questions please ask.

05:37 AM Apr 21 2013 |

Erise

Erise

Poland

As far as I’ve understood, people do use double- negatives in the spoken language?


like


1.  The baby cried all night and I didn’t get no sleep!



2.  I can’t hardly wait for the test scores.



3.  We don’t want no money from you.



4.  The driver could not find no place to park.



5.  We don’t need no new laws on voting.



Thank you, Mr. Alston for these priceless tours into native lands of English language

12:23 PM Apr 07 2013 |

englishteacher24/7

United States

Nijar, do you see the difference one letter can make?  Yes, humor and a play on words can be very effective methods of teaching and learning English. Thanks for your post. 

03:32 AM Mar 06 2013 |

Nijar

Nijar

Egypt

I just remember this dialogue from my primary school stage.


Tim:What you eat,Tom?


Tom:I eat a pear.


Tim:You eat a bear!(with wonder tone in his voice and face)


Tom:I eat a pear. the fruit,not the animal(he showed it to him)


I still remember it,and laugh.


My teacher:Don’t you think it’s really a funny way to make you love English?(play with words)

10:38 PM Feb 28 2013 |

englishteacher24/7

United States

Lesson No. 4 – Homophones- Words with the same sound but with different meanings:


Spoken form- When these words are spoken, you cannot determine which word is used except by the context.


Written form- When writing English, this is one error you want to avoid because it will immediately be noticed by the reader.  This is especially true for a business that intends to advertise in English-speaking countries.  It would be better to hire a native-speaking proofreader from the country where the material will be read.


Examples:


1. Air, heir, err 2. Heal, hill  3. Here, hear 4. Know, no


5. Sea, see   6. Their, there, they’re    7. To, two, too


8. Unreal, unreel   9. Waist, waste    10.  Wait, weight


Here is a link to more examples:


http://www.homophone.com/index.php


Conclusion:


The method to use in correctly using homophone words is to gain practice in writing and use a dictionary to confirm the word you intend to use.


Finally, here is a quick lesson in using prefixes to help you in determining the meaning of a word.  The word: “homo-phone” has “homo” which means “same” and “phone” which means “speech sound.”


When you put these two words together, you have the meaning: “same speech sound.”


Learning prefixes and suffixes is a productive way of increasing your vocabulary.  If you learn the meaning of words one-by-one, unless you use them, you are not likely to remember all of them. 


Teaching a person how to fish is better than giving them a fish meal!


Next Lesson No. 5: Reading between the lines



11:35 AM Feb 18 2013 |

englishteacher24/7

United States

Please remember tone, intonation, and emphasis where applicable.  Smile

07:52 AM Oct 21 2012 |

kotlesya

kotlesya

Belarus

Thank you for the useful suggestion, dear Alston. :)


I will create a theme for the “dialogue” between “me” and “me” today starting from the simple subject with simple words and grammar to move to the complicated ones afterwards.


“10 minutes per day” are much effective than 45min or an hour per week. Your statement has been proved  by myself when I was learning English language in the early stages. The regularity is quite important. :)


I have noticed  that English language can easily be forgotten without some practice in the writing, listening or speaking. I had a long gap without English language ( about 3 years or more). During that time all my knowledge that seemed to be not bad in the University evaporated from my mind  completely :D  I should have started to learn it from the level of beginner again. :D


Nowadays, I pay lots of attention and time to English language because it turns from my hobby to the elementary  help of the homework my kids must do three times per week.


When they reach the level of simple discussion of simple things around them  I’ m looking forward to play a scene  with  some roles in English. It will be  something like a short theatrical performance. I think it would be useful  for them to learn English in the way like that. 

09:09 AM Oct 20 2012 |

1 person likes this

englishteacher24/7

United States

Lesya, “keep on moving forward” is your key, even if it’s only 10 minutes per day.


In regards to role play with yourself, here is my suggestion: In your mother tongue, ask a question or make a statement.  Then answer it or respond in English.  For example, if Person A says in Russian: It’s a hot day today!  Person B would respond: “Yes, I know, we must keep ourselves hydrated” (in English).


The dialogue can get as advanced as you like.  Hope this helps everyone to move forward all by yourself!

07:51 AM Oct 20 2012 |

kotlesya

kotlesya

Belarus

Dear, Alston thank you for the advices. I will definitely  follow them.


Writing in English and listening to the native speakers (in low speed of speech of course)  is more comfortable for me than speaking myself, though native speakers I’m talking to on Skype tell me that I’m understandable. :D


I always say them I don’t believe them considering their praise as a friendly flattery or just teacher’s encouragement to lift my “English hobby” up :D 


I took the abvice about “role play and speak to yourself until you have an opportunity” . I thought it never works when I speak to myself in English :)


Now I see the professional teacher recommends.


Without any hesitation I will use this method :)


I’m keep on moving forward Smile

10:33 AM Oct 19 2012 |

englishteacher24/7

United States

Hello Lesya and Everyone,


If you try to learn every word, every phrase, every variation and possible way of expressing something, you might as well resign yourself to defeat.  The way to learn this language is to learn some words, jump in and start speaking and writing.  If no one is available to speak to, role play and speak to yourself until you have an opportunity.  Continue learning and don’t worry about what it’s called grammatically until later (if you want.)


Your English is written very good, but many are afraid to write because they may make mistakes.  There is no way to learn anything without making mistakes!


Keep moving forward in exposing yourself to various aspects of English and you’ll be amazed at your progress!  Wink

08:40 AM Oct 19 2012 |

kotlesya

kotlesya

Belarus

English language abounds with words with many different meanings. This is one of many reasons why English language is so complicated.


Gerund, phrasal verbs, tenses are on the top of the most difficult grammar points for me to understand because they can’t be compared with Russian grammar for better understanding. 

10:44 AM Oct 16 2012 |

englishteacher24/7

United States

Lesson No. 3 – Analyzing different ways of saying the same thing :


English characteristics- Communicating in English allows the speaker to use various words and phrases to express the same intent (meaning.)  This can be confusing to the student of English in comparison to other languages.


For example, in classic Greek there are at least 3 different words for the  English word “love” depending on the context.  However, in English there is only the word “love” to express affection for anything. 


Therefore, we compensate for this inadequacy in the language by using additional words to express the intended meaning.  This is why translators will translate material into English differently than each other and still have the same basic meaning.  Consider the English examples below:


1. I am going to the store.


2. I’m going to the store.


3. I am headed for the store.


4. I’m headed for the store.


5. To the store, I shall go.


6. See you at the store.


7. I am going to be at the store.


All of these examples express the same basic meaning of the person destination is the store.


This is a reason why you must be immersed in English if you intend to learn it fluently.  Expose yourself to many avenues of English, ie. literature, conversation, music, movies, interviews and any other forms of English expression.


The US Presidential Debates is an excellent English learning exercise to analyze the conversation.  Locate it on the internet and take your time to cultivate your understanding.


Next Lesson No. 4- Words with the same sound but different meanings

englishteacher24/7

United States

You’re welcome Anja!

08:50 PM Jul 28 2012 |

englishteacher24/7

United States

Hello Lesya, it is good you have a great interest in identifying the mood of the writer.  Apparently you have developed a skill to identify the personality of the writer.  As long as you are accurate in your assessment, that is fantastic!


Anja, I admire the fact that you immediately put into practice that which you learn and offer feedback.  By observing people communicating, you can relate it to the actual meaning of the words they use.  Therefore, without knowing the meaning of some words used, you can make an educated guess and understand the meaning of the word(s) or come pretty close to it.


In the case of writing, I’m in total agreement with you.  It’s more challenging to determine the mood of a writer, however, if you see a pattern of thought, you can begin to see the mindset of the writer.  Let’s take a look at a contrast between speaking and writing.


Consider reversing the words “can you” and “you can” in a statement:


Speaking:


1. Can you? This meaning is: Are you able to do something?


2. You can!  This meaning is: You are permitted or able to do something.


Now, in the case of “you can,” if you speak it with emphasis, the meaning will change from being permitted or able to do something into a question of: Are you able to do something?  This change is the result of using an emphatic tone and intonation.  (You CAN-N-N?)


To express this in written form would require you to use additional words to adequately express it using a question mark.  In written form it would be:


Do you think you can do it?


In spoken English, the speaker can use the words “you can” with a “Hmm” type of expression by pressing the lips firmly together and a tilt/nodding of the head to express the thought.  It’s a classic use of implication in making a statement implying “I don’t think so!”


Learning the particulars of conversational English can be fun and doesn’t have to be difficult.  As Lesya has said, “the thinking, writing and speaking a foreign language is perfect sport for the brain!”

07:53 AM Jul 26 2012 |

kotlesya

kotlesya

Belarus

The thinking, writting and speaking in foreign languagе is a perfect “sport” for the brain. Languages improve our mind. Do you agree? What is your professional opinion being a teacher, Anja?


How I wish I could be your and Alston’s student. It would be interesting for me to listen you and Alston in the classroom Smile

05:18 AM Jul 25 2012 |

1 person likes this

kotlesya

kotlesya

Belarus

My dearest, Anja your words are golden “Nevertheless, expressing your thoughts and ideas in writing in a foreign language is much more difficult then we might think”  If anybody could know how difficult to formulate thoughts in foreign language.  


I wish all people on Earth could have only ONE common language (these are my stupid fantasies ;)



11:42 AM Jul 24 2012 |

1 person likes this

kotlesya

kotlesya

Belarus

Determining the mood of the writer has a great interest to me. The well-known fact is it’s not easy to comprehend the exact mood and idea that lays behind the words of the writer.


I have to admit sometimes I literally “see” the personality of writer, I can feel the mood of the writer. How? I don’t know how it happens. Maybe it depends of the frequency our communication. Day by day we learn to understand each other better despite we strictly confined to use not verbal method of conversation in computer world.Smile

06:11 AM Jul 24 2012 |

1 person likes this

englishteacher24/7

United States

Lesson No. 2B: Determining the mood of the speaker:


Introduction:


In English there are many ways to express a thought.  Some thoughts can be expressed very specifically and others can lend themselves to various interpretations.


For example, the word “insinuate” basically means to insidiously introduce a thought gradually to direct the thinking of someone.  Something can be said directly or indirectly.  Yes can mean yes, no can mean no, however, the word “maybe” can mean yes or no depending on the situation.


Word Selection:


Selecting certain words gives the speaker/writer freedom to persuade or influence their audience.  By considering the choice of words, the careful listener (or reader) can begin to determine the mood (intent) of  the speaker/writer.


For instance, using figures of speech such as:



  • Euphemisms- Substituting a milder word for a harsher word.

  • Reading between the lines- Understanding the hidden meaning.

  • Tongue-in-cheek- Something that is said humorously and not to be taken at face value (seriously).

  • Metaphors- Describing something in a figuratively way.

  • Hyperbole- Using exxageration to make a point.

  • Imagery- Making use of mental pictures or images.


Benefits of observation:


These and other strategies of speech places the actual meaning of the speaker in a sort of “grey area” that requires the observance of the following:



  • Facial expression

  • Tone (Quality or character of sound)

  • Intonation (Changing pitch of sound to make emphasis)

  • Body language

  • Eye contact


The result of this observance combined with the choice of words will help to determine the mood (intent) of the speaker.  However, let’s consider the mood of the speaker using non-verbal communication.  For example, a smile indicates a pleasant emotion.  By contrast, tears coupled with a negative situation indicates sadness.  On the other hand, tears coupled with a positive situation can be “tears of joy!”


Sometimes during these types of scenarios, words can get in the way.  The main point is this, observe the use of non-verbal communication combined with verbal communication to determine the mood of the speaker.


Determining the mood of the writer:


The mood of writers is not easy to determine compared with that of speakers.  Since writers are limited to communication by words, the reader must rely on the choice of words and context to determine the writer’s mood.


For example, consider the word “may.”  Grammatically, this word fits into the category of “modal verbs” which when used, allows the writer liberty to make statements that are not definite.  Consider this statement to Sherri from Betty:


Sherri, I may come to your house Friday night.”


Question: Is Betty coming to Sherri’s house Friday night?


Answer: The answer is not definite.  Betty didn’t say she was going to come to Sherri’s house on Friday night.  She also did not say she wasn’t going to go to Sherri’s house.  Therefore, what was actually meant by her statement?  Actually Betty didn’t commit to anything!  She just expressed a desire to come to Sherri’s house Friday night.  She may or may not come based on how things are happening at that time.  Native speaking people would express this scenrio as: “We’ll play it by ear!” which means we’ll decide at that time based on mutual convenience for the visit.


Conclusion:



  • Be careful not to read into a statement words that are not there.



  • Be careful not to take words totally at their face value but consider the variables that were mentioned previously (in the word selection).

  • Practice by recognizing and analyzing moods by listening to interviews or speeches of English speaking people.

  • Take every opportunity to read, write, speak and think in English.


Next Lesson No. 3: Analyzing different ways to say the same thing.

englishteacher24/7

United States

Thanks Tashauna!

05:05 AM Apr 02 2012 |

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