I'm sure this topic has been covered before, but let's have a refresher course. I have had people ask me, what is the difference between multiple words that sound the same? Oh the joy of languages! Take for example, there, their, and they're. They all sound the same, but have three different meanings. So here it is in a nutshell:
there - in, at, or to that place or position (in which you are not present in at the moment)
My sister's house is locked. I left my suitcase over there. ("There" refers to the house that was previously mentioned)
their - possessive pronoun that indicates belonging to someone previously mentioned
The music band is sensational. Their songs always reach number one on the billboard charts. ("Their" refers to the music band previously mentioned)
they're - contraction meaning "they are"
My family likes my new boyfriend. They're always fawning over him. ("They're" refers to the family previously mentioned. You can replace they're with "they are" and the sentence is still understandable.)
Have a word or phrase you need clarified? Let's talk! Feel free to check my availability for a day and time convenient for you. I look forward to meeting you!
Want to learn English, but you are bored of books and grammar lessons? Why not try a classic modern American movie or two? It's fun, uses everyday English, exposes you to culture, helps with English pronunciation, and of course is a great topic of discussion! Some classics that use modern, yet easy-to-understand English are "Toy Story," "Cast Away," and "Forrest Gump."
What are some of your favorites? Why? How have they helped you? Feel free to comment below!
"It's just around the corner!"
"It's like finding a needle in a haystack."
"Time flies when you're having fun."
Have you ever heard phrases like these and then wondered, what are these crazy English speakers talking about?? Welcome to the world of idioms. It's phrases like these that make English colorful and fun. The phrase is not to be taken literally. There is a meaning behind the phrase that may have nothing to do with the actual words themselves.
What's your favorite English idiom? Go ahead and let us know, the ball is in your court.
Sign language is a beautiful language made up of several different components, basically everything but your vocal cords! The five components listed in order of importance are:
1.) Eye contact
2.) Facial expression
3.) Body language
4.) Mouth movements
5.) Hand movements
Eye Contact
In deaf culture, eye contact is very important. It is impossible to communicate unless your partner is looking at you. It is considered rude to unnecessarily break eye contact, unless you are indicating that the conversation is finished.
Facial Expression
Facial expressions convey adjectives, adverbs, and intensity. Are you happily doing the dishes, or tiredly doing the dishes? Are you excited about the ball game, or could you care less? The muscles in our face will express the emotions that our hands can't.
Body Movements
Our body will react naturally to the stimuli around it. We move away from things we don't like and we move toward things we like or are curious about. Body movements add depth and richness to our communication.
Mouth Movements
Mouth movements refer more to size and shapes, not forming English words with the mouth. If something is large, we blow out our cheeks, but if something is thin, we suck them in and purse our lips.
Hand Movements
Lastly, you need formal hand movements and hand shapes to form relationships in space and pictorial concepts. (This does not mean synonyms for English words.) One sign can mean many different things, depending on the facial expression, body language, and other emotions that go along with it.
Once you get the hang of the major components of this beautiful language, you will be able to express yourself in a meaningful nonverbal way that is full of feeling and emotion. If you want to learn more, feel free to contact me and I'll be more than happy to help you along your journey in learning a new kind of language!
Years ago, my friends and I enjoyed playing a game called "Would You Rather...?" You start with the question "Would you rather..." and then proceed to give two less than desirable options. I would like to apply this same concept here on Italki, but of course with more desirable options. I'll start with the first question. The next person must answer the question, explain why, and then pose a "Would You Rather...?" question of his or her own. Then the next person to comment must answer the previous person's question, explain why, and then pose a question of his own. Let's see how long we can carry this discussion!
Would you rather....
A. Learn a new language that uses a completely different alphabet
OR
B. Learn a new language that uses an alphabet similar to the one you are familiar with?
Ready....set....go!
Where would we be without the simple light bulb, or without the electricity that powers it? Great minds of the past have made the world as we know it today. Even now, new inventions are being brought to life everyday. I have to give my thanks to Alexander Graham Bell for my favorite invention, the telephone. I'm not sure what I would do if I couldn't put my life into one little portable device. Buy a clock, an agenda, a pad of paper, and a map, I guess.
What is your favorite invention and why? Or, are you cooking up your own invention? Feel free to share your thoughts! If you would like to discuss today's topic one-on-one, feel free to book a trial class at www.italki.com/teacher/3239587. I look forward to meeting you!
According to the Oxford Royale Academy, there's 10 top great reasons to learn English. Below are the top 5:
1. English is one of the most widely spoken languages.
2. English will open up more opportunities for you.
3. English will make you more desirable to employers.
4. English gives you access to some of the world's best universities.
5. English is the language of some of the world's greatest literature.
English certainly is an international language, one that connects schools, businesses, and countries. Although it does not replace one's mother tongue, it certainly accomplishes a purpose in that it helps one to branch out academically and professionally.
If you are interested in improving your English, feel free to try out any of my courses. I teach beginners, intermediate learners, advanced learners, and those who just want to converse in English. As a bonus, I teach American Sign Language to those who are looking to have meaningful conversations with the deaf, or who just want to satisfy curiosity. You can request a course by visiting my profile page at www.italki.com/teacher/3239587. I look forward to meeting you!
Oxford Royale Academy credit:
https://www.oxford-royale.co.uk/articles/reasons-learn-English.html
There are thousands of language apps out there to help one learn another language. Between these language apps and having conversations with a native speaker of the target language, which do you find to be most effective and why? Do you feel they are equally helpful, or is one better than the other?
