English information

l2shatteredd2 asked:


My dad is a lawyer and wants me to translate his stuff from english to spanish and wants to pay me, but i don’t know how much to charge. I tried looking it up but I can’t find anything decent. How much do you guys charge?

Tom Carter asked:


The Skinny on Teaching English in China

by Tom Carter

Having little luck finding an attractive job offer in the U.S. in 2004, I decided to take my skills where they were wanted — abroad.

Enticed by the “Teach English in China — No Experience Necessary” ads saturating the online classifieds, I emailed my resume with one hand and packed my bags with the other. I had no idea what to expect, but then, the great unknown can be what makes a job like teaching English in the People’s Republic so appealing.

As the world’s largest economy opens to foreign investment, education has become one of China’s thriving sectors. Confucius probably wouldn’t stand for it, but he wasn’t wearing pinstripe suits and driving a shiny black sedan. The country may be Communist in theory, but the renminbi — Chinese currency — is emperor.

A Chinese adage says that the best advice is often born from the most challenging experiences. After three years helping the sons and daughters of Han learn English, I’ve had my share. Westerners looking to teach in China may want to consider the following before packing their bags.

Some foreign English teachers may be shanghaied at least once during their time in China. Baiting unsuspecting Westerners to China with false promises of a high salary, deluxe apartment, airfare reimbursement, visa or other incentives is a common online scam. Blame it on temptation. Often Chinese laws are too fluid and relationships (”guanxi” in Mandarin) with authorities too intimate, leaving some foreigners with little protection against scams.

The moment I arrived in the Middle Kingdom I had what some seasoned expatriates call “the complete Chinese experience.” The “school” that had accepted my application turned out to be a nickel-and-dime operation run out of an apartment by a guy in his bathrobe. I’d come half way around the world for a job and found myself out of work.

I was literally lost in translation. Despair and a desire to return home to Mom set in. But I quickly learned that, commensurate with its sizeable population, China has a profusion of kindergarten, primary, middle and high schools and universities in even the most remote cities. In short order, I wound up with a position and salary more attractive than the one I had originally accepted.

Chinese parents may work night and day to pay for pricey English lessons so that their child can get a head start in this competitive society of 1.3 billion. Unfortunately, academics are not an issue to many of China’s new educational entrepreneurs who put profit before curriculum and quality. Classroom experience and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification is nice, but in many cases a Western face is all a native English speaker needs to land a teaching job in China.

In more reputable schools, most prospective English teachers don’t have it so easy. I endured a weeklong interview process, including a series of teaching demonstrations before 300 stern-looking parents, all while I was still jetlagged and suffering from culture shock. I must have done something right, because I was chosen to teach at a top school in the province.

Being rice-wined and dined by my prospective employer over 30-course banquet dinners did not distract me from negotiating a fair salary. Many foreigners (”laowai”) prefer to live in a cosmopolitan city like Beijing or Shanghai than a small town such as the one I had chosen, and I was able to use this preference as leverage during contract discussions. All deals in China, like the price of fruit at the marketplace, can be negotiated.

Most English teachers in China needn’t speak Mandarin in the classroom. Instead, we instruct students through a process of language immersion and simulation, which in time invariably leads to proficiency. Diligence and a little creativity are all that are really needed, but like performing on stage five times a day, it takes its toll.

Over the next few years, I would meet a number of disappointed young Westerners who came overseas as English teachers expecting to party all night and spend their free time pursuing adventures in the countryside. That, I would tell them, is a lifestyle for tourists, exchange students and embassy brats, not the hardworking teacher.

As a foreign expert English instructor, I’m scheduled for up to 30 classes a week and spend most of my free time planning lessons. I’m up at dawn with the older folks practicing their Tai Chi and not back home until after 10 p.m., about when the migrant construction workers also are getting off work.

I never thought I’d be an educator. I didn’t like most of my teachers when I was a kid. Teachers the world over are typically low paid, overworked and underappreciated. But the fatigue and the hit on my income — compared to what I might earn in the U.S. — are what I pay for being part of a rapidly-changing China. As it turned out, I’m not so bad in front of the chalkboard — I actually like it.

Learn Languages Abroad asked:


Today, Ireland is one of the most requested locations for the learning of English language, many students coming from different parts of the globe go there every year to experience a learning holiday abroad.

Being English the second most diffused language in the world nowadays, to learn English as a second language represents the key for young people to enter the labour market and to open the doors for their future. To have a good knowledge of the English language is very important and useful to work and study, to establish relationships, to travel: it is with no doubt, an essential mean to feel oneself part of the world.

One of the most important elements when you decide to get knowledge of a new language, is to choose the way of learning that best fits with your previous knowledge and your needs. You should try to find a stimulating learning way that allows you to gain good and fast knowledge, in order to apply your new language skills in ordinary life. The best way to gain such results is to leave for a learning holiday in an English language country, in order to catch all the possible variations and employments of the language by analising it both in the personal and professional field. This is exactly the reason why many foreign students choose Ireland as a perfect destination for their English learning.

Ireland is a wonderful isle located in the northern Atlantic Ocean, and delimited by the San Giorgio canal, the Ireland sea and the North canal, an awesome country, full of history, art and culture, and divided into four provinces with a strong cultural and linguistic cohesion.

To learn English in Ireland is an exciting and special experience. The isle collects lots of prestigious schools of English, offering courses for people of any age, adapted following students language starting level. In addition, Ireland offers to its students the opportunity to get in touch with its popular traditions, its history and its warm inhabitants.

Generally speaking, after attending lessons in a language school abroad, it is very important to keep a direct contact with the hosting country’s culture, mainly for a better learning and understanding of the language and its use. Ireland is a perfect location to this aim: it is a cozy country with a unique and varied natural landscape and people there, perfectly reflect the qualities of their country.

In fact, Irish people are very nice, friendly and special people, affectioned towards their traditions and culture, and eager for conveying all this to the students in visit to their country. Each host family in Ireland is accurately selected following specific standards of reliability, liking and politeness, with the aim to make students stay the most pleasant as possible. Irish host families are happy to exchange ideas with people belonging to different cultures, and stimulate students to make the best of their English learning experience by conveying to them the best of Irish culture, in order to turn their English language holidays into a unique chance of cultural and personal exchange.

Anyway, if you eventually don’t like to live in family during your study holiday and want to live your learning experience abroad autonomously, Irish schools offer a wide range of alternative accomodations in residences, B&B and shared or single apartments.

To learn English in Ireland is a fantastic experience, the ideal for people who want to travel and discover a new country, learn a foreign language and enrich their cultural experience.

Once you choose Ireland for your language travel vacation, you will go back to your country bringing with you a good knowledge of the English language and the memory of a funny and formative experience.

Vladimir Chen asked:


Mostly, the sleaziest and most general quotes that you have represented listening since you comprised in kindergarten are the truest and most fundamental quotes that you will always learn or require in your lifespan. One such quote is “We accomplish a lot from acting upon jointly”. This quote conveys with a general accuracy that comes through applicable inwards entirely on the site we’re in. It rings truthful in the most serious of positions corresponding globular heating and World serenity. And it likewise surrounds lawful inch the merest of positions - as if learning English language for children.

And so, it is rightful that you and your kid can accomplish a lot whenever you exercise jointly to pick up English because children. It does not merely eases up you and your youngster onetime to draw together jointly simply it also facilitates your kid study firmer and further expeditiously. Here are approximately tips about fun English for kids.

Practice English Language day by day. Even during ordinary time with your family and friends

Nothing beats up this technique in learning your child the English language. Steady exposure to any language helps easygoing absorption for children. It acts upon in the same way that we find out our own first languages. Kids who spring up improving in French Republic typically pick up the French language well and those who are delivered in the United States of America or the United Kingdom spring up up to be proficient in English language. Of course, it totally depends upon your own acquirement in addressing the oral communication. If you converse with the kid in English language that is suitable and polished and encourage him to reply in similar mode, and so he will certainly master from the oral communication in no time.

Play Educational Games that is in English. This way one can develop his/her comprehension in English and have new English vocabulary word

When you play with your youngster, be sure that the games that you are playing are informative and of value. Do not blow your time on senseless games that instruct the kid nothing. There are numerous games for teaching English language that assist in the kids growth specified as puzzle games, word secret plan* and English songs because children. Word games, particularly, assist in improving the kids grammar and vocabulary, particularly if you practice English dictionary for kids.

Include the Child in Your telecasting Time

Telecasting embodies not all of the time risky for your kids. Culture medium* are really an eager source by finding out and reality for your child, particularly in the function of English grammar for children. Some kids determine to verbalise English language from barely finding out animated cartoon* and other English language films. And so, while you are keeping an eye on TV, try to ingest your kid ride on you. Not just bequeath he represent harboured and well-chosen, but he’ll likewise be catching English language words and set phrase* that you could not deliver taught him. Naturally, you will also experience to cut down upon vehement pictures which feature outrage language.

However to study English language for kids require not represent tiring, but it could be fun as well!

Louisa Walsh asked:


How to improve your English reading skills by Louisa Walsh

To improve your English, we recommend you practice all the key skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening in English. In this article we will focus on improving your reading skills in English.

Practicing reading in English will help improve your understanding of English,knowledge of English vocabulary/phrases and understanding of English grammar.

Reading does not need to be boring. Below we look at ways of improving your reading skills in English - and we link to some top websites so you have instant access to authentic and interesting English reading material.

If your English is already a good level, try newspapers. Popular ‘quality’ UK newspapers have online sites:

The Guardian: http://www.guardian.co.uk/

The independent: http://www.independent.co.uk/

The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/uk/

Newspaper articles are sometime difficult because they often use slang, idiom or specific cultural expressions which will be difficult for a low level learner to understand. For example, a couple of recent newspaper stories began: ‘How Leonardo DiCaprio scored big with Scorsese’(was immediately popular with) and ‘Iraq policy has lead to Blair’s downfall’ (decline in power, popularity or status.)

If modern short stories are more ‘your bag’ (your preference)I like this site: http://talesetc.com/copyrights.htm The stories are short so they are suitable for reading on the Internet and easy to understand. You should find a theme to interest you.

Are you interested in English culture/traditions/food? Then visit http://www.woodlandsjunior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/index.html. I love this site. It is written for children and so the language is very simple but it is very comprehensive, covering all aspects of daily life in England. There is a great section on typical English food. If you are feeling very brave, why not try one of the recipe ideas following the instructions in English

http://www.woodlandsjunior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/food/index.htm

But what if you don’t like reading stories, are not interested in English culture or you find English newspapers on the Internet boring or too difficult? Then don’t read them! You will learn more if you read about something that interests you. Whether you like sports, film reviews or gardening, there will be a site on the Internet for you, so read about your particular pastime on the Internet in English, rather than in your own language.

Top tips to improve your English reading skills:

As mentioned, choose a theme/website/book that interests you.

Practice reading in English regularly; at least once or twice a week.

Be confident! You don’t have to understand every word to understand the general meaning. Try reading a text once through first to get a ’sense’ of the meaning. This can be more important than understanding every single word.

Keep a dictionary with you while you read. Advanced learners, try this online dictionary: http://dictionary.cambridge.org/ Get into the habit of looking up phrases that are difficult while you are reading. Doing it afterwards might mean you forget the context.

Are you having to look in your dictionary for every second word? Then the text you have chosen is too difficult for you. Choose something else - not too easy, though. It is good to have a bit of a challenge.

Happy reading! Visit www.phone-english.net for more information on how you can improve your spoken English with 1-1 lessons by phone.

FireAnt asked:


I hear the english education system in japan is not the greatest, and many students learn grammer and such, but cannot really speak it. How much english does the average Japanese adult (20-40) know? Simple sentences? Complex thoughts? Would he/she understand this question? Thanks for shining any light on this,

Sandra Rodrigues asked:


English is spoken all over the world and has therefore become one of the most popular languages that is studied today. People of all ages, races and backgrounds can learn to speak English as a beginner or can improve their written and spoken English by using a large number of learning options:
 
 
Classroom or Instructor-Led Training – This is one of the most popular options to learn English through attending day-time or evening classes. It is recommended that you actually visit England and study in the country as this is the best way to practice and use what you have learnt as part of your learning English course.
Books – There are a variety of books, study guides and manuals that can be purchased from book shops or online stores. These are really for extra practice and should be used as an additional studying tool together with a more formal course.
Cassette Tapes or Audio Tapes - These are great to listen and hear how words and phrases are spoken in English. They can be used in walkman’s and in cars though the walkman has now been super ceded by the MP3 player and certain English Course providers will offer the ability to purchase downloadable files for you to learn particular sections of the course.
Computer Based Training (CBT) – CD-ROM and DVD-ROM courses are now readily available and it means that you do not need to attend a college or learning institution to learn English. The courses normally include training, practice questions and quizzes and have audio and video which incorporates all the best bits of a classroom course but allows you to learn English from the comfort of your own home.
Web Based Training (WBT) or Online Training – This option is cheaper due to there being no printed media. It has all the advantages of CBT, except that you need to be connected to the internet to carry out the English course.
So whether you wish to learn about the English Alphabet, Numbers or more advanced topics, you will be able to find a learning option that fits in with your time and budget requirements

Jims Varkey asked:


Meet Mr. English Learner. He has been learning English for the past six five but still he can’t speak good English. So what is wrong with him?

Well to begin with, he just tries to translate English to his native tongue. This is the stupidest thing that anyone can do. Mark my words: English cannot be learnt in your mother tongue(or your father tongue). English has to be learnt in English only. You ask me why? Since English can be said only in English! English has many peculiarities that cannot be understood in other languages. Take the case of English pronunciation. Most of the sounds in English like “a” sound in “shirt” is absent in languages like Hindi.

Secondly, the English Learner tries to just mug up English phrases. Now, this to may not work, since such phrases wont come to your mind at the right moment. Such phrases simply fail you when they are used in a real life situation.

Thirdly, the English learner will try to use learn English through English language CDs and DVDs. Some others even try to listen to movies. Such things may work to an extent. But again it has the same problem that exist with commit-to-memory-without-thinking strategy. It doesn’t work in a real life situation.

Next he tries the speak-English with other learners strategy. A variation of this can be seen in the thousands of English only public schools across Asia. What will happen to this English Learner? Well he first begins to speak in broken English, and then he improves to broken English, and then again he improves to broken English. That’s what happens when you speak to your buddy who also doesn’t know any more English than you do.

Finally Mr. English Learner will just hang up his boots and say, “I quit”.

Shyama Dutta asked:


English in India has a unique identity of its own. With such a big population of people speaking the language, it could really influence the way English is spoken in the future.

The perception of English in India is best described in a very famous Indian film, called “Namak Halal” (can be translated as -Loyal To The Hand That Feeds You).

Its protagonist, played by the superstar Amitabh Bachchan, when looking for work in a fancy hotel is asked if he can speak English?

He replies in way that reflects the essence of Indian English, “I know such English that I will leave the British behind. You see sir, I can talk English, I can walk English, I can laugh English, I can run English, because English is such a funny language.”

India has a peculiar relationship with English, especially with political and social interference. A person who speaks English well is respected, because it is the language of the privileged. At the very same time, he or she is also looked down upon, as anglicized and completely out of touch with the roots.

This goes back to the spread of English to strengthen British colonialism. The Indians who initially learnt it were seen to be a part of the upper class oppressors, who at the same time had to be respected because they were the representatives of the rulers.

Over time the attitude to English has changed, today it is very much at the mainstream of Indian life. Everyday a huge number of children are enrolled into “English medium schools” or schools, with English as the main medium of instruction. An equally large number of young adults enrol into expensive spoken English classes. Prestigious institutions like the National Defence Academy in Pune (NDA) add “language labs” to ensure the cadets English reaches an “acceptable level.” (Indian Express, Pune Newsline May 25th 2006)

With the emergence of new technologies and globalisation the number of English speakers has steadily increased. Today India has the second largest number of English speakers in the world, with over 150 million people speaking English in the country. (Wikipedia - Demographics of India.)

Indian English is a dialect on its own, sing – song in pattern, different in the way some words are pronounced, with the habit of using too many adjectives and turning the most unlikely nouns into verbs.

Hindi, and other Indian languages have contributed extensively to it, many vernacular words are used in everyday language. One suspects that it would be very difficult for most Indians to speak pure English, without adding in at least a few Hindi or vernacular language words, the most common one being, “Han” or yes.

Many Indians who learn English as a second language will learn most of their coursework in school in their native mother tongue and have English as a subject. Of course, they learn to think in

their native tongues and then translate their thoughts into English as they speak. Impressive sounding words, very formal and studied English is liked. This is best seen in the Hollywood film called “The Party”, where Peter Sellers plays the character of Haroon D. Bakshi. He uses these fascinatingly polite and large words, stringed together they make no sense at all.

Today, however there is a change in the way many people speak and even write English. Many children actually start learning English very young and as it is the medium of instruction, right through school, it becomes a language that they know best, and they can really “walk English, laugh English” and think in English.

The young educated English speakers, growing up in modern towns would find the language of the convenience store owner in “The Simpsons” called “Apu Nahasapeemapetilon”, as funny as their American counterparts.”

Today’s with the exposure to Hollywood films, numerous music and news channels and of course the internet, English in India is global in character and sound. So not only is it written correctly, it is spoken with ease. Among peers street slang and metaphors are freely used, and in formal occasions, the language would be absolutely correct.

There was a time when old humour writers like P.G. Wodehouse was very popular, with time Dan Brown, Harry Potter and the latest best sellers are making their way here. Many linguists feel that the English of the educated modern Indian is often far better than the “Englishes” spoken around the world.

Modern English in India is essentially British English, however Americanism is also used because of the increasing business in USA. Hinglish, Tamlish, Benglish and a variety of “Englishes” are creeping in. This has actually added to the beauty of the language. In the everyday colloquialism however, the habit of creating verbs out of nouns still exists, especially, when young Indians say “I am smsing the number to you” or more intriguingly, “I will mobile you!”

The essential reason for the success of English in India and across the world is that it is ever growing and absorbing the sounds, words and even structures from languages from everywhere. In India English is vibrant and kicking!

Professor David Crystal, Professor of English Studies UK, the world’s foremost linguist and a member of the Board of the British Council, says that “Indian English has a greater degree of politeness and effusiveness than English spoken anywhere in the world.’’ (Indian Express, Dehli Newsline - October 08, 2004)

The “effusiveness” probably goes back to the sheer vitality of the Indian languages, which are very descriptive. Professor David Crystal, further points out that some of best writers today use non-standard English to express their ideas; Salman Rushdie is sited as an example. And these writers have enriched modern English literature. With his first book written in Indian English, “Midnights Children”, Salman Rushdie became a force in language and literature.

India is an IT power to reckon with, it is slowly “bangloring” its way to the top. IT is changing the way people in India think and the even in the way it is perceived in the western world. It is no more a mystical magical tour, but a very happening country. Perhaps it is India’s success in this sector that could change the way English is spoken in the country.

There are pundits who say that while the Indian written English is getting better, the pronunciation leaves much to be desired. This of course is very debatable. Recently some of the best IT brains have actually used their power of English to forage out critical information like credit card numbers and passwords from unsuspecting Britons and Americans, and earn ill-gotten wealth of thousands of dollars. In the call centers there are Indians who speak “British and American”, English, and it can be tough pinpointing where they really are from.

But, away from work chatting with each other, and emailing across the net or even while “SMSing”, the language is quite different. English is at once vibrant, expressive and full of delightful colloquialism.

With ever growing population of young go-getting Indian English speakers, the language is undergoing a change. Professor David Crystal significantly says, “Indian English, I think, will soon be one of the most spoken forms of English in the world.” It has been seen that Asians find it easier to understand Indian English rather than British or American English. Increasingly teachers of spoken English in these countries are Indians. Indian English seems to be like a link between the two distinct cultures.

Perhaps in the very near future Standard English will be spoken the Indian way, with an American, British and a definitive Indian twang.

Louisa Walsh asked:

How to improve your English speaking skills

To improve your English, we recommend you practice all the key skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening in English.

In this article we will focus on some simple ways to improve your spoken English

About speaking English

If you learned English at school, possibly your ability to read and write English are already O.K. What you really need is to be able to speak REAL English in REAL situations. If you want to improve your spoken English skills, the best way is to practice!

Make time to practice with friends

If you have some friends who are learning English, too, why not meet up but agree to speak in English for 1/2 an hour a week, increasing the time to 1 hour as you all get more confident.

Practice on your own

Practice your fluency and begin incorporating new words and phrases into your English.

There are several ways to do this. Here are some suggestions:

a) Talk for a minute on a subject e.g. ‘my family’. Try not to hesitate too long or repeat yourself. Afterwards, think about how you did

Did you stumble to find a new word or phrase? Look up the new words and phrases you needed?

Did you need more linking words to make it more fluent? Try rephrasing sentences using linking words and phrases such as: since, at the same time…, While…, however…, despite

Now try speaking again on the same topic. Use the new words/phrases and linking words. The second time should be better. Pick a new topic and start again.

b) Take lessons with a native English teacher

Qualified EFL/ESOL teachers will listen to your English, quickly understand your strengths and weaknesses and will focus lessons on what you need so you can improve. Joining an English class at a local language school is a popular way to learn - but if you want more speaking time and can afford it, try learning 1-1. You will get more speaking practice and individual attention from the teacher and so you should improve quicker.

With cheaper international phone calls, a great alternative is to enjoy English lessons over the phone. You still learn 1-1 but much more cheaply than learning 1-1 in a classroom and neither you nor the teacher needs to travel. Also, learning English over the phone means the lesson is focused entirely on you and your spoken English skills.

Visit: www.phone-english.net for more information on how English lessons by phone work to help you speak better English.

Happy speaking!

Improve your spoken English with 1-1 phone lessons