Jumat, 04 Juli 2014
From a learner's point of view, the problem with English is that it is too rich in constructions and vocabulary, i.e: There are numerous words and constructions which have similar meanings. Mistakes occur when students remember half of one construction and half of another; they end up with a hotch-potch which is at best "incorrect but understandable" and at worst "nonsense".
1. Choosing English for Use
or Recognition Purposes only.
English
people do not use every phrase and word in the English language. They
have favorite phrases which they use time and time again. I recommend
that when you are taught more than one way of saying the same thing,
choose only one version to learn accurately for future use. Then store
the other one(s) vaguely in your mind for future recognition purposes only.
2. Pitfalls to Avoid
Native
English speakers modify their language according to their situation, just as
you would do in your own language. Unless you have constant exposure to
English over many years, you cannot expect to do this. The trick
therefore is to choose the best English for universal speaking purposes and to recognize other versions of English, so you are not at a
disadvantage. By doing so, you will avoid misunderstandings and you will
be able to judge the quality of another person's English.
Although
a knowledge of the following is essential for understanding English (and
possibly for some exams), I recommend you avoid them as much as possible when
speaking in normal situations.
Idioms,
Phrasal Verbs, Slang (which can sound insolent when used at the wrong time).
3. Avoiding grammatical
errors when speaking
Many
students experience difficulties with the use of the present perfect, because
the use of it does not correspond with a similar-looking tense in their own
language. If it helps you, it is possible to avoid the present perfect
altogether by using:-
SIMPLE PAST + SPECIFIC TIME
e.g:
·
I
have been to Tunisia. (Time unknown)
·
I
went to Tunisia some time ago. (Exact time unknown)
·
I
have just finished my homework. (Recent, but time unknown)
·
I
finished my homework a short while ago (Recent, but exact time unknown)
English is such
a rich and versatile language, it is possible to say what you want to say in more than one way.In spoken American English, the use of the Simple Past and Present Perfect are often used contrary to the rules of grammar, particularly where the words 'yet' and 'yesterday' are concerned.
In South West England, the following regional errors can be heard: I be, he be, we be, they be, etc.
In Yorkshire, the definite article is often omitted in speech.
Example
:
Jerry wants to visit the Great Wall, so he asks Fay for some
suggestions.
Jerry : Fay, I've heard it
said that you are not a "true man" until you've stood on the Great
Wall. I'd like to visit the Wall this weekend. Do you know how I can get there?
Fay : There are two ways
to go there. You could go there directly by bus or train, or you could join a
group tour.
Jerry : Is one way better
than the other?
Fay : Going with a group
is certainly more convenient. Everything is taken care of for you, including
lunch and tickets to places of interest along the way. It usually costs around
100 RMB.
Jerry : That sounds like a
good deal.
Fay : On the other hand,
if you go directly, you won't stop along the way, which means you can spend
more time at the Wall itself. It's also cheaper.
Jerry : Well, I like to go
off on my own. I think going directly would be better for me. Do you know how I
can get there?
Fay : I've heard the
cheapest way is by minibus number 919, which you can catch near the Jishuitan
subway station. It costs only 10 yuan! There's also a train which starts on the
west side of the city which goes directly to the Wall, but I've never taken it.
I know there's a small station outside the west gate of Beijing Aeronautics
University. You could go there and ask around.
Jerry : That's very close
to where I live, so I'll check it out! By the way, have you ever been to the
Great Wall?
Fay : Yes, I have. It was
VERY impressive! Not only is it so long, but I was surprised at how steep the
steps are. It's almost like climbing a mountain! The scenery from the wall is
quite spectacular. Looking out from the Wall, you can really get a sense of
history.
Jerry : Great! I'm really
looking forward to it. So Fay, since you've been to the Great Wall, you are a
"true man", right?
Fay : Yes, now I drink
lots of beer and even smoke cigars!
Jerry : Really?!?
Fay : Of course not, I'm
just kidding!
Postingan
