English for Runaways #271

Writing Dates in English

There is still frequent confusion on how to correctly write dates in English. Don't let be confused by differences in British English and American English:

In British English the day is put before the month. You only put a comma before the year, if the date is part of a sentence: The conference takes place 10-12 December, 2007.

Example: 5 October 2007

In American English the month is put before the day. It is common to write a comma before the year.

Example: October 5, 2007

You can also write the date by using numbers only. The most common forms are:

Example: 5/10/07 or 5-10-07

Note, however, that 5/10/07 usually means 5 October 2007 in British English and May 10, 2007 in American English. To avoid any possible confusion, you should spell out the month or use the abbreviation.

Example: 5/May/07 or Oct-10-07

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English for Runaways #270

I like the book which Jack is reading.

This is a tricky one! Simply remember 'which' introduces a non-restrictive (non-defining) clause or phrase and 'that' introduces a restrictive (defining) clause or phrase. In other words whatever follows 'that' is essential to the meaning of the sentence. Generaly you will also use commas with 'witch'.

I like Jack's book, which I have read myself. (non-restrictive)
I like the book that Jack is reading. (restrictive)

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Task-based Approach to English Training

There have been many recounts on the traditional PPP approach to language training and comparing it to a task-based approach. In summary, the PPP approach involves a certain aspect of the language to be presented by the teacher. The students then practise and in the production they combine it with already learnt aspects and elaborate on the usage.

In a task-based lesson the teacher doesn't pre-determine what aspect of the language will be studied in terms of today's tense, preposition of the day, grammar subject of the week, etc.. Instead, the lesson is based around the completion of a central task and the language studied is determined by what happens as the students complete it. In a school scenario there would still be a lesson plan consisting of the following sequences.

• Pre-task // Introduction of a topic with a clear understanding of what is expected. Students take notes and prepare the task.

• Task // Students complete the task in pairs or groups as the teacher monitors and offers support where needed.

• Planning // Students prepare a report and then practice what they are going to say in. The teacher is available to ask for advice.

• Report // Students report back and the teacher gives quick feedback.

• Analysis // The teacher highlights parts for analysis.

• Practice // Finally, the teacher selects language areas and the students then practice activities.

Task-based learning has some clear advantages

• Unlike a PPP approach, it is free of language control. All language resources available must be used rather than just practising one pre-selected item.
• A natural context is developed from the students' experiences with the language that is personalised and relevant to them. With PPP context is created and it is often very unnatural.
• There's a much more varied exposure to language, a wider range of lexical phrases, collocations and patterns as well as language forms.
• The language explored arises from the students' needs. This need dictates what will be covered in the lesson rather than a decision made by the teacher or the coursebook.
• It is a strong communicative approach where students spend a lot of time communicating. PPP lessons seem very teacher-centred by comparison. Just watch how much time the students spend communicating during a task-based lesson.
• It is enjoyable and motivating.

Conclusion
PPP offers a very simplified approach to language learning. It is based upon the idea that you can present language in neat little blocks, adding from one lesson to the next. However, research shows us that we cannot predict or guarantee what the students will learn and that ultimately a wide exposure to language is the best way of ensuring that students will acquire it effectively. Restricting their experience to single pieces of target language is unnatural.

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English for Runaways #269

We English never miss an opportunity to (try to) be funny. But we should never do it at the 'cost' (sic.) of somebody. Even if you may say 'auf Kosten von jemanden' in German, you should say 'at the expense of someone or something' in English.

'Opportunity costs' are an economic term and defined as what must be given up (the next best alternative) as a result of a decision made. Any decision that involves a choice between two or more options has an 'opportunity cost'. In German: 'Opportunitätskosten'.

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English for Runaways #268

So your company publishes a catalogue or a brochure regularly? Maybe you do it every year? This doesn't mean you have a 'yearly' (sic.) catalogue. What you have is an 'annual' catalogue.

You may read a 'daily' newspaper, a 'weekly' magazine. Publications may appear every fortnight (every fourteen nights), which in English is the term used for every two weeks. If something happens every other month we say it is 'bi-monthly'. 'Quarterly' would be once every quarter. There is however no English for the German 'halbjährlich', we revert by saying 'twice a year'.

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English for Runaways #267

I often hear Germans say that their English is something they need to 'exercise'. Now when we exercise, we go to a gym, it's more physical. On the other hand we may refer to our home-work as exercises. Nevertheless in English we 'practise' a task to become better and more proficient.

The German 'Übung macht den Meister' translates into 'practise makes perfect'.

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English for Runaways #266

Here’s a not so obvious one but I’ve heard it many times, especially from lawyers. If you are guilty then you have been caught, charged and possibly fined for breaking the law or a rule. If you have a good lawyer then he will prove you innocent, which does not mean that you really are. The German word 'gültig' may have a similar phonetic ring to 'guilty', but 'gültig'means valid, justifiable or legitimate.

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English for Runaways #265

It's always a real challenge getting a translation for educational degrees and academic titles. So even if university seems to be a universal term in both English and German, what do we make of a Fachhochschule in English? There used to be something called a Polytechnic. Today it seems that University for Applied Sciences has become more popular also referred to as specialised colleges of higher education.

Good Wiki: Institutes of technology versus polytechnics

Should you have studied “Betriebswirtschaftslehre” in Germany it would be appropriate to refer to having a degree in Business Administration, the equivalent of an MBA (Master of Business Administration) elsewhere. “Volkswirtschaftslehre” would refer to a university degree in economics.

It is difficult to translate terms for things that simply do not exist in another language. So in Germany before going to a university or any other higher education, you will have had to complete the Oberstufe at the Gymnasium with your Abitur. In England you complete your A-levels in the sixth form at a secondary school.

Link: A-levels

Remember, the German Gymnasium is not a gym in English. The word gymnasium comes from Greek. A gymnasion was originally a place for physical training and education. English chose the physical meaning whilst Germans went for the educational aspect. In German das Gymnasium is an academic secondary school.

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Rugby World Cup to start in 15 days

The countdown to the opening game of Rugby World Cup 2007 in Paris on September 7th is well underway. Here's the link to the offical website.

So for all of you who can't make it to the venues in France, being stuck in Germany, here's the TV schedule for the games on DSF, who will show 15 games live. DETAILS HERE

After all the Rugby World Cup is the third largest global sporting event.

ARTE is featuring a French documetary entitled "Rugby, hart aber fair" to be aired on Tuesday, September 4 at 8.20 pm. DETAILS HERE

For anyone requiring a no-frills introduction to the game click here or find detailled information from the BBC Sports Academy here.

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English for Runaways #264

Let me start this little series with a popular false friend. This is the name given to words that look like a German word, but have a different meaning, sometimes funny, sometimes embarrassing.

Look at the word actual which in English means something exists in act and not only potentially.

"Google Video to refund actual money, not just credits."

It is not to be confused with the German aktuell which translates to 'currently' or 'presently'.

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Is this the right time to get a coach?

If you are considering whether or not to hire a coach, you're deciding if you are prepared for a great adventure. Coaching is not for everyone and even highly coachable people have times in their lives when coaching may not be what they really want or need. Here are a few important questions to ask yourself before making your decision:

Is this the right time for me to hire a coach?

If you feel like you are ready to make some important changes, the time is right for you. If you are extremely busy and cannot imagine taking on another thing, then the answer is “probably yes”. The first thing you and your coach may want to explore is what to remove from your busy schedule to make you feel simpler, more balanced and manageable.

Can I afford a coaching?

Make sure to look honestly at your finances before entering into the coaching relationship. If you hire a coach, you will be making an important investment into you life – equivalent in its overall impact to an advanced college degree (or possibly more). Are you able to pay the coach's fee for a minimum of six months without feeling like you are overextending yourself? If not, you may still want to continue, and work with your coach on improving your financial situation, immediately.

Am I willing to try new things?

During your coaching, you will be invited to look at old situations in new ways. You will be offered new concepts and different ways to approach things. If you are willing to try out new possibilities and stretch your creative side, you will get a large return for your investment. If you are a person who vigorously defends your old perspectives, you will still get much value from committing yourself to a specific course of action.

Is coaching what I am really looking for?

Your coach can certainly support you to find the right resources at the right time. Do you need an accountant, attorney, financial planner, or a personl assistant? There are many other kinds of professional relationships, one which might be more appropriate for you.

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Eeek! Spiders on my blog

Whilst I'm trying to figure out what this technorati is all about, I'm just dumbly following the instructions to get the spiders running around on my blog. Check it out on Technorati Profile

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Never too late to get a good thing started

I'm just about ready with the new website and I also wanted a platform to through some opinions and discussions into the ring. Look out for some pleasant squabbling on subjects ranging from language training, communications, behaviour, understanding, leadership, skill develeopment, project management, interculutural training and much more as we get a long.

I will be touching stuff close and distant to professional issues and welcome any input for future discussions.

Isn't that what a blog is all about?

First blogg entry done!