This session focuses on the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS), ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the criteria that underpin language proficiency assessments.
Time: 12:00pm PST / 2:00pm CST / 3:00pm EST
This session focuses on the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS), ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the criteria that underpin language proficiency assessments.
Time: 12:00pm PST / 2:00pm CST / 3:00pm EST
Dedicated to those educators supporting individuals who have faced setbacks in the PTE Academic journey. We will demonstrate how teachers can facilitate turning test takers’ challenges into triumphs.
The webinar will explore the psychological and strategic aspects of dealing with test failures, learning how to view them as stepping stones towards success.
This presentation discusses what students need to succeed in the workplace and shares tips and activities teachers can use to prepare students for the job search and professional success.
Time: 3:00pm PST / 5:00pm CST / 6:00pm EST
This presentation discusses the need to provide more authentic course content and shares samples that will ensure that students are prepared to succeed in their content classes at English-speaking universities.
Time: 3:00pm PST / 5:00pm CST / 6:00pm EST
The session emphasizes the importance of using diagnostic/placement tests and assessments to match students with suitable courses.
The session will focus on resources that create a fun and motivating learning environment and will feature some of students’ and teachers’ favorite multimedia course highlights, including raps, songs, videos, and cartoons.
Time: 12:00pm PST / 2:00pm CST / 3:00pm EST
Language reflects the diversity of human culture and society. Among its most fascinating parts are dialects, regional or social varieties of a language distinguished by pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary. Dialects are the heartbeat of a language, pulsing with the rich stories, traditions and identities of those who speak them.
Understanding a language and dialect, and its significance, can enrich the learning experience for language learners, offering a deeper appreciation of a language and its speakers. Dialects are not just variations within a language; they are often considered separate entities, each with its own rich history and cultural significance, highlighting the complexity and diversity of linguistic expression.
At its core, a dialect is a variation of a language spoken by a particular group of people. However, the distinction between dialects and a different language can often be subjective. These variations can occur due to geographical, social class, ethnic, or historical reasons. While all speakers of a language share the same basic grammar rules and vocabulary, those speaking different dialects might use unique words and slang or have distinct pronunciations, highlighting the lack of an objective difference between dialects and languages.
For instance, British and American English are two dialects of the English language that are mutually intelligible, meaning speakers of either dialect can understand, and be understood, by the other. They share the same foundational grammar and most of the core vocabulary but differ in pronunciation, spelling, and some aspects of vocabulary and idioms. Similarly, within Britain or the United States, there are numerous regional dialects (e.g., Yorkshire English, Southern American English) that further showcase the diversity within a single language. Some of these dialects are considered by their speakers to be distinct languages, emphasizing the complex nature of linguistic identity and classification.
An example of dialect variation can be seen in the Italian language, which boasts a wide range of regional dialects, showcasing linguistic diversity with multiple dialects spoken across Italy.
For example, the Tuscan dialect has historically been recognized as the basis for standard Italian, largely due to its use in influential literature. However, other dialects from regions like Sicily or Lombardy vary significantly from Tuscan Italian in terms of pronunciation, vocabulary and syntax, reflecting the diverse cultural landscapes and histories of Italy’s regions.
Another example of this variation of dialect within a single language is found in the United Kingdom. For instance, the Cockney dialect, originating from London’s East End, is renowned for its rhyming slang and distinct vowel sounds, serving as a prime example of spoken dialects that emphasize the importance of oral tradition. Contrastingly, the Geordie dialect, native to Newcastle and the surrounding areas, boasts an entirely different set of vocabulary, pronunciation patterns, and even grammatical structures, further highlighting the diverse range of spoken dialects within the standard English language.
The distinction between a dialect and an accent is subtle yet significant. An accent relates solely to differences in pronunciation - the distinct manner in which people say words, often influenced by unique speech patterns that can vary significantly across different languages and regions.
In contrast, a dialect encompasses not only pronunciation and accent but also includes specific grammar and vocabulary. Accents can be a component of a dialect, but dialects offer a broader spectrum of linguistic variety, including lexical and grammatical differences.
For instance, someone might speak English with a Scottish accent but use the same grammatical structures and vocabulary as an English speaker from London; however, Scots, a variety spoken in Scotland, is considered a dialect (or even a separate, distinct language, by some) because it possesses unique grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.
Dialects are more than just linguistic variations; they are windows into communities' cultural and social fabric. They carry with them histories, traditions and the identity of their speakers. Some dialects are even considered 'distinct languages' by their speakers, highlighting the deep cultural significance of these linguistic forms. Learning about dialects, including regional dialects, can thus offer insights into:
“She sells seashells by the seashore” and "If a woodchuck could chuck wood" are classic tongue twisters and aren’t just whimsical phrases but one of many tools language learners use to polish their pronunciation and articulate troublesome English sounds. For students and enthusiasts alike, tongue twisters are not only entertaining but they also serve as an effective and fun way to test and improve your English skills.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some challenging English tongue twisters perfect for language learners seeking to refine their pronunciation. Of course, the best way to use these tongue twisters is to say them out loud–so don’t just read them; try to repeat them and see how fast you can go without stumbling. Incorporating funny tongue twisters into your practice can make learning more enjoyable for kids and adults alike.
Effective communication is critical in the fast-paced world of global commerce. For non-fluent English speakers (or emerging professionals who have just entered their first business careers), crafting compelling work documents can be a daunting task. Mastering workplace writing skills is vital whether you're seeking to close a deal, make contacts, establish a professional relationship or simply make your day-to-day correspondence more impactful.
Understanding the nuances of business English and applying them skillfully can set your company and you apart in the competitive corporate arena. Have a look at our guide on how to improve your corporate English writing skills.
Business writing refers to the clear and purposeful use of language in written form within a professional context. It encompasses a wide range of documents, including emails, reports, proposals and presentations, tailored to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues and stakeholders. That can also include writing web content for professional audiences and clients.
One example is a formal email to a client:
Subject: Proposal for Partnership
Dear Mr. Smith,
I hope this email finds you well. I'm writing to present a partnership opportunity with XYZ Corp that aligns with your company's goals for expansion and innovation.
[...]
I look forward to your response and the possibility of future collaboration.
Warm regards,
Jane Doe
Effective business writing is crucial as it reflects the professionalism and credibility of an individual and their organization. It ensures that the message is understood as intended, which is pivotal in decision-making processes and maintaining positive business relationships.
Clear writing improves workplace communication by minimizing misunderstandings, saving time and enhancing productivity. It facilitates seamless collaboration between teams and departments and aids in developing and maintaining a positive professional image.
When crafting business documents, several key elements ensure your workplace writing is effective and well-received. These elements include:
By focusing on these elements of workplace writing, you can enhance your business English writing and ensure it's both professional and effective.
Improving your business English writing involves focusing on clarity, conciseness and appropriateness. Here are a few strategies to get you started:
You've got a writing task to start but you don't quite know how to approach it. Here are some actionable steps to help you:
To illustrate what to avoid, here are a few examples of bad writing:
Applying the points above, you can begin to see how this message uses some of these examples, this could be perfectly fine for written conversation with a friend but not on a more serious, professional level:
Subject: Quick Hello and Ask
Hey!
Hope this message finds ya in good spirits. Wanna catch up real quick this Thursday on a lil' something I've got on my mind? Got an idea that might just be up your alley - think major game-changer vibes for both of us. Let's make it happen. Excited to hear your thoughts!
Cheers!
Alex
Poor business writing can have far-reaching repercussions that can significantly impact an individual's career progression as well as an organization's reputation. Ineffective communication may lead to misunderstandings and loss of opportunities, eroding trust between parties and taking a toll on professional relationships. It's not just about immediate confusion or delays; the long-term effects can include the potential loss of business, as clients and partners may perceive inefficiency and lack of professionalism.
Mastering workplace writing is a continuous process that demands dedication and practice. By focusing on clarity, structure and an audience-centered approach, you can craft messages that not only inform customers but also influence them.
Keep refining your skills, taking feedback positively, and staying updated with trends. Your written word has the potential to make a real impact in the business world, so wield your pen (or keyboard) and write with confidence and precision.
Unlock your full potential in the business world with our comprehensive Business English courses. Also, check out our post '5 ways to politely say no in business English' and other language learning posts.