June 30, 2009
Using a grammar software to improve your comprehension of the English language probably isn’t the greatest idea in the world. After all, writing software is typically used to improve composition skills rather than your ability to understand the language.
However, language software that helps correct writing errors typically come in an all-in-one form that includes a variety of features, including a dictionary, a thesaurus, a style guide, writing templates, samples and more. As such, you can easily employ it as an accessory tool when working to improve your English comprehension skills.
If you can’t understand what a certain words or constructs are referring to, you can try using the thesaurus or the dictionary to look for its meaning. Can’t figure out what an articles is saying? Try checking it for correctness – it might have some errors that are making it difficult for you to understand. You might be surprised with how many areas of improvements a writing software can find in many pieces of text, especially those from online sources. Chance upon a sentence that seems a little too complicated for your current skill level? See if your language software offers a simple English writing style that can help you rewrite it in a more basic form.
While a writing software won’t be a primary tool for advancing your comprehension skills, it certainly could help using its many versatile talents.
June 29, 2009
When working to improve your accent and pronunciation, finding the right point to put stress on words is one of the most useful things you can learn. Understanding how stress works in the English language can help you understand native speakers much easier as well as improve your overall ability to express yourself.
The Basic Rule
In a single word, there can be several points of stress. This is especially true for words that are a combination of two or more words (e.g. outstanding, homemaker). However, only one of these will feature the main stress, with the others playing as secondary stress, usually marked by a shorter length.
When practicing where to put stress in words, remember that in English, stress is usually placed on syllables that include a vowel. It’s the sound of that vowel, in fact, that gives the stress its power.
Stress By Pitch
When you listen to native speakers (or to the audio component of your language learning software), try to note how the pitch changes when they pronounce words. The point where the pitch is raised is the location of the stress – learn it and practice it with the same pitch to improve your own speaking.
Stress By Length
Similarly, the length by which a syllable is uttered is also an indication of stress. The point of stress is typically uttered longer, along with the higher pitch.
June 28, 2009
Should you learn a second language? Just because you aren’t planning a trip anytime soon, it doesn’t mean you can’t take language lessons or practice a new tongue. There are many reasons for learning a new language and they don’t always involve having to use it for business.
1. Great way to understand a new culture. Learning a new language is a great way to gain insight into a new culture. If you’re fascinated by Greek history and are hoping to pay the country a visit sometime in the future, learning some of their language concepts should give you a greater insight about its people.
2. For the challenge. Some folks enjoy a mental and intellectual challenge. Language learning is a unique opportunity to exercise those faculties, whether you learn best in a classroom with other students or alone with language learning software.
3. Future opportunity. Learning a language now prepares you for future opportunities, whether that be for business, travel or personal relationships. For instance, I have a friend who studied German because he heard news about the potential opportunities in his industry in Germany even though he had no plans of traveling for the next five years. One thing led to another and he ended up with a great position in the local office of a German multinational.
4. Expanding skillset. People are natural sponges, always learning and picking up things. If you’re looking to expand your personal store of skills, a new language is a great choice for it.
5. Improved language skills. Learning a new language usually improves your own appreciation of your native tongue. You might be surprised to notice your facility in your first language improving as you progress in the new vernacular.
June 27, 2009
One way of easily identifying native speakers from their second-language conterparts is the way they use the language. Many ESL speakers tend to speak in a tightly wound manner, reminiscent of the way conversations are written in English textbooks and grammar guides.
Everyday English is typically less formal, with a focus on swift and clear conversations, instead of ensuring that every figure of speech is fully utilized. If your experience with the English language is relegated to formal lessons and courses, there’s a good chance your conversation skills will sound a little awkward when listened in to by a native speaker.
There is nothing wrong with this way of speaking. In
June 26, 2009
Sometimes, gaining conversational skills in a language need not necessarily require a mastery of it. In fact, if you’ll only be in a foreign country for a short time, learning a few key conversational phrases may be all you need to get by.
Serious Language Lessons
As great as it is to gain fluency in a country’s tongue before visiting it, it’s hardly the best solution for everyone. If you’ll spend two weeks in France to attend a one-off trade show, for instance, it’s hardly worth the effort to take a five-month course or spend all your free time poring over a language learning software.
Sticking To The Basics
In any language, there are some phrases that are as basic as a “Hello” and a “Thank you” in English. Learn those. Typically, they’re the first set of phrases taught in any language learning material.
Apart from the generic set of everyday language, you’ll likely need to learn some specialized phrases that will be valuable to your visit. If you’re there for shopping, learn key phrases that you can use when dealing with shop clerks. If you’re being chauffeured around town by a guide, learning how to use the vernacular for finding your way around different places is obviously not necessary. When you’re hitting the country for a business meeting, taking the time to pick up a few crucial conversational phrases should help you when dealing with clients and peers.
Don’t Be Afraid
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to use the few key phrases that you took the time to study. Engage people in conversation – you’ll be surprised by how they can be of those trying taking the effort to converse with them in their native tongue.
June 25, 2009
Want to expand your stock of English words and phrases? Try writing on a regular basis with the help of an English language software, making full use of its integrated facilities for picking up new elements of the language.
If you’re trying to get better at your English skills, going this route is usually better than most common avenues of learning. For one, it’s an applied form of study, where you pick up vocabulary as you use it in real time. More importantly, though, writing software shows you exactly how to use those words correctly within the proper contexts.
What elements of such tools can you use for language learning?
Thesaurus. All good writing software comes with an exhaustive thesaurus that helps you substitute words and phrases. Using this alone can help stock your vocabulary with new words faster than some language learning courses.
Grammar Checker. If you thought grammar checkers are used solely for adhering to strict rules, you’ve got another thing coming. Modern writing software now include grammar checkers that analyze your usage of words within each sentence and can detect awkwardly-utilized ones. Not only will they alert you to it, you’ll get suggestions of more appropriate words to use within the context.
Style Checker. For many words, certain variants work well for particular types of writing. A word that may be acceptable to use in a science journal may prove too dense for when you’re writing a conversational letter. Built-in style checkers can account for this and suggest better alternatives when they chance upon badly-chosen words and phrases.
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