The Scope of the English Language

This is the age of Globalisation and if one wants to be a part of this rather exciting time and participate in the process of development, then one cannot remain isolated like an island. You have to communicate cross-border. But how do you do that? What would enable you to break the barrier of language and connect to the world out there? The answer is quite simple - a thorough knowledge of the English Language. Today, English has become the most important medium of communication between people speaking different languages and belonging to diverse cultures. I have been an English teacher for over a decade now and it has been my privilege  to teach students of varied backgrounds and language levels. It gives me immense pleasure  to see them achieving their dreams and making a name for themselves. I would love to reach out to all of you out there, who want to learn this beautiful language. 

Technology has given us the opportunity to connect with each other no matter which corner of the world we live in. The concept of online classes has opened up a new dimension in the field of education. As in a real classroom, the virtual classroom, too ,would enable you to learn the English language thoroughly. The only difference is that the teacher would appear on your computer screen rather than be physically present in front of you. But think of the advantage... you are taking the class in the comfort of your own home instead of having to go somewhere and according to your convenient timings!! Besides, you don't have to buy any resources as the teacher is going to provide you with everything that you will need.As a teacher, I try and use a lot of variety in my lessons and it would keep you interested and therefore motivated . We are going to take the help of magazine or newspaper articles, audio clips, videos, TEDtalks, songs, games, movies and even classical English literature to gain knowledge about the English language. 

English is spoken as a first language by around 400 million people in the world today. It is the official language of 53 countries and amazingly one out of five people can speak or, at least, understand English. No, wonder then English has become the language of calculation and business. It has now become a necessity, if one wants to be a part of the new global workforce. Besides, in order to get into one of the top universities or educational institutes of the world. One is required to clear various English Language proficiency exams like IELTS, TOEFL etc. Imagine how a degree from some of the top universities would add value to your CV!

William Shakespeare

English is the language of science, aviation, tourism, computer and technology. Leaving aside the practical applications, let us for a moment consider the cultural aesthetic aspects of knowing the English. One would be able to enjoy some of the greatest works of literature by some of the world's greatest authors like William Shakespeare, George Bernard Shaw, Thomas Hardy, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens or read soul stirring poetry by William Blake, John Keats, Lord Byron , W.H.Auden or watch blockbuster movies like Casablanca, The Shawshank Redemption,Titanic in the language they were meant to be read or seen. Imagine the thrill of listening to some of the most famous dialogues being spoken aloud by your favourite film stars in their own voice!!

There is absolutely no doubt that a thorough knowledge of the English Language can no longer be considered as an option now. It has now become a compulsion. If you are looking for a challenging and fulfilling life and aim to be a Global Citizen, then you need to be well-versed in all the four aspects of the English Language- Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. So, what is stopping you from grabbing this wonderful opportunity, of learning English, with both hands? Take the first step and you will see that a whole new world is waiting to welcome you out there.

Written by Kusumika

If you have any query, then e-mail us at contact@akshar.io

Foreign Language Learning

“Hello!” “¡Hola!” “Bonjour!” “Hallo!” “Marhaba!”.....

Do some of the words sound familiar? Well, these are some of the ways you may be greeted in different parts of the world in different languages or what we term as ‘Foreign Languages’. 

 

Before really getting into discussing why it is important to learn new languages, let us try to first understand what is meant by language. What a silly question, is it not? Language is of course what we speak and write. Almost correct - because it is something much more than that. True that the technical definition explains it as a set of conventional written, manual or vocal symbols which is used as a means of communication between a particular group of people. It is the building block of our civilization, helping us to make the transition from a savage state till our present form. It allows us to express our thoughts and ideas in a lucid manner to others and they are able to understand them. It is the carrier of our history and culture. It is an integral part of our society and helps us retain our identities in the global melee. So, you see why it is so much a part of our existence.

Our lives, nowadays, are connected with each other on a global scale, more than ever before. We are travelling across borders with increasing frequency for work or study or pleasure. We are interacting with people belonging to different ethnicities and are being exposed to different cultures. Not only that, many of us have family members who are natives of foreign land. Sometimes we ourselves need to talk to somebody who speaks a different language. We try our best to adjust ourselves to such circumstances but we do have a feeling of inadequacy when we fail to follow a conversation or get our opinion across or unable to fully assimilate ourselves with the local customs. Hence, the need for learning a foreign language is becoming imperative.

Let’s take a look at some of the important reasons to learn a foreign language:

1) It is a Gateway to a Whole New Career: Knowing multiple languages will improve your career prospects tremendously.  The world is currently in a state of flux with change being the only constant. Companies are expanding their business across borders and they would like to have people working with them who have a global perspective on things. Knowing a foreign language will give you an edge over your competitors. You must know people who fly in and out of countries on business. Well, you could be one of them. Even local companies are now giving preference to candidates who can speak at least one foreign language. That’s not all. You can always use your knowledge of a different language to build your own entrepreneurship. You can offer Translation or Transcription services to clients from all over the world. You can even become a language teacher yourself if you really put your heart into it.

2) Understand Different Cultures and Make New Friends: Have you ever been among a group of people in a different country who are laughing at something and you just stand there waiting for someone to explain what is happening. Makes you wish you knew their language so that you could enjoy together. Or, maybe you are at café and you the servers chatting with the customers. He comes to serve you and just gives a nod and a smile. You missed a great opportunity to communicate and get to understand a new culture from up close. Well, this is another reason to learn a foreign language. It will give you an opportunity of to make new friends and understand their lives, their food, their manners, their literature and their history. If you are planning to relocate to a new country or you are a frequent traveler there, then knowing the language of that place is crucial.

3) Make the World a Better Place: Knowing a language different will foster a feeling of friendliness between people across borders. When we are able to understand the culture and the environment a person comes from you will understand him or her so much better. A feeling of mutual trust develops and this goes a long way in breaking barriers. It is a way out of the narrowness of vision so dominating the society.  Just knowing someone else’s language goes a long way in building bridges between people.

4) Stay Connected: Knowing a foreign language will add a lot to your personality and make you more interesting to know. Multilingualism is appreciated by one and it helps you connect with more people. People would want to talk to you and would want to know why you decided to learn a new language. Your answer must just inspire them to take up the challenge too. You would also find this skill extremely useful even if you are visiting a foreign land as a tourist. Interacting with the locals will help you get the feel of the place so much more than any guided tour or the internet.

 

5) Be Smarter: Studies have shown again and again that learning a new language improves memory, helps increase attention span and slows down the age –related mental decline. In other words, it actually makes you smarter! In the process of learning, you embark on a journey of rediscovering yourself – identifying your strengths and weaknesses. You realize that there is so much you can do to improve yourself. Learning a foreign language is not merely about picking up a new tongue – it is also about self discipline as it requires regular practice. Imagine how wonderful you will feel when you will become fluent in the language you have chosen to learn. It will be a great boost to your self confidence.

It is quite obvious that there are a host of reasons for learning a Foreign Language. Yes, it will be difficult and yes, it will take some effort. But what is life without a few challenges, right? So, what are you waiting for? Visit our foreign Language Page and get started with a language of your choice under the able guidance of our highly qualified and experienced teachers.

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italki is a global language learning website that connects students and teachers for online language lessons. So what are you waiting for? Become fluent in any language Choose from over 10,000 teachers from various countries and become fluent in any language for 1-on-1 lessons based on your personal interests and career goals.

I am giving you $10 to learn a language on italki. The amount will be credited to your italki wallet once you book your first lesson. Click on this link to avail this offer: https://classic.italki.com/i/Cac0cC

Want to become an italki teacher?

With over 5 million students learning more than 130 languages, italki opens the door for everyone to earn money by simply teaching one's native language as either a professional tutor or a community tutor. Watch this video to know the process of becoming an italki teacher. I have explained all the stages of the application process.

Written by Kusumika

If you have any query, then e-mail us at contact@akshar.io

IELTS Says Hello To You!

The IELTS test is applicable for people who need to demonstrate their English language proficiency for different purposes, whether academic or professional. There are two formats to choose from depending on your needs. Firstly, there is the Academic Training module which is availed primarily by those who are planning to apply to an international university where the primary spoken language is English. This is also used as a measure of language proficiency for educators, nurses and other professionals. Next, is the General Training module which is suitable if you want to work, live or take training abroad in an English-speaking country. It is always a smart move to check beforehand which module the institute you are applying to wants you to clear.

The IELTS test is administered in more than 1000 test centres all over the world. You can find out all relevant information about test dates and cost by contacting your nearest centre or visiting the official IELTS website https://www.ielts.org.

The IELTS consists of four modules or sections that are designed to test the full range of English language skills – Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. The Listening and Speaking sections are same for both the modules. The Reading and Writing sections, however, are different. Being an international test, the English used here and heard on the audio can be British, American or New Zealand English. The language however will be comprehensible to any learner of English. As long as a spelling is correct, the examiners will accept it. So, there is no need to worry about whether to use American English or British English. The IELTS exam takes a total of 2 hours and 45 minutes to be completed. The Listening, Reading and Writing modules are taken in one sitting without a break. The Speaking module may be taken 7 days before or after of the other modules.

You cannot pass or fail IELTS. The test is scored on a band scale. A band is a level of ability. You can score anywhere between 0-9 bands. The test results will be sent to your home address or educational institute within two weeks of taking the test. You will be given your total band score as well as a breakdown of your scores in the four different sections. An IELTS score is valid for a period of 2 years.

If you are thinking of taking the IELTS test, then it is advisable that you continue with your efforts to improve in English through class study or self-study. It is important that you read, write, speak and listen to English on a regular basis.

Some of the ways you can improve through self-study may be:-

Ø  Listening:

·         Podcasts on the internet

·         News websites or channels like BBC, CNN, NBC, CBS etc.

·         Watching YouTube

Ø  Speaking:

·         Use Skype or any other such media to talk to English speakers

·         Pick any random topic and talk about it for 2-3 minutes

·         Make an audio or video of yourself while speaking, watch it and then try to rectify your mistakes

Ø  Writing:         

·         Write a blog or an article

·         Leave comments on blogs or videos

·         Post messages in chat rooms

·         Write a letter to your friend

·         Write something on Facebook or Twitter

Ø  Reading:

      ·         Read newspapers and magazines in English online or otherwise

      ·         Do web research on subjects that interest you

      ·         Follow blogs that interest you

      ·         Read books written in English

You can also develop listening skills and vocabulary by watching movies or listening to songs in English. Try and use as much English as possible in your daily lives. Make sure that the English you hear feature a mix of American, British, Australian, New Zealand and South African accents. Get your grammatical skills polished and work on building a substantial vocabulary range. There are many websites which have standard resources and guides to help the test takers. Some of them, which I find to be good, are:-

ü www.ieltsessentials.com

ü www.ieltsbuddy.com

ü www.takeielts.britishcouncil.org

It is wise to remember that ‘Practice makes a man perfect’. So, focus on practising and all the best to you!

Written by Kusumika

If you have any query, then e-mail us at contact@akshar.io

Speak... Buddy Speak!

 

“The ability to express an idea is well nigh as important as the idea itself.”
                                                                                               

                                                                     -  Bernard Baruch   

... And what better way to express an idea than speaking about it?

As an English Language Trainer, one of the queries I face often is, “Ma’am, how do I improve my Spoken English?” In reality, there is no one-stop solution for this. Each of us is different and, therefore, the difficulties faced by us are different as well. Some may have issues in pronunciation, some may have difficulty in vocabulary, while some may simply be afraid to speak. Actually, the last is the most common barrier to fluent speaking. You may have all the resources you need, but still while speaking, you suddenly become conscious and stumble. But, all is not lost - for a good trainer would be able to help you improve your speaking skills. In the meantime, there are a few simple tips you may follow to work by yourself and make progress in the way you speak.

The first thing you should do is stop getting worked-up!! It is absolutely okay to make mistakes. We all fumble at times but this is no reason why you should get de-motivated. In fact, this should spur you on. Take it up as a challenge and try not to repeat the make mistakes again. However, if you do it again – no problem – try a third time! I am going to share with you some of the strategies I advice my students to take to improve their speaking skills.

Strategy – I

Slow Down Your Speed of Speaking

You may be a fluent speaker in your mother tongue, but that may not be the case while attempting to speak in English. Though it is true that getting across your point is more important than perfect speaking, yet one has to keep in mind that making a good impression on the audience is also important. It is completely acceptable, if you speak more slowly and more clearly. It would help you not only in pronunciation but also in word selection.

Strategy – II

Speak, Speak, Speak

It is said that practice makes a man (woman) perfect. Therefore, there is no better way to improve spoken skills than speaking as much as possible. Do not be shy. Be confident and speak as much as possible to as many people as you can! Don’t feel conscious if you make mistakes. The more you practice, the more you improve your pronunciation and achieve fluency.

Strategy – III

Be A Good Listener Too

Listen for what to say and how to say. Sometimes, when speaking a foreign language, we are so focussed on what we are saying and whether it’s correct or not, that we forget to listen to what is being said by others. It’s important that we pay attention when others speak so that we are able to pick up words and grammar, which we may use later. Listening is actually a great resource for speaking. Listen to news bulletins or songs to improve pronunciation.

Strategy – IV

Try to Read Aloud

I am sure you love to listen to the sound of your own voice. So, why not use this to improve your speaking? Take a book, a magazine or a newspaper and read aloud to yourself. This is an excellent way to improve pronunciation as you only focus on the words you speak without bothering about grammatical structure. Note down any new words you come across and find out what it means. This adds to your vocabulary.

Strategy – V

Use Technology

Technology is literally available at our fingertips now. Your smartphone can be a very useful tool for learning a language. Use it to record yourself speak and play it back to hear how your English sounds to others. Try to find your mistakes and work on rectifying them.

Strategy – VI

Do Some Activity in English Everyday

Try and set aside at least 1 hour each day to do something purely in English. Take a cooking lesson or join a Book Club. No matter what you do, make sure that you communicate only in English while doing it. More importantly, enjoy what you do!

Strategy – VII

Watch Good Movies Regularly

Watching movies regularly will serve two purposes. It will keep you entertained as well as help you improve pronunciation and vocabulary. Imitate the way your favourite stars say their dialogues and have fun while learning!

Strategy – VIII

Make English Speaking Friends

Make friends with people who are English speakers or who are learning to speak. Converse with them in English and compare notes. Pick up topics for discussions and debates. Try to use a wide range of vocabulary while speaking.

Strategy – IX

Learn Sentence, Not Only Words

One of the most common problems I have come across is that sometimes people know a lot of words but have little idea of how to use them. So, whenever you come across a new word, try to make a couple of sentences with it, so that when you actually speak, you will know exactly where and how to place the words. Try to practice speaking in chunks and not in single words.

Strategy – X

Use A Mirror

Whenever possible, spend 2-3 minutes facing a mirror and speak. Choose a topic you find interesting and just talk. Watch your mouth, face and hands and observe your kinesics (body language). Remember, non-verbal communication is as important as speaking. Don’t stop speaking even if you have mispronounced a word or made a mistake in grammar. You can always correct it later. Just focus on fluency and how many inaccuracies are occurring during the time you have set for speaking.

Always remember that there is absolutely no reason why you cannot speak English fluently. Keep on practicing and I am sure that you would become a fine orator one day. I hope you find my strategies useful. Feel free to contact me, if you have and questions, I am here to help you learn.

Written by Kusumika

If you have any query, then e-mail us at contact@akshar.io

The Importance of Being ENGLISH - EDucated

 “Good English, well spoken and well written, will open more doors than a college degree. Bad English will slam doors you didn’t even know existed.”

-        William Raspberry

While travelling by the metro rail the other day,  I  overheard a very interesting conversation between two young mothers. They were discussing, rather debating, about which school their toddlers should get admitted into. Arguments and counter – arguments about the merits and demerits of the top schools in the city were being lobbed back and forth.

Two thing, about this exchange, caught my attention. The first thing was of course the extensive knowledge these two ladies had about the schools under their scanner. I think they could have beaten Google!! But what I found most interesting was that all the schools being discussed had one common thread, running through them – they were" English medium", meaning English was the medium of instruction. I decided to do a little research into this trend and come up with quite a surprising result. Most couples, from the middle class to the upper middle class families, would prefer to give their children an English Language based education. They reasoned that without a credible knowledge of the English Language, one would not go very far in today’s world.

My first reaction was that this is absurd. You do not need to know a specific language to become successful in life. There are loads of examples of people who have made it big in spite of not being proficient in English. However, the more I thought about the matter, the more I began to see that there was a lot of logic  in what they were saying.

In this age of globalization, no one can stay as an island. You have to interact and communicate cross-border. Then, how do you do it? Only one answer came into my mind, “Through the English Language”. Today, English has become the most important means of communication between people of different languages and cultures.

English has become the international language of education and business. It is one of the most commonly spoken languages in the world. One out of five people can speak or at least understand English. Besides, it is the official language of 53 countries. It is spoken as a first language by around 400 million people in the world. That’s quite a lot of people to speak to!! English is the language of science, aviation, computers and diplomacy. Most of the content produced on the internet (around 50%) is in English. Knowing the language will open one’s access to an incredible amount of knowledge and information.

English has now become the dominant business language and it is now almost a necessity to know this language in order to become a part  of the global work force. If one wants to increase his / her chances o getting a good job in an MNC within your country or abroad, then a solid knowledge of the English Language is a must. If one is interested in having a global outlook career-wise, then it is absolutely necessary to be well versed in English.

Why only jobs? If one wants to get admission into some of the best universities or educational institutes in the world, then also one is required to clear exams like IELTS, TOEFL etc. These exams are designed to test one’s proficiency in the English Language. The reason is very simple. If one is not comfortable with the English Language, then it would be very difficult to adjust not only academically but socially as well. Imagine how a degree from Oxford University, Cambridge University, Harvard or MIT would look on a CV!! It would immediately make it seem more illustrious.

If one decides that a global career and a foreign university degree are really not worth learning a new language, then consider the cultural and aesthetic aspects of knowing the English Language. One would be able to enjoy some of greatest works of literature by some of world’s most famous writers in the language they were intended to be read or heard. The best way to enjoy a classic is to read it in its original form. The works of Shakespeare will take on a new meaning, Emily Bronte’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ would appear more mysterious, George Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’ would see more philosophical and once again Mr. Darcy in Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ will make one fall in love!! Besides, some of the world’s top grossing movies, made in Hollywood are in English. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to feel Jack Dawson’s delight in the film ‘Titanic’, when he says “I’m the king of the world!” or get scared when Vito Corleone in ‘The Godfather’ says “I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse...” or gape at the cool attitude with which James Band introduces himself, “The name is Bond, James Bond”. If one is not a movie buff, then also one needs to know English to listen to some wonderful music created by greats  like Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, The Beatles... the list goes on endlessly. Actually English helps in connecting with the popular culture.

So, where does this discussion leave us? It tells us unambiguously that a thorough knowledge of the English Language is no longer an option but a compulsion in today’s world. If one is looking for a challenging and fulfilling life, then one must have a great deal of familiarity with the English Language. It will open up a huge number of cultural experiences, job and education opportunities like skills and ultimately make one more confident.

Written by Kusumika

If you have any query, then e-mail us at contact@akshar.io