CROSS CULTURAL ENGLISH

One of the biggest problems associated with learning a new language is incorrect pronunciation or articulation. That is to say the word the way it should sound and using the correct rhythm and tone. Each language uses the muscles of speech differently in order to produce the specific sounds as developed from childhood through imitation. Research has claimed that at birth all babies make the same sounds but once in the company of others imitation begins which in turn develops the speech muscles in a specific way. Think of the differences between English spoken in various parts of Great Britain compared to American English, Asian and Australian English.

Hearing plays an important part in learning a new language because the mind is listening for familiar sounds and then has to record and recall that new sound and how to make it. This takes time and practice requiring frequent contact with people who's native language is English. Classroom English in overseas countries is frequently taught by someone whose pronunciation is imperfect. This situation also occurs in Australia which leads to frustration when trying to communicate with government departments or to attend a lecture on science or mathematics delivered by an academic new to the English language. I am sure if I went to China I would not be employed in an official capacity until I had perfected the correct pronunciation of the language but unfortunately this does happen in Australia.

Smiling through English.

While studying at an English Tesol school I was given, as my certificate test, the task of helping a smiling young Japanese man to clarify his English speech. It seams he was to go to an interview that afternoon for a chance to advance his studies there. His ambition was to go into the ministry. The fastest step to gain ground in only an hour or so was to listen closely to him speak and decide how to change the way he used his speech muscles. I asked him what his job had been since he left school and he said he had worked in the produce market. Aha! To sell well he needed to hold a semi permanent smile on his face which, when speaking English distorted the sound. He laughed when I made the comparison and explained that basically, English men did not speak with smile muscles but opened their mouths wider. We spent a painful time relearning the use of facial muscles in speech. Later that afternoon he rushed out to catch me before my taxi left to thank me that although he had a sore jaw he had passed the test.

 Now he can smile!.

Are your registered with Stanford Who's Who too?

If you do not place yourself out there then 'Who they gonna call?"

Try registering as well.