Stages of Second Language Acquisition

This is a replication of what Judie Haynes wrote on http://www.everythingesl.net. In the article, she emphasizes that English as a second language can not be mastered only in 3 minutes. It takes several phases for everyone to be finally able to digest and make use of it (almost) flawlessly.

All new learners of English progress through the same stages to acquire language. However, the length of time each students spends at a particular stage may vary greatly.

Stage I: Pre-production

This is the silent period. English language learners may have up to 500 words in their receptive vocabulary but they are not yet speaking. Some students will, however, repeat every thing you say. They are not really producing language but are parroting.

These new learners of English will listen attentively and they may even be able to copy words from the board. They will be able to respond to pictures and other visuals. They can understand and duplicate gestures and movements to show comprehension. Total Physical Response methods will work well with them. Teachers should focus attention on listening comprehension activities and on building a receptive vocabulary.

English language learners at this stage will need much repetition of English. They will benefit from a “buddy” who speaks their language. Remember that the school day is exhausting for these newcomers as they are overwhelmed with listening to English language all day long.

Stage II: Early Production

This stage may last up to six months and students will develop a receptive and active vocabulary of about 1000 words. During this stage, students can usually speak in one- or two-word phrases. They can use short language chunks that have been memorized although these chunks may not always be used correctly.

Here are some suggestions for working with students in this stage of English language learning:

• Ask yes/no and either/or questions.
• Accept one or two word responses.
• Give students the opportunity to participate in some of the whole class activities.
• Use pictures and realia to support questions.
• Modify content information to the language level of ELLs (ELL: English Language Learner).
• Build vocabulary using pictures.
• Provide listening activities.
• Simplify the content materials to be used. Focus on key vocabulary and concepts.
• When teaching elementary age ELLs, use simple books with predictable text.
• Support learning with graphic organizers, charts and graphs. Begin to foster writing in English through labeling and short sentences. Use a frame to scaffold writing.

Stage III: Speech Emergence

Students have developed a vocabulary of about 3,000 words and can communicate with simple phrases and sentences. They will ask simple questions, that may or may not be grammatically correct, such as “ May I go to bathroom? ” ELLs will also initiate short conversations with classmates. They will understand easy stories read in class with the support of pictures. They will also be able to do some content work with teacher support. Here are some simple tasks they can complete:

Sound out stories phonetically.

Read short, modified texts in content area subjects.

Complete graphic organizers with word banks.

Understand and answer questions about charts and graphs.

Match vocabulary words to definitions.

Study flashcards with content area vocabulary.

Participate in duet, pair and choral reading activities.

Write and illustrate riddles.

Understand teacher explanations and two-step directions.

Compose brief stories based on personal experience.

Write in dialogue journals.

Dialogue journals are a conversation between the teacher and the student. They are especially helpful with English language learners. Students can write about topics that interest them and proceed at their own level and pace. They have a place to express their thoughts and ideas.

Stage IV: Intermediate Fluency

English language learners at the intermediate fluency stage have a vocabulary of 6000 active words. They are beginning to use more complex sentences when speaking and writing and are willing to express opinions and share their thoughts. They will ask questions to clarify what they are learning in class. These English language learners will be able to work in grade level math and science classes with some teacher support. Comprehension of English literature and social studies content is increasing. At this stage, students will use strategies from their native language to learn content in English.

Student writing at this stage will have many errors as ELLs try to master the complexity of English grammar and sentence structure. Many students may be translating written assignments from native language. They should be expected to synthesize what they have learned and to make inferences from that learning. This is the time for teachers to focus on learning strategies. Students in this stage will also be able to understand more complex concepts.

Stage V: Advanced Fluency

It takes students from 4-10 years to achieve cognitive academic language proficiency in a second language. Student at this stage will be near-native in their ability to perform in content area learning. Most ELLs at this stage have been exited from ESL and other support programs. At the beginning of this stage, however, they will need continued support from classroom teachers especially in content areas such as history/social studies and in writing.  

So, once again, do not be easily overwhelmed by myths that would discourage you to learn English. Keep doing your best to arrive at the level of mastery you always wanted. You could be success! :)

ELL: English Language Learner

Ability, permission, requests and advice

The modal verbs are can, could, may, might, shall, should, will and would.

The modals are used to do things like talking about ability, asking permission making requests, and so on.

Ability:

We use can to talk about someone’s skill or general abilities:

She can speak several languages.
He can swim like a fish.
They can’t dance very well.

We use can to talk about the ability to do something at a given time in the present or future:

You can make a lot of money if you are lucky.
Help. I can’t breathe.
They can run but they can’t hide.

We use could to talk about past time:

She could speak several languages.
They couldn’t dance very well.

We use could have to say that someone had the ability/opportunity to do something, but did not do it:

She could have learned Swahili, but she didn’t have time.
I could have danced all night [but didn't].

Permission:

We use can to ask for permission to do something:

Can I ask a question, please?
Can we go home now.

could is more formal and polite than can:

Could I ask a question please?
Could we go home now?

may is another more formal and polite way of asking for permission:

May I ask a question please?
May we go home now?

We use can to give permission:

You can go home now if you like.
You can borrow my pen if you like.

may is a more formal and polite way of giving permission:

You may go home now, if you like.

We use can to say that someone has permission to do something:

We can go out whenever we want.
Students can travel free.

may is a more formal and polite way of saying that someone has permission:

Students may travel free.

Instructions and requests:

We use could you and would you as polite ways of telling or asking someone to do something:

Could you take a message please?
Would you carry this for me please?
Could I have my bill please?

can and will are less polite:

Can you take a message please?
Will you carry this for me please?

Suggestions and advice:

We use should to make suggestions and give advice:

You should send an email.
We should go by train.

We use could to make suggestions:

We could meet at the weekend.
You could eat out tonight.

We use conditionals to give advice:

Dan will help you if you ask him.

Past tenses are more polite:

Dan would help you if you asked him.

Offers and invitations:

We use can I… and to make offers:

Can I help you?
Can I do that for you?

We can also use shall I …

Shall I help you with that?
Shall I call you on your mobile?

We sometime say I can ... or I could ... or I’ll (I will) ... to make an offer:

I can do that for you if you like.
I can give you a lift to the station.
I’ll do that for you if you like.
I’ll give you a lift to the station.

We use would you like (to) ... for invitations:

Would you like to come round to morrow?
Would you like another drink?

We use you must or we must for a very polite invitation:

You must come round and see us.
We must meet again soon.

Obligation and necessity

We use must to say that it is necessary to do something:

You must stop at a red light.
Everyone must bring something to eat.
You can wear what you like, but you must look neat and tidy.
I’m sorry, but you mustn’t make a noise in here.

We use had to for this if we are talking about the past:

Everyone had to bring something to eat.
We could wear what we liked, but we had to look neat and tidy.

English Slang - letter A

Slang	Definition	Usage
ace	very good	He's an ace reporter who always gets a good story.
action	excitement	Do you know where theaction is in this town?
airhead	a stupid person	My sister's boyfriend is anairhead.
all wet	completely wrong	Your ideas about politics areall wet.
all-nighter	studying all night	I almost fell asleep during the test after an all-nighter.
ammo	ammunition	The gun was useless after the killer ran out of ammo.
antifreeze	alcohol	I really need someantifreeze in me on cold days like this.
armpit	undesirable place	This entire town is really anarmpit.
ass	backside	She fell on her ass on the ice skating rink.
ass	obnoxious person	Sometimes you act like such an ass.
awesome	great	What an awesome sunset today.

Add your slang throught comments thanks :)

Some Suggestions to Learn English

People learn things differently, according to their own learning style. I am such a strong believer that someone's capacity to learn a foreign language is directly related to how smart he or she linguistically. But there are common things we all share. Below are several suggestions for us to be more proficient in English. 

Speak without Fear

The biggest problem most people face in learning a new language is their own fear.  They worry that they won’t say things correctly or that they will look stupid so they don’t talk at all.  Don’t do this.  The fastest way to learn anything is to do it – again and again until you get it right.  Like anything, learning English requires practice.  Don’t let a little fear stop you from getting what you want. 

Use all of Your Resources

Even if you study English at a language school it doesn’t mean you can’t learn outside of class.  Using as many different sources, methods and tools as possible, will allow you to learn faster.  There are many different ways you can improve your English, so don’t limit yourself to only one or two.  The internet is a fantastic resource for virtually anything, but for the language learner it's perfect. 

Surround Yourself with English

The absolute best way to learn English is to surround yourself with it.  Take notes in English, put English books around your room, listen to English language radio broadcasts, watch English news, movies and television.  Speak English with your friends whenever you can. The more English material that you have around you, the faster you will learn and the more likely it is that you will begin “thinking in English.” .

Listen to Native Speakers as Much as Possible

There are some good English teachers that have had to learn English as a second language before they could teach it.  However, there are several  reasons why many of the best schools prefer to hire native English speakers. One of the reasons is that native speakers have a natural flow to their speech that students of English should try to imitate.  The closer ESL / EFL students can get to this rhythm or flow, the more convincing and comfortable they will become. 

Watch English Films and Television

This is not only a fun way to learn but it is also very effective.  By watching English films (especially those with English subtitles) you can expand your vocabulary and hear the flow of speech from the actors.  If you listen to the news you can also hear different accents. 

Listen to English Music

Music can be a very effective method of learning English.  In fact, it is often used as a way of improving comprehension.  The best way to learn though, is to get the lyrics (words) to the songs you are listening to and try to read them as the artist sings.  There are several good internet sites where one can find the words for most songs. This way you can practice your listening and reading at the same time.  And if you like to sing, fine.

Study as Often as Possible

Only by studying things like grammar and vocabulary and doing exercises, can you really improve your knowledge of any language. 

Do Exercises and Take Tests

Many people think that exercises and tests aren't much fun.  However, by completing exercises and taking tests you can really improve your English. One of the best reasons for doing lots of exercises and tests is that they give you a benchmark to compare your future results with.  Often, it is by comparing your score on a test you took yesterday with one you took a month or six months ago that you realize just how much you have learned.  

If you never test yourself, you will never know how much you are progressing. Start now by doing some of the many exercises and tests on this site, and return in a few days to see what you've learned. Keep doing this and you really will make some progress with English.

Record Yourself

Nobody likes to hear their own voice on tape but like tests, it is good to compare your tapes from time to time.  You may be so impressed with the progress you are making that you may not mind the sound of your voice as much.

Listen to English

By this, we mean, speak on the phone or listen to radio broadcasts, audiobooks or CDs in English. This is different than watching the television or films because you can’t see the person that is speaking to you.  Many learners of English say that speaking on the phone is one of the most difficult things that they do and the only way to improve is to practice.

As an addition to some suggestions above, http://bit.ly/spLYy3 covers 101 ways to learn English, very suitable for ESL learners just like me. Hope you will find this as a useful reading and have a great learning moment! :)

How to be a Good Wife to your Husband 12 Qualities Men look for

Qualities of a Good Wife

Every married man wishes to have a good wife. Many people advice the new bride to be a good wife to her husband. But what are the makings of a good or perfect wife? Many of women do not know about it. Most of these qualities of a good wife are already inbuilt in a woman and the rest can be developed.

In India the qualities of a good wife or six noble virtues an ideal wife should have are summed up in the verse from Neethisaram.

"Karyeshu Dasi, Karaneshu Manthri; Bhojeshu Mata, Shayaneshu Rambha,

Roopeshu lakshmi, Kshamayeshu Dharitri, Satkarma Nari, Kuladharma Pathni".

Here are some of the Qualities a man looks in his wife.


1) Be pleasant: It is said that 'we need to treat others the way we want ourselves to be treated’. Never be rude to our husband, family and friends. Be warm, kind, positive, understanding and friendly. Work to be pleasant toward your husband. Don’t be one of those people who make everyone around feel bad just because they have had a hard day. Welcome your husband with a smile when he comes home instead of a sour face. A good wife honors her hubby by keeping a pleasant tone in her voice, a happy smile on her face and a neat and clean appearance. Listen to him talk about his day especially if it was a difficult one. If you don't like how you partner treats you, take a minute to notice how you treat your partner and correct your behavior.

2) Treat your Husband with Respect: If you expect respect from others we need to treat others with respect too. Haven’t we all heard ‘Give respect and take respect’. Respect can be reflected in the way one talks and behaves. Always speak in a loving way and refrain from speaking in a harsh manner. A good wife respects her hubby and she never chooses to belittle, strike, humiliate or otherwise harm him in private nor in public. It is better to watch what you say and think before speaking as it is not possible to take back the words once they are said. A good wife will treat her man with respect in front of others and at home.

3) Communicate: Communication is key to a good and solid marriage. Do not hide things from your husband or keep secrets after marriage. Be honest to him. Find time to sit and talk with your husband on a daily basis even if it is for only half an hour. If you let things bottle up and feel that you cannot share with your husband anything then your marriage is in trouble. Be a good listener when your husband is talking. You may have a dozen important things to tell him but allow him to talk first. Don't greet him with complaints and problems the moment he comes back from work. Good Communication also helps to build trust and strengthen your relationship. After marriage the wife and husband are a team or partners. Do not take any major decisions about the family without consulting with husband. Fights or problems may happen in between the two but do not let the world know about it rather solve it between yourselves. The fight you had last week over shopping or whatever is over and done with. So move on with it and stop rehashing old stuff and reminding him of his faults. Do not resort to name calling, hitting, spitting, breaking dishes or anything else when you lose your temper. If you do he may actually start to fall out of love with you and you could lose him all together.

4) Be Supportive: A husband expects wife’s support and understanding especially in times of troubles. A good wife loves her hubby through his successes and failures and provides reassurance when he's feeling down. She is a nurturer and an equal partner in the marriage. Support your husband in all stages of his career and life. Do not belittle your man or hurt his ego. It is often heard saying that ‘a wife can make a man or break a man’. There’s no quicker way to build resentment in your man than to criticize him or belittle him especially in front of others. Be proud of him on his accomplishments and genuinely complement him. If you do this you can expect your husband to behave with you in the same manner and also respect you more for your support and thoughtfulness. When you don’t agree with him respectfully let him know you don’t agree.

5) Do not nag: No man would like a nagging wife. If you want to get your own way ask him nicely. Many wives think that is the only way to get her husband to do things is by nagging. But the truth is that your nagging can create unwanted rift or can make things worse between the two of you. Your husband is a grown man with his own thoughts and desires. Just because you think he should be doing something particular doesn't mean he has to do it.

6) Give him his space: As a wife you need to understand that your husband has a life other than you also. He has his family, friends and colleagues who too are part of his life. He also may have some hobbies or passions he is involved in. Don’t expect his undivided attention. Don’t stop him if he wants to go out and hang out with his friends sometimes or engage in a hobby or sport that he likes. An interfering wife can sometimes be too irritating.

7) Keep him happy in Bed: Sexual intimacy is one of the most essential things in any marriage. Please your man in bed. If you cannot keep your man happy in Bed he would go where he can get it. After all, a Man is a man!

8) Plan Surprises: Men like surprises too: It can be anything like organizing his birthday party without him knowing about it or planning a special night of passion by playing a seductress. Your surprises do not have to be elaborate and can be as simple as making him his favorite snack or any of his favorite dishes once in a while even if you would rather eat something else.

9) Express your love and appreciation often: Men likes praises and appreciation. Make the best of your time together. Men like to hear the words ‘I love you’ too. Also join him in activities that he's interested in even though you would have preferred to do something else. Give him a thoughtful gift once in a while. Make it a point never to forget the special days in his life. Pamper him very often, especially when he is at home. You can even cook for him or give him a good massage. Making him dependent on you by doing his chores when he is at home is not a bad idea. Let him miss you and think about you when you are not around. These gestures won’t go unnoticed and it may even inspire him to do something nice for you. Don't withhold affection.

10) Honesty, Loyalty and Dedication: A good wife would be honest, loyal and dedicated to her husband. Marriage is a life long commitment and the vows you have taken at the time of marriage should be kept in all conditions.

11) Prepare yourself: A good wife honors her hubby by keeping a pleasant tone in her voice, a happy smile on her face and a neat and clean appearance. Take special care about your appearance and everyday. Include exercises or yoga in your daily routine. Be hygienic. Some woman feel that once they are married why they should dress up or take care of their appearance. A man likes his wife to smell good. If you are unhealthy or not presentable your man may cheat you behind your back.

12) Prepare the House: Maintain a clean house all the time. Clear away the clutter and spend time decorating the house. Apart from this be wise with money and take all the responsibilities of a wife seriously without complaining.

I am sure any man would be happy to get a wife with all these qualities. Have I left anything? Please feel free to add through comments.

2 Ways to say “Hello”, without saying “Hello”

English greetings are special because there are SO many of them!

In the classroom when you are young, your English teacher may teach you to say “Hello, how are you?”. To which you reply “I’m fine thank you and you?”. There’s nothing wrong with this English greeting, but I will give you a few more authentic, informal ways to say hello in English.

English Greetings

1. How’s it going? (Howsit-goin?)

When I see my friends, I often say, “James, how’s it going?”. This is a rhetorical question and basically means, James! Hello!. “It” refers to James’ life, James’ day, everything in James’ life. You could replace it with, “James, How is life?”. I don’t want to know the full details of James’ life, I’m just getting the conversation started.

An authentic reply to “How’s it going?” would be “Not bad, mate”. It’s very informal so remember not to use this in a job interview!

2. What’s up!? (Wassup) or What’s Happening?

You may have heard this in American movies and it really is an American way to say hello. The first year I lived in Barcelona, my house mate (ex-Wellington House teacher) Jason, who was from California, would always greet me with “Hey, whats up?” or “Hey, what’s happening?”. Being from Britain I would always give him a detailed description of what was happening in my life. All he really meant was, “Hello, how are you?”. He didn’t need to know details of what was happening in my life (sorry Jason).

Below is how I should have replied

Jason : “What’s up, man?”
Ben : “Hey Jason, nothing much, man, how about you?”
Jason : “Just chilling, man”

Just chilling means to relax, not do anything in particular.

Example :- It’s the weekend so I’m just going to chill!

10 Fun Informal Ways to say Goodbye in English, Without Saying Goodbye.

Not so long ago we gave you a free English lesson about how you can say hello to people without saying hello! Today, we have a fun English lesson teaching you 10 ways, yes TENways that you can say goodbye in English, without actually saying goodbye! I hope you enjoy and remember to follow our blog.

Fun, Informal Ways To Say Goodbye in English!

1. Cheerio = A funny and friendly way to say goodbye in English.

“I have to go home for dinner, cheerio!”

2. Toodle-OO = This is a very silly and funny way to say goodbye, you will make people laugh by saying Toodle-oo!

“OK see you soon, Toodle-OO!”

3. Toodle-pip = Another hilarious way to say goodbye in English. This is the funniest and silliest one!

“OH NO!!, it’s late, I’d better go home, toodle-pip!”

4. See you later aligator = This is a fun way to say goodbye in English and is often used by children (although I use it all the time), it also has a really fun rhyming response.

A: “I’m going home, see you later alligator!”
B: “In a while crocodile!”

5. Laters! = A very cool and relaxed way to say goodbye to your friends in English.

A: “OK, see you tomorrow!”
B: “Laters!”

6. Catch you later = Another relaxed and very informal way of saying goodbye to somebody when you know you will see them again soon.

“Catch you later, man!”

7. Take care = A more formal way of saying goodbye to somebody that you care about.

A: “I’m going home now, Tony. Thanks for your help today!”
B: “No problem, take care and see you soon”
A: “Thanks, you too!” 

8. Take it easy = A nice way to say goodbye to a friend who you care about, but when you don’t want to show too much emotion. It means, don’t work too hard, enjoy your life.

“See you tomorrow, mate. Take it easy!”

9. Bye for now = A more formal way of saying goodbye to somebody when you know that you will see them again, but when you don’t know when.

A: OK, I’d better go, the last train leaves in 5 minutes. I’ll be back next month but I don’t know exactly when.”
B: “OK, well have a great train ride and bye for now!” 
A: “Yes, bye for now!” 

10. I need to scoot = A fun way of saying I have to go! Not to be used in formal situations.

“OK it’s like so I need to scoot, toodle-oo and see you soon!”