Hi everybody, this is Misterduncan in England. How are you today? Are you OK? I hope so! Are you happy? I hope so!
Here we are on a very windy day in England, with another selection of your e-mail questions, queries and conundrums.
So let's get under way with our first question for today. “Is learning English just about reading book and learning grammar? This very interesting question comes from Carlos Oliveira from Sao Paulo in Brazil. I suppose the ‘old fashioned’ way of teaching English would have been mostly done with textbooks and what I call the ‘Parrot Fashion’ of listening and repeating words or short sentences. However these days we have many options, when it comes to how, when, and where we study English. Fortunately these days many schools are moving away from the traditional language teaching methods. Making lessons more interesting and encouraging students to learn while relaxing is becoming a popular way of teaching.
This also happens to be the reason why my lessons are made the way they are. By utilizing video and sound via familiar internet technology, such as online video streaming through sites like YouTube, students can relax while learning… and hopefully have fun too.
As I have said before… the more you see and hear, then the more you become used to hearing how English being used… You will still need books to study with and learning English will still involve reading, but at least there are more choices these days.
So… click on a video whenever you want… and get learning!
“Could you make a lesson about how to use English during a job interview?” This question comes from Hoang My in Vietnam. During any formal conversation, the words you use are very important. If you are attending a job interview, then you will need to have some idea of the questions you may be asked.
Of course you must reply to these questions in a clear and polite way. Common questions are… “Where did you hear about this job vacancy?”, “What do you know about out company?”, “Do you see this job as temporary or permanent?”, “How long will you stay with us?”, “Tell me about your previous experience”. And probably most important question of all… “Why do you want his job?”. I will be discussing this subject in more detail during a later full lesson, so keep a look-out for that!
“Do you have any social network pages and if so, what is your official Facebook address?” This question come from Nicoletta in Italy. Well, there's good news and bad news in my answer to you. There is a Facebook page which has been set up by another person for those who are following my lessons, but it is not mediated by me. I do have my own Facebook page, where I occasionally post photos, videos, and little bits of news concerning my day-to-day activities. However I do not usually stay on there for very long. Although that does not mean that you cannot say hello to me if you see me logged on there. I'm always happy to have a chat if there is time. It took me a while, but I finally gave in I have started twittering! Yes now I have a Twitter page too, just like all those Hollywood celebrities. If you want to follow me there and find out what I get up to, when I'm not making my video lessons, then feel free to sign up and follow me! I also have a blog, which gives you a little peep into my written world. It is more of a personal forum and a place for me to air some of my thoughts. Remember, you do not have to agree with me, after all, opinion and debate are what shape this world of ours.
“Why are there differences between British and American English?” This question comes from Charlotte Soria in Uruguay. Well this is one of those questions where whatever my answer is, someone, somewhere will disagree. It is worth remembering that the English language developed here in England and was later later used in other parts of Britain, such as Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Although from its earliest existence, the English language has changed considerably, but the biggest change came during the colonizing of other countries (and continents) by the English people.
The English language was introduced to many different parts of the world during the 17th century and this continued to expand and grow well into the 19th century. However as time went on, each colonised country developed its own way of using English. There became various versions of English in use, though most of these were used in small localized areas. However, one variation did make a large impact on the way English was used away from its native land. The form of what we now know today as American English was created as a way of simplifying the language, especially words derived from the French language, such as ‘colour’. Although it is worth nothing that not all of the changed words come from the French language. For example, ‘neighbour’ is an old English word. In fact some American English spelling has more in common with old English, than modern British English does!
So over the years, the spread of English and the formation of new nations during that period caused the language to alter in many different ways. It is rather like growing a certain type of flower in a climate it is not used to. Over time it will alter and slowly adapt to its new environment. It would be fair to say that this is the reason why American English contains so many variations. But it is worth remembering that when comparing the two the basic cores and foundations of both types of English are virtually identical.
Before I wrap up and finish today's edition of “Ask Misterduncan”, I would like to say a special hello to… Jimmy (Lou) Chung in Hong Kong, who asks if I could make a lesson about sporting idioms. Well that is a great suggestion Jimmy and another possible subject for a future lesson. Oh by the way, yes you are correct; we do not follow Baseball here in England. Popular sports here include, Football, Rugby, and Cricket. Hello to Hao Dang who comes from Vietnam, but now stays in Australia. One of my friends from China is now studying there too. Hao asks if I have ever thought about visiting Vietnam. Well I have never been there, but who knows? One day I may travel there. Finally a big hello to Marco from Palmanova, in Italy, who wants to say a big “thanks” to me for my lessons. Thank you Marco and stay happy!
That is all from me for today. Keep a look-out for that e-mail address, it will be popping up very soon. This is Misterduncan in England saying, thank you for asking me and… ta-ta for now.