English Council

Improving the English Language

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:09:40 +0000

Improving the English Language…

Having chosen English as the preferred language in the EEC, the European Parliament has commissioned a feasibility study in ways of improving efficiency in communications between Government departments.

European officials have often pointed out that English spelling is unnecessarily difficult; for example: cough, plough, rough, through and thorough. What is clearly needed is a phased programme of changes to iron out these anomalies.

The programme would, of course, be administered by a committee staff at top level by participating nations.

In the first year, for example, the committee would suggest using ’s’ instead of the soft ‘c’. Sertainly, sivil servants in all sities would resieve this news with joy. Then the hard ‘c’ could be replaced by ‘k’ sinse both letters are pronounsed alike. Not only would this klear up konfusion in the minds of klerikal workers, but typewriters kould be made with one less letter.

There would be growing enthusiasm when in the sekond year, it was announsed that the troublesome ‘ph’ would henseforth be written ‘f’. This would make words like ‘fotograf’ twenty persent shorter in print.

In the third year, publik akseptanse of the new spelling kan be expekted to reash the stage where more komplikated shanges are possible.

Governments would enkourage the removal of double leters whish have always been a deterent to akurate speling.

We would al agre that the horible mes of silent ‘e’s in the languag is disgrasful. Therefor we kould drop them and kontinu to read and writ as though nothing had hapend. By this tim it would be four years sins the skem began and peopl would be reseptive to steps sutsh as replasing ‘th’ by ‘z’. Perhaps zen ze funktion of ‘w’ kould be taken on by ‘v’, vitsh is, after al, half a ‘w’. Shortly after zis, ze unesesary ‘o kould be dropd from vords kontaining ‘ou’. Similar arguments vud of kors be aplid to ozer kombinations of leters.

Kontinuing zis proses yer after yer, ve vud eventuli hav a reli sensibl riten styl. After tventi yers zer vud be no mor trubls, difikultis and evrivun vud find it ezi tu understand ech ozer. Ze drems of the Guvermnt vud finali hav kum tru.

This is obviously a joke, or is it – it does seem to sum up the mentality of the EU – Independence for England is coming.

English The World’s Language

admin — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:19:43 +0000

English The World’s Language.
The first significant step in the progress of English towards its status as a world language began through the voyages of English sailors at the end of the 18th century, notably the journeys of Captain Cook in the 1770s. At that time, the number of mother-tongue English speakers in the world is thought to have been between five and seven million, almost all of them living within the United Kingdom of Great Britain. By 1952, this figure increased almost fifty fold, to around 250 million, the majority living outside the British Isles. Today the figures are now believed to be in excess of 377 million speakers of English as a first language and 350 million speakers of English as a second language. There is no doubt that English is and will remain a vital linguistic tool for many business people, academics, tourists and citizens of the world who wish to communicate easily across nationalities for many years to come. There are a number of interlocking reasons for the popularity of English as a World Language. Many of these are historical, but they also include economic and cultural factors, which have influenced and sustained the spread of the language. The biggest influence in the spread of English throughout the world today, especially in Asia, is due to America. After England gave America its independance in 1776 from being one of the many colonies of The United Kingdom of Great Britain. American has grown to be a major power in the world and thus has been spreading the use of English. This in its self is a bit of a problem, especially when trying to teach someone who has had a strong influence of American. People in England and America generally understand each other, most of the time. Sir Winston Churchill once said that England and America were two countries divided by one language. There are many differences between English and American. The variation is considerable: grammar, vocabulary, spelling and pronunciation.
With vocabulary, the same word may have a different meaning all together, a simple example would be, English chips are American french fries; and American chips are English crisps. Sometimes there are completely different words for the same thing: a lorry in English is called a truck in American, a rubber in English means an eraser but in American, it means a condom, so a bit embarrassing if you go into a shop in America asking for a rubber.
With spelling, possibly one could say American could be seen as more logical than English. For example, catalogue (English) catalog (American), draughty (English)drafty(American), plough(English)plow(American),just to name a few.
This has made many a student confused in countries where the teachers do not recognize or are not even aware that there are spelling differences. As in the Philippines, where teachers in regular schools were marking students spelling as wrong if it was spelt the English way, only because they themselves had only learnt the American spellings. Until there is some sort of unification with regard to spelling, both have to be considered correct, as long as the use is consistent. Throughout the world, there are many different varieties of English. David Crystal a well renowned expert in the English language lists 67 in 75 territories where English holds a special place, but there are many more, when you take into account all the regional variations of accents and dialects. A regional accent refers to features of pronunciation and a regional dialect refers to features of grammar and vocabulary. Even within the British Isles itself, there are people who are native speakers of English who do not always understand each other because of accents, dialects and the idiomatic use of the language. For example, people from the South of England speaking to someone from Scotland or Liverpool may experience considerable problems. Even people living in the same areas can sometimes find it hard to understand each other, the old trying to understand the young, people trying to understand jargon (words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group of people) and trying to fully understand when someone is using extreme forms of Estuary English. Only the other day one of our members had to give their e-mail address over the phone, which ends in freeuk.com. The young woman on the other end of the phone (because of her own mispronunciation of the “th”) assumed it was said 3uk.com. This in itself is a small example of the problem of mispronunciation but never the less a problem it is. These differences are not so much a problem for native speakers of English, in England, who basically have to be multi lingual within their own language, (when you include all the variations due to accent and dialect) but for someone trying to learn English as a second language it can be very confusing and frustrating for them.

Why are Americans called Native English Speakers?

admin — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 16:37:56 +0000

Why are Americans called Native English Speakers?

Here at the English Council, the other day, we were asked this question and it has set us all thinking now. It is a fact that many aspects of English are different from American, to such an extent that it could be construed as a different language all together. So we ask ourselves, why do the Americans, who are very proud of being American call the language they use and spread all around the world “English” instead of American. As the famous English Politician, Sir Winston Churchill once said, “America and England are two countries divided by the same language” As true Native English Teachers of English, we have all decided to research this subject and publish our findings in the near future. We already know from our own teaching of English around the world and from our teaching of students from around the world, who come to England to study with us, that there is a big difference between American English and what is called British English (that is another subject that we will be writing on in the near future)The difference, sometimes is so great, that we basically have to re-teach our students, to help them speak and understand “English” English. With so many differences in: spelling, vocabulary, syntax, the use of tenses and the pronunciation we do often feel we are dealing with a different language. To aid our research on this subject we would welcome any comments from any; teachers, students or users of the English language.

To be or not to be English

admin — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 15:43:55 +0000

To be or not to be, “English”? That is the question, the question in deed.

One of our registered teachers recently when to China to teach English and was shocked to find the depth of ignorance there or is it just the depth of success in our politicians, destroying the actual existence of England, the country. As we all know England is a country, in fact the largest country of Britain (it seems a little facetious to say Great Britain any more).

Our teacher filled out his Immigration form saying he was English as all English people should, but the authorities could not comprehend the fact that he had a British passport. He tried to explain that he could not get an English passport and was forced to have a British passport. This really baffled the Policeman in-charge of Immigration control in the fairly modern but backwater Town in China.

Eventually, after looking in many reference books the police officer found the connection between England and Britain. How sad this is, that what was once the most powerful and advanced country in the world has been reduced to a mere mention in some reference book, especially in a country that is begging for our language, English.

Let us know if you have had any similar experiences when you said you were English.

English is our Common Bond

admin — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:59:16 +0000

Our common bond here at the English Council is not only the English Language, which is getting abused and misused throughout the world but also the English culture, which is constantly being diluted and polluted and England it’s self which is under attack from both within and without, with the likes of Prescot, denouncing its existence. All this is part of the infestation of Europe undermining every aspect of what was once a proud and strong country that all others envied. The undermining and systematic destruction of England has been ongoing since 1952, if not before. Over the centuries it has been the dream and desires of many a European Leader and bureaucrat to control and humble England. Now all made possible through our own so-called politicians. People, whom we have put our trust in, have tricked and deceived us since the conception of the EU, An idea conceived deep within the seeds of tyranny.

The English Council is not in any way political but our aim and our mission is always to preserve and protect the English Language, the English culture, English Traditions, English History and England the country.

We welcome any input and support.

Are you English or British?

admin — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:41:01 +0000

Are you English or British? That is the question.

Let me play devil’s advocate to stir you all up.

What does it mean to be British? Well when you think about it seriously it means nothing. Nothing except you have managed to get a British passport. You could be any old Tom, Dick or Patel for all it matters.

To be British is probably an insult to most English people, who cannot have an English passport, do not have an English parliament, and do not have an English National Anthem. The English flag is seen as, at best the Red Cross or at worst England football. People of the world have no idea about England now.

If you say you are from England or you are English, I have had some Americans say, “What part of London is that” dear dear dear, what ever next.

In Asia, especially China, they do not seem to have a clue about England, “the country”

England is a country, in fact the largest country of the united kingdom, UK. The British Isles, a number of Islands near Europe.

Even though an obnoxious ex British politician, John Prescot I think his name was, once said “there is no such nationality as English”. Whom does he think he is, we know he is Welsh and we have to make allowances for this but come on? What an insult to all English people.

Personally, travelling the world, teaching English around the world, and teaching students from all parts of the world, I am saddened by this. By the fact that we cannot stand up and say we are English and be proud of it anymore.

What do you think?

Bring it on; let us hear what you all have to say about this.

English the World Language

admin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:04:40 +0000

English

The World Language

Part of our TESOL on-line course.

The first significant step in the progress of English towards its status as a world language began through the voyages of English sailors at the end of the 18th century, notably the journeys of Captain Cook in the 1770s. At that time, the number of mother-tongue English speakers in the world is thought to have been between five and seven million, almost all of them living within the British Isles. By 1952, this figure increased almost fifty fold, to around 250 million, the majority living outside the British Isles. Today the figures are now believed to be in excess of 377 million speakers of English as a first language and 350 million speakers of English as a second language.

There is no doubt that English is and will remain a vital linguistic tool for many business people, academics, tourists and citizens of the world who wish to communicate easily across nationalities for many years to come. There are a number of interlocking reasons for the popularity of English as a World Language. Many of these are historical, but they also include economic and cultural factors, which have influenced and sustained the spread of the language.

The biggest influence in the spread of English throughout the world is due to America. This in its self is a bit of a problem, especially when trying to teach someone who has had a strong influence of American English.

People in England and America generally understand each other, most of the time. Sir Winston Churchill once said that England and America were two countries divided by one language. There are many differences between British English and American English. The variation is considerable: grammar, vocabulary, spelling and pronunciation. With vocabulary, the same word may have a different meaning all together, a simple example would be, British chips are American french fries; and American chips are British crisps. Sometimes there are completely different words for the same thing: a lorry in British English is called a truck in American English, a rubber in British English means an eraser but in American English, it means a condom, so a bit embarrassing if you go into a shop in America asking for a rubber. With spelling, possibly American English (AE) could be seen as more logical than British English (BE). For example, catalogue (BE) catalog (AE), draughty (BE) drafty (AE), plough (BE) plow (AE), just to name a few. This has made many a student confused in countries where the teachers do not recognize or are not even aware that there are spelling differences. As in the Philippines, where teachers in regular schools were marking students spelling as wrong if it was spelt the British way, only because they themselves had only learnt the American spellings. Until there is some sort of unification with regard to spelling, both have to be considered correct, as long as the use is consistent. Throughout the world, there are many different varieties of English. David Crystal a well renowned expert in the English language lists 67 in 75 territories where English holds a special place, but there are many more, when you take into account all the regional variations of accents and dialects. A regional accent refers to features of pronunciation and a regional dialect refers to features of grammar and vocabulary.

Even within the British Isles itself, there are people who are native speakers of English who do not always understand each other because of accents, dialects and the idiomatic use of the language. For example, people from the South of England speaking to someone from Scotland or Liverpool may experience considerable problems. Even people living in the same areas can sometimes find it hard to understand each other, the old trying to understand the young, people trying to understand jargon (words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group of people) and trying to fully understand when someone is using extreme forms of Estuary English. Only the other day one of our members had to give their e-mail address over the phone, which ends in freeuk.com. The young woman on the other end of the phone (because of her own mispronunciation of the th) assumed it was said 3 uk.com. This in itself is a small example of the problem of mispronunciation but never the less a problem it is. These differences are not so much a problem for native speakers of English, in England, who basically have to be multi lingual within their own language, (when you include all the variations due to accent and dialect) but for someone trying to learn English as a second language it can be very confusing for them.

Introduction to TESOL/TEFL course

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:24:06 +0000

Introduction to TESOL/TEFL course. This course is an introduction to the world of TESOL. The course has been designed especially for those with little experience of teaching English as a second language and whom wishes to discover his/her own aptitude and suitability before committing him/herself to the expense and length of a full English language teaching qualification course. CertTESOL Completion of this course will qualify you as a Teaching Assistant for ESOL in all English Council registered schools and many others throughout the world. This course is a summary look at the full Certificated TESOL course. It will allow you a scanned look of all aspects of TESOL, giving you the opportunity to decide whether the full CertTESOL course is the right thing for you. Trainees must be at least eighteen years old and at this stage, they must demonstrate a good level of spoken English, whether or not English is their first language. The course is designed to equip trainees with the basic skills and knowledge needed to give them a firm foundation for self-evaluation and further professional development. It must be stressed that this is an initial pre-qualification course only. After successfully completing this course, trainees will be ‘assistant’ teacher level. On completion of this course, trainees will have enough insight of TESOL to be able to decide whether they wish to continue. For trainees to continue on to level two, the full CertTESOL they must first have completed all assignments, projects and tests of the level one course, to the standard set by the English Council Examination Board. The Introduction to TESOL course consists of five input lessons plus five assignments allowing trainees an insight into all aspects of a fully certificated course: 1.Language awareness; an overview of English grammar 2.Language awareness; an overview of phonology. 3.Teaching awareness; methodology, classroom management, techniques and record keeping. 4.Materials compilation; planning, producing and evaluating classroom teaching materials 5.Learner profile; linguistic profile, needs analysis for students and testing methods. The English Council Introduction to TESOL course, could be completed in approximately 10 hours. Introduction to TESOL Level 1 course: Cost of course: £50 = $83

IELTS Review On-line

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:23:57 +0000

After many requests, we are now making our IELTS Review courses available on-line, Therefore, this now means wherever you are in the world, you can now prepare for your IELTS exam. We offer two courses: The IELTS Exam prep course and The IELTS full review course. Choose the course that you want and be assured you are getting probably one of the best English Language Course available on-line today.

The IELTS Exam Prep Course is for those who consider themselves ready for the exam but require an insight to the exam procedure for both British Council and IDP. This short course includes a full practice exam with exact timing restrictions and an online interview with a Native English speaking teacher. This will help you feel confident in taking the IELTS test and improve your test taking skills, giving you tips to improve your test score.

The IELTS Full Review Course is for those who would like some help to be ready for their IELTS exam. The Full Review Course includes a number of full practice exams with exact timing restrictions and online interviews with a Native English speaking teacher, providing instant feedback. This course will help you develop all aspects of your language skills. Help you feel a lot more confident in taking the IELTS exam, making you familiar with the exam test format and helping you to improve your test taking skills, giving you tips to improve your test score in each part of the course; listening, reading, writing and especially speaking.

Both of the courses we offer have been carefully developed by our team of qualified and experienced IELTS teachers. All English Council Accredited teachers are monitored to assure the quality of any courses offered

The IELTS exam

IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is used as the language of communication. IELTS is required for entry to university in the UK, Canada, Australia, and many other English speaking countries of the world.

Who is the IELTS for?

IELTS is recognised by universities and employers in many countries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. It is also recognised by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies.

More than 700,000 people a year take the IELTS test.

The Academic format is for those who want to study or train in an English-speaking university or

Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses is based on the results of the Academic test.

General Training – for school, work or migration

The General Training format focuses on basic survival skills in broad social and workplace contexts. It is for those who are going to English-speaking countries to do secondary education, work experience or training programs. People migrating to Australia, Canada and New Zealand must sit the General Training test.

IELTS Review Online

admin — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 21:33:55 +0000

Welcome to IELTS with The English Council

The IELTS exam

IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is used as the language of communication. IELTS is required for entry to university in the UK, Canada, Australia, and many other English speaking countries of the world.

Who is the IELTS for?
IELTS is recognised by universities and employers in many countries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. It is also recognised by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies.

More than 700,000 people a year take the IELTS test.

The Academic format is for those who want to study or train in an English-speaking university or

Academic Institutions of Higher and Further Education and also for those seeking employment in Professional jobs such as: Nursing, Engineering, etc. You must check with your future or positional employer for their requirements.
Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses is based on the results of the Academic test.

General Training – for school, work or migration
The General Training format focuses on basic survival skills in broad social and workplace contexts. It is for those who are going to English-speaking countries to do secondary education, work experience or training programs. People migrating to Australia, Canada and New Zealand must sit the General Training test.

What is the IELTS test like?
You can choose between the Academic or General Training versions of the test. All candidates, both Academic and General do the same Listening and speaking sections of the exam.

The Listening section has 4 sections with 40 questions in total and lasts 30 minutes

The Reading section is different for the Academic and the General sections both have 3 sections

Both have 40 questions and both last 60 minutes. The General

Writing – different for Academic or General Training – 2 pieces of writing, 60 minutes

Speaking – interview, 15 minutes, including you talking about a topic for 2 minutes.

Scoring System of IELTS- The score is out of 9 for each section; listening, speaking, reading and writing, and the overall score is out of 9.

Level - Multi-level. You can get a score between 1 and 9. Half scores such as 6.5 are possible. Universities often demand an IELTS score of 6 or 7. They may also demand a minimum score in each of the 4 sections. Employers in English-speaking countries and beyond accept IELTS scores. IELTS scores compare with TOEFL and the Cambridge exams approximately

as follows:

Level 2 is: IELTS 4 is the same as the TOEFL 57-86 and the same as TOEIC 550

Level 3 is: IELTS 5.5 is the same as the TOEFL 87-109

Level 4 is: IELTS 6.5 is the same as the TOEFL 110-120 and the same as TOEIC 880

Where do I take the test?
IELTS tests are administered at accredited Test Centres throughout the world – there are currently more than 300 Centres, in over 120 countries.