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Post by Mark on Apr 18, 2006 14:42:02 GMT -5
Have no fear, the Bartman is here. Just let me or anyone else know if you have a problem and anyone would be more than glad to lend a hand, I'm sure... ;D
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Post by Maria on Apr 18, 2006 18:44:50 GMT -5
Today I taught an English class at the Center where I work. We have about 8 Hispanic teenagers that usually work with an English teacher that volunteers her time for us. However, she was sick and couldn't make it. This kids are so wonderful and so very eager to learn. They all want great things in their futures. But they are struggling to learn English. One of the girls has only been here 4 months. I admire all the kids. I can't even pronounce thank you correctly in Spanish.
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Post by sandy on Apr 18, 2006 23:52:06 GMT -5
Bravo for them. I admire someone who tries too.
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Post by Maria on Apr 19, 2006 20:02:37 GMT -5
When I have traveled to other countries, I have tried to learn a couple of manner words, like thank you, but I really always have carried a phrase book. Some people are so good at picking up another language. I think it is extremely difficult.
So, yes, I greatly admire others learning a new language.
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Post by Mark on Apr 20, 2006 9:19:15 GMT -5
Maria, does my HTML tutorial count? ;D
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Post by no one on Apr 29, 2006 9:03:36 GMT -5
It is sad how many people cannot spell correctly or use correct grammar. Anytime I hear my children misusing a word or notice they are not spelling a word correctly I correct them. They don't always like it, but they know it will happen as that is the way we have always been. We never used baby talk when they were little as we felt that that was useless and only ended up confusing children when you had to correct them and teach them the proper word when they got older. And we never allowed anyone to use baby talk when talking to them either. Told them we did not use it, and would appreciate them not using it when talking to our children. Now years later we have heard many times how the boys have very good speech skills only occasionally needing to be corrected with their grammar. Now if we can get them to write as well as they speak we would be all set. They are getting better, though, and working hard at it. We have heard from their teachers that they have definitely made progress since the beginning of the year. I think that writing comes harder for boys in general than it does for girls, but that may not be the case overall. It is just an observation I have made over the years that girls seem to be better at writing things than boys are.
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Post by Maria on Apr 29, 2006 12:35:52 GMT -5
Maria, does my HTML tutorial count? ;D Yoa speekena toa mea? As you know HTML is less than greek to me. Ldy, I am with you. I never let anyone talk baby talk to my kids. You are absolutely correct in your assumption about learning the language. My kids and their friends were corrected around me. Now that they are grown up and their friends still come visit me, many comment on how I taught them to speak 'more better' All that when not only can't I learn another language, I barely speak English.
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Post by no one on Apr 30, 2006 8:37:37 GMT -5
But you did your part, Maria, and your children and their friends are greatful for what you did. That makes all the difference in the world rather than just letting the child speak the way they wish like I believe some parents do. And of course these are the same parents who are the first ones to complain when their children are getting low marks or their teachers are sending home letters for meetings because the child is doing so badly in English, writing, reading, or spelling. Makes you wonder sometimes.
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Post by sandy on Apr 30, 2006 9:18:11 GMT -5
Your speech is a measure of you. The second impression someone gets from you is how you speak. It can label you as intelligent or uneducated. I don't mean the use of big obscure words, just good use of the everyday language.
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Post by no one on May 21, 2006 8:31:03 GMT -5
So true, Sandy! People do measure you by the way you speak as to whether you are educated, uneducated, or just plain lazy when you talk. Using all those big, obscure words doesn't impress many from what I have seen, and often the person trying to use them really doesn't use them properly! I think that if you are going to use a big word you should make sure that you know how to use it not just throw it out into the conversation because you think it will make an impression on someone.
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Post by sandy on May 21, 2006 12:41:57 GMT -5
I have to laugh sometimes at the response my girls and now my grandsons get when they talk. They know how and when to use large words and their vocabulary is very big. Makes them fun to chat with. There is nothing I dislike more than someone that mumbles when talking whether it's in person or on the phone. It's surprising the amount of people that do this. The radio station I listen to takes on air requests. These people know they will be played in a tri state area and that easily millions of people will be hearing them. They mumble and slur. What's with that? I can see being nervous but this is just plain lazy.
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Post by no one on Jun 8, 2006 17:22:58 GMT -5
Yes, and not only does mumbling make it hard for you to carry on a conversation with an adult, but if you are talking to a child and trying to teach them new words they have a hard time learning them because the person mumbling can't be properly understood. Makes you wonder sometimes. I do agree that mumbling is just plain lazy.
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Post by xscapes on Jul 19, 2006 18:58:50 GMT -5
I have to agree with most of the posters so far. It's a travesty that in this country there are some 11 MILLION functionally illiterate people. (I assume that's NOT counting the illegals). It can be blamed on many things: today's economy forcing both parents to work so the kids have less family structure; teachers that are expected to babysit all day as well as teach (for poor pay, I might add).... as well as a school system that just pushes kids through like piece-work, whether they have learned something or not; English NOT being the formal language of the United States!! (can someone explain to me this....why, in my OWN country, do I have to press ONE to SPEAK ENGLISH!!?? If you're not speaking english...learn it or get out. Period!) Shouldn't have gotten me started on this, I guess. Sure, I don't always speak formal English. Depends entirely on the conversation & the participants. I usually use a more relaxed english on forum boards than I do in 'real life'. Another thing....what's up with this craze to say "continue on" Doesn't continue mean to go forward?? Why do they need to add the "on" part?? Can you say redundant?? Again??
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Post by Mark on Jul 19, 2006 19:30:32 GMT -5
You're right, of course...deja vu, all over again... ;D
I don't mean to make light of your concerns, but you're singing to the choir. But, you're right, continue "on" is what I would call a 'verbal pimple', to be squeezed out and forgotten (sorry for the graphic metaphor). I could add several hundred more to the list, but I'm sure you've already come across them yourself - I can't help but mention a couple, however. You often see in advertisments, the term "free gift"....now, if it's a gift, I automatically assume that it's free, or else, by definition, it is not a gift, right? Another bit of advertising folderol is "New and Improved!". If it is indeed 'New', how could it have been 'Improved'? Another little mystery.
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Post by sandy on Jul 22, 2006 9:15:21 GMT -5
It's like a stutter. Only not saying the same letter saying a word with the same meaning. Some people need a stop button on their tongue.
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Post by Mark on Aug 1, 2006 10:26:11 GMT -5
Or perhaps removing their tongue's 'start' button... ;D
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Post by Alex on Aug 2, 2006 8:50:13 GMT -5
I finally agree with Mark!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Post by Mark on Aug 2, 2006 14:48:59 GMT -5
It's about time! I thought maybe the cat got your tongue...
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Post by xscapes on Aug 2, 2006 16:03:25 GMT -5
I think some people should come with a 'delete' button!! :-)
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Post by Mark on Aug 2, 2006 16:17:32 GMT -5
Yes - or at least a 'mute' button. You are right!
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