英語教育講義④

    The L2 acquisition is not only affected by some external factors such as social factors, the circumstance of learning and the method of learning, but also affected by internal factors such as personality, IQ and age. In this class, we have taken several tests to figure out whether we have a real flair for language. Meanwhile, it reminds us why we study the second language so hardly and motivate us in the right direction and in the long run. 

    Concerning the age of the learner, it is said that older learners learn the language faster, but younger learners learn it better. There is no denying that children seek out regularities and rules in acquiring the target language. Older learners can learn the language successfully too, but always struggle to grasp the pronunciation and the intonation. Besides, there is a saying that interest is the best teacher. The more interest learners have in language learning, the greater the will inspires a strong motivation. They will feel excited and keep strong learning motivation with a strong interest. Second language acquisition is a long process, it can't achieve overnight. Therefore, we need to invest time and energy but at the same time develop interest to make it own. 

SLA Junior Seminar 2-4: Diwali

Every year, bright lights, family gatherings and street parades mark the spectacular festival of Diwali.

 

    Namaste, have you ever been to India? If you did, you must hear of Diwali which is India's most cheerful festival. It is also known as one of the most important traditional festival in India. Diwali is celebrated every year in October or November based on the Indian lunar calendar. Meanwhile, it can last up to about five days, every household in this period are decorated and fireworks. People in India give thanks for the year that has gone and hope for a happy year to come. To hold the Diwali, every family will light candles or lamps to welcome the wealth goddess, Lakshmi. How did the festival begin? Reading this book will make you know more about the culture of India, please don't miss it!

英語教育講義③

Mother tongue influences English as a second language.

    In English learning, the influence of L1 is significant. That is because we tend to think in our first language when we want to communicate in English. People learn English by bringing the interference of their mother tongue, so many varieties of English turn up. On the other hand, it might get people confused or bring up misunderstandings because of the different ways of thing, different cultures. This impact of the mother tongue cannot be avoided when learning the second language. One of the things we always do is translating word by word directly. If we do so, our spoken English cannot progress rapidly.

    In our group discussion, we shared our experience of learning English. From my perspective, Chinese is somehow similar to English with aspects of grammar and word order. Chinese students may have an advantage, but most of them think of English as a subject of an exam, not a tool of communication. Consequently, they don't pay more attention to the pronunciation or stress of the English words.

    To sum up, we need to expand the knowledge of language such as learning more languages ad understand the system of the language. It does not matter which accent you have in producing English as long as your English can be understood, just be proud of it. 

SLA Junior Seminar 2-3: The Love of a King

All he wanted to do was to marry the woman he loved. But his country said 'No!'

    How much do you know about Britain royal families?    

    

    This week I read "The Love of a King" from the Oxford Bookworms Series 2. On the cover of the book is a picture of Edward VIII and Mrs. Simpson. After the death of Edward George V, Edward became the KIng. Edward VIII is the eldest son of George V and Queen Mary and brother of George VI. He was also the second King of Windsor. All he wants to do is to marry Mrs. Simpson, his only love in life. However, as supreme governor of the Church of England, he was not permitted to marry a divorced woman. Does the King do what he wants, or does he do what his people expect him to do?

SLA Junior Seminar 2-2: War and Peace

This is the story of those fateful few years - of war and peace, despair and courage, and, finally, love and wisdom. (p5)

     What comes to your mind when you hear "war and peace"?  

     This story takes place in Russia, at the beginning of the 19th century. The three main characters in the story have different life experiences.  Prince Andrew is the nobility, but he has the heart as an ordinary person. He is willing to serve the country during wars, and he has a sense of responsibility to obey military orders. Andrew has a friend, Pierre who wears glasses, tall and awkward. Compare to the personality of Andrew, Pierre is an emotional man, lack of practical activity. Heroine Natasha is a rich, vibrant and closer to the people. Suddenly, the French invasion of Russian changes their lives. With all that said, you do curious about the ending of this book so please check it out!

英語教育講義②

     What motivates you to learn a language?

     There are several types of motivation. Learning a language for a particular purpose, such as getting into a university, getting a job, to go to a foreign country. Or learning a language because you love different cultures, curious about global issues, enjoy learning. With these aspects, we could recognize that the learner's motivations play a very vital role in second language acquisition. 

     We all know that we need to keep learning, but how do you do it without getting bored and losing motivation?

     In a group discussion, we have discussed the way of learning English. Most people are fond of watching foreign films or listening to music which relevant to our interests. However, it is said that the motivation would change, and it depends on the circumstance around us. It is quite difficult for our university students not to be bothered by things outside school. One thing to keep the motivation high is to set a clear goal. Honestly speaking, I am a poor organizer. I would like to make time to organize part of the daily routine step by step. Even geniuses make efforts, why don't we try hard to accomplish the goal?

SLA Junior Seminar 2-1: The Story of Chocolate

 "Once upon a time, the world had no chocolate," said the storytellers. "Then Quetzalcoatl, the god of farming, appeared from paradise with a cocoa tree." (p17) 

     What is your favorite chocolate bar? If you ask me, I would love to eat milk chocolate! It is said that flowers and chocolate are the most popular gifts. Also it is popular with girls, and I am not exceptional! Let's enter the world of chocolate!

     Chocolate has a long history. At first, it was not the solid that we are familiar with but existed as the liquid for a very long time. A huge group of people called Mayans turned the cocoa beans into a drink. Cocoa beans became an important part of Mayan life and were used as currency at that time. This kind of cocoa drink was once called "liquid gold". Therefore, it was very expensive. With the progress of the times, cocoa beans returned to markets with a new look. Then the chocolate maker did many trials to make it more delicious, such as mixing it with other ingredients or string it with mild, caramel, vanilla. Today you can buy chocolate anywhere in the world. If you are curious about the history of chocolate, why don't you read this book?

英語教育講義①

     Have you ever heard of the SLA?

     Second language acquisition, or SLA is the process by which people learn languages in addition to their native language. In this class, we will gain knowledge and skills by analyzing a series of experiments. Moreover, the field of SLA gives us new learning skills and learning strategies of second language. It would be a great opportunity for us to master the ways of studying. I believe that we need to find what works for us and plan our time accordingly. 

     In terms of the method of memorizing new words, I think sticky note is the most effective way for me to memorize new words that I hear and read. It is less boring than reciting the words in the vocabulary book and the impression of the words is plainer and much easier recited. This way did improve my language learning and quickly memorize a large number of words. I would suggest you write words on sticky notes and put everywhere your eyes are likely to linger. If you have never used sticky notes to learn a foreign language, give this a try!