Is “They” Okay? Is it okay to use “they” for a singular pronoun of unknown gender?
May 3, 2018
compellingconversations-admin
‘Chandos’ Portrait of Shakespeare in the National Portrait Gallery, London “There’s not a man I meet but doth salute me As if I were their…
Read More“Good Enough”: English as a lingua franca & a uniting force
February 12, 2016
compellingconversations-admin
“I’m a great believer that any tool that enhances communication has profound effects in terms of how people can learn from each other, and how…
Read MoreIn the News: Will the U.K. Debate over Teaching English to Reduce Islamic Extremism Travel Here?
February 6, 2016
compellingconversations-admin
“Education is an ornament in prosperity, and a refuge in adversity.” ~Aristotle (384-322 BCE), Ancient Greek philosopher and scientist Can teaching English to new immigrants…
Read MoreChanging Work Titles & Greater Equality
November 6, 2015
compellingconversations-admin
“Habits change into character.” ~Ovid (43 BCE-17 CE), Ancient Roman poet Which is correct: fireman or firefighter? The answer is both! But one has been…
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‘Verbal Energy’ column quirky, insightful, fun
January 3, 2015
compellingconversations-admin
Christian Science Monitor’s Ruth Walker spotlights English as a fascinating language Photo Source: Christian Science Monitor“There is no such thing as “the Queen’s English.’ The…
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Perfection and grammar: not essential for ESL students, or even native speakers
September 17, 2014
compellingconversations-admin
Certain grammar rules unnecessary for comprehension, everyday conversation Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons “Have no fear of perfection – you’ll never reach it.” -Salvador Dalí (1904-1989)…
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Between life and death: Zombie nouns privilege pretentious vocabulary at the expense of simple clarity
August 15, 2014
compellingconversations-admin
The nominalization of nouns creates abstract, dry and often misleading language “Simplicity is the glory of expression.” -Walt Whitman (1819-1892) American poet Sometimes, it’s fun…
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English as a lingua franca unifies people
July 13, 2014
compellingconversations-admin
Emergence of ELF unites people, brings praise, and generates discussion on English student needs “I’m a great believer that any tool that enhances communication has…
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Standardized Exams: Ends or Means?
June 21, 2009
compellingconversations-admin
The main focus of language programs, especially in high schools, should be helping students develop authentic language skills so they can actually read, write, listen,…
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California Immigrants are Learning English – and Want to Learn More!
September 25, 2008
Eric Roth newBlog
Do American immigrants want to learn English? Are the children of Spanish-speaking adult immigrants learning English? What are the recent trends in California and Los…
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