Spoken English Preliminaries

Summary

This module from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, focuses on learning spoken English, emphasizing the importance of speaking in global standard English. It highlights the need for clear communication, politeness, slow tempo, and understanding accents. The session stresses the significance of having interesting content, good listening habits, and regular practice. Real-life examples like Mother Teresa and Indira Nooyi are used to illustrate effective communication. The module also covers practical tips for pronunciation, intonation, and the use of dictionaries, encouraging learners to cultivate these skills for better global comprehension.

Takeaways

• 🌏 English is a global language, and proficiency in it requires understanding and adapting to various accents and dialects from around the world.
• 🗣️ Speaking English with a global standard involves not only mastering the accent but also ensuring that what you say is relevant, interesting, and delivered in a polite manner.
• 📚 To improve English skills, it's crucial to listen to and read content of global reach and impact, such as speeches by influential figures like Mother Teresa.
• 👂 Developing good listening habits is essential for learning spoken English, as it helps in understanding different accents and improving pronunciation.
• 🎓 Politeness in English is conveyed through the use of certain words and phrases like 'please', 'thank you', and the use of interrogative sentences for making requests or commands.
• 📈 The importance of having something meaningful to say cannot be overstated; it is more impactful than just having a good accent.
• 📑 English pronunciation can be challenging due to variable word stress and differences in vowel length, which require practice and attention to master.
• 🤔 English does not have grammatical gender or complex pronoun rules, which simplifies learning but also necessitates careful attention to word stress and pronunciation.
• 📚 Utilizing resources such as advanced learner's dictionaries and books specifically designed for spoken English can greatly aid in improving one's language skills.
• ⏳ Speaking at a slower tempo allows for better comprehension and is perceived as more polite, despite initial potential for sounding unnatural.
• 🔄 Learning English is not confined to the classroom; it requires personal responsibility and consistent practice, including daily drills in pronunciation.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the module on spoken English at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras?

The primary focus of the module is to teach and improve spoken English skills, emphasizing the importance of speaking in global standard English and setting priorities on what aspects of spoken English are more important than others.

Why is it important to learn and speak global standard English according to the script?

Learning and speaking global standard English is important because English is now a world language used in various domains globally. It helps in effective communication with people from different cultures, disciplines, and countries, ensuring mutual understanding.

What does the script suggest about the variety of accents in English spoken around the world?

The script suggests that there is a mind-boggling variety of accents in English spoken around the world, from Argentina to Zaire, Australia to New Zealand, and New England, emphasizing the need to adapt to the global standard to ensure clear communication.

Who are some of the individuals mentioned in the script as examples of effective global English speakers?

Mother Teresa and Indira Nooyi are mentioned as examples of effective global English speakers. Mother Teresa, though born in Albania, spoke in a manner that was globally understandable, and Indira Nooyi, who was born and brought up in India, became the head of a global company like PepsiCo.

What is the significance of having 'something to say' when speaking English, as mentioned in the script?

Having 'something to say' is significant because it captures the listeners' interest and ensures that the communication is relevant and helpful. It is more important than just having a good accent, as it is the content of the message that resonates with the audience.

How does the script define politeness in English communication?

The script defines politeness in English communication as the use of words like 'please', 'thanks', 'excuse me', 'sorry', and 'pardon me'. It also mentions the importance of intonation and the use of interrogative sentences for commands to express politeness.

What is the role of listening in learning to speak English effectively, as per the script?

Listening plays a crucial role in learning to speak English effectively. It helps in developing good speaking habits by paying attention to the manner of speech, pronunciation, and the use of words in different contexts, which can be learned from various sources like songs, movies, and documentaries.

Why is a slow tempo considered a marker of politeness when speaking English, according to the script?

A slow tempo is considered a marker of politeness because it allows the listeners to understand and appreciate what is being said. It also gives them time to process the information, reducing the chances of misunderstandings and requests for repetition.

What are some of the peculiarities of English pronunciation mentioned in the script?

The script mentions the peculiarities of English pronunciation such as variant word stress, where the stress can fall on different syllables in different words, and the varying lengths of vowels, which can be longer or shorter than in many other languages.

How does the script suggest one should practice and improve their English pronunciation?

The script suggests practicing and improving English pronunciation by doing drills for correct pronunciation, listening to a variety of accents, and using resources like advanced learner's dictionaries. It also emphasizes the importance of giving the mind exposure and time to learn and adapt.

What resources does the script recommend for improving spoken English?

The script recommends resources such as advanced learner's dictionaries, both in print and electronic versions, for checking pronunciation and usage. It also suggests books specifically aimed at improving spoken English, like 'Better Spoken English', and the practice of listening to various accents and speech patterns.