The English myth

A good command of the English language seems to be a prerequisite everywhere. And why shouldn’t it be like this? After all, English is an international language (and the only one) that is understood on all continents. Even non-English speaking countries have realized the importance of English for faster integration with the global economy. We found thousands of English training institutes, proliferating in every nook and corner, promising impeccable English language skills in no time. All major administration entrance exams assess candidates’ ability in various applications of the English language.

People claim to have excellent English language skills on their resumes. But they are wrong when asked to write a simple business letter. Even top managers, who draw huge salary packages, in major business conglomerates write poor-quality English. So where exactly do people go wrong in their approach to improving English skills?

The English myth

1. English can be improved in 30 days: learning is a continuous process. There is nothing called 100% perfection. However, reaching a certain level of competence takes years. Coaching books and classes that offer “guarantees” are just filling their coffers.

2. Memorize a list of 3000 words and you will become proficient in English! Learning 3000 words by heart may not be of much use unless you know how to fit them into your daily use. For example: “Kill” can be used as both a noun and a verb.

3. English improves speaking daily: unless you improve / correct your fundamentals, you will be repeating the same mistakes daily. Talking on a daily basis can only strengthen your confidence and nothing else.

4. If the vocabulary is strong, the grammar comes automatically: if you know how to change gears in a car, does that mean that you will automatically learn to use the steering wheel? Wrong. Similarly, building vocabulary and learning grammar require a complemented approach.

5. Vocabulary is more important than grammar: in a car, is the brake more important than the clutch? A grammatically correct statement requires knowledge of both vocabulary and grammar.

6. Spoken and written English is different: Although there are several schools of thought on this subject, English in both forms must be the same. However, speaking, is there some flexibility considering the redundancy of the punctuation?

7. Using powerful words indicates fluency in the English language: Using the right words at the right time is more important than using powerful words. Also, using strong words in a poorly worded sentence does more harm than good. Furthermore, as a principle it is imperative that the receiver understands the message.

8. Vocabulary should be learned before grammar: Do you learn to use the gas pedal first and then the brakes? Both must be learned simultaneously. Similarly, vocabulary and grammar go hand in hand.

9. English is not our national / official language: in accordance with Section 3 of the Official Languages ​​Act of 1963 (amended in 1967); An unlimited general permission in time for the use of English has been granted.

10. Communication within the office by email, etc. It doesn’t need to be well-written: This reason has its roots in childhood days, where children assure their parents of good final exam results while failing all class tests. Good writing should become a habit and not an exception. The use of SMS jargon should be strictly avoided.

11. Perfect English is for fiction writers and not corporate employees: As the old adage goes, “The pen is mightier than the sword,” a well-written business letter / report / resume can get your points across more easily by comparison. with the inferior. A well-crafted resume can be chosen over a shabby resume (although the latter may be better graded).

It is essential to understand that there is a defined structure to master this language. Also, the domain does not arrive in 30 days (as some books claim).

The myth of the coaching class

Have you ever seen the study material provided by most of the English training classes? You’ll find vocabulary lists, plural lists, gender lists, noun / adjective / adverb form lists, an introduction to basic grammar followed by tons of exercises.

Its modus operandi is quite simple. Put some fancy words in people’s mouths and earn money. This is just cosmetic English.

Basic Anatomy of English

Grammar is the heart of any language, with the vocabulary built around it. The set of rules that are used to place the appropriate words in a grammatically correct statement is called syntax. Grammar can be classified into two types: prescriptive grammar and descriptive grammar. Prescriptive grammar provides rules for correct usage, while descriptive grammar describes how a language is actually used.

Words are divided into different classes according to the role they play. In general terms, words are divided into 8 parts of speech: noun, pronoun, verb, adverb, adjective, preposition, conjunction and interjection.

The concept of parts of speech is supposed to be the backbone of grammar. Usage varies by time, gender, quantity, quality, mood, and circumstances. The above only provides an introduction to the English language and achieving perfection requires careful study.

Placing words in the correct place in a sentence gives any sentence a logical meaning. Also, the correct grammatical form of the word must be used in the appropriate place in the sentence. For example: “I will drive to Pune tomorrow” uses the word “drive” in the verb form, while the sentence “Let’s go for a long walk” uses it in the noun form. Using the correct spelling in the correct place is also essential. The spelling per se may be correct, but the usage in that particular statement may be incorrect.

Some people mistake English for fluent conversation, the use of accents, and slang words. English is not about using international accents or slang. Also, getting a score of 85% on descriptive work in English does not mean great brainpower in English. The ability to understand, interpret, and explain is beyond the scope of any rote learning activity!