English Language

The English language is derived from Germanic languages, which are derived from Indo-European languages, but it is not definitely known how, when, or even where Indo-European languages began. Ever since the Elizabethan Age the number of people speaking English as their first language, or mother tongue, has grown rapidly. For several years now English has been accepted in virtually every part of the world as the preferred second language. It is no accident that the leaders of France and Germany speak to each other in English, and the English language shows no signs of losing its international appeal. Below are articles with information about the English and Old English languages.
Articles

Do You Interrobang?
This previously little-known punctuation mark is causing a stir in grammar circles.

British Spelling Vs American Spelling
British spelling vs American spelling. Now what's this!!! English, the language that is spoken all around the globe. And as we all know, it's either the American spellings or the British spellings that is followed by any individual, depending upon which part of the world he comes from.

Idioms and Their Meanings
Have you ever been puzzled by a certain phrase? Well, here are the answers to your puzzles. Idioms and their meanings listed below will help you understand the English language better.

Affect Vs Effect Usage
Among the many quandaries that people have when it comes to grammar, the most common one is affect vs effect usage. The problem is that both words look similar, sound similar and also have a somewhat similar meaning. So for those who have been hounded by affect vs effect grammar problem, here is an article on affect vs effect usage.

Glossary of Literary Terms
Not only do literary terms give greater relevance to words and their meanings, they add to the beauty of a language. Most often we use these literary terms without understanding the rules of usage behind them. And then when we hear the terms, they seem to indicate something we can hardly relate to. To ease the confusion, here is a glossary of literary terms and definitions that will help you to better appreciate the elegance of English language.

Interesting Words - List of Interesting Words in English
English language has a huge data of interesting words. Find out some really interesting words in English as the articles unfolds to increase your vocabulary.

How to Speak English Fluently
English is a globally accepted universal language. One that you can use to communicate with, all over the world. Nonetheless, are you having problems in knowing how to speak English fluently? Well then, here is your chance to speak English better. Check out this article for more on speaking English fluently.

Japanese Words in English
Just like many English words have proliferated the Japanese language, there are many Japanese words in English as well. Read on further to know these words...

Immigrants Afraid that English Classes May Be Eliminated
As states cut budgets for adult literacy education, immigrants worry that they will no longer have resources to learn English.

Rules of English Grammar
Here is an article which aims to guide you through the rules of English Grammar.

English Restoration
No, English Restoration does not mean a renewed interest in the English language and an attempt to revive it! That's what some students think in my History class actually! But, do you know what English Restoration means? Find out…

Phonetic Alphabet
Have you wondered what people are saying when they start using words instead of letters of the alphabet? They are most certainly using the phonetic alphabet, here is some useful information regarding the same.

Teaching English Lessons
We all know what a huge challenge teaching English lessons is. However, with a good deal of preparation for class and by using some interesting devices, you can make your class livelier and also impart a better quality of English education to your students.

Teaching English As A Second Language
If you are in the very noble profession of teaching English as a second language, you will also appreciate the difficulties involved in the job. Having gained a fifteen-year experience of teaching English as a second language to Indian students, I feel quite qualified to divulge some of the problems and solutions that you would require to know. Here are some original ideas how you can make the learning effective - and fun.

History of the English Language
English has emerged as the global language of the world. Here is a brief history of the English language which traces its checkered past.

Slang – The Other English Language
Slang seems to be ubiquitous. Its use crosses time, culture, and language. Just as with "normal" English words, the meanings of the words used in this other English language can be found in online dictionaries.

You Can Change the English Language
The English language is changing, and you are responsible! Whether we consider changes in grammar, spelling, pronunciation, or the very vocabulary of the language, you have played your part and continue to do so.

LSSU Releases Its Annual List of Words to Banish
Lake Superior State University has just released its 32nd annual List of Words Banished from the Queen’s English for Mis-Use, Over-Use, and General Uselessness.

The F-Word
If it is your serious intent to insult someone, why would you want to wish them with one of life's principle pleasures?

Senate Votes to Make English the National Language
While the Senate’s debate over immigration continues, two key votes have taken a step in the right direction by supporting calls for English to be the official national language of the United States.

Musical Mondegreens
She was mighty disappointed to learn it was the Earl that was buried and not Lady Mondegreen that was slain.

Maddening Malapropisms
The term 'Malapropism' is derived from the French term mal a propos, which translates as 'ill to purpose'. If I reprehend any thing in this world it is the use of my oracular tongue, and a nice derangement of epitaphs.

The Very Funny English Language
English, unless you grew up with its eccentricities, can be a rather difficult and confusing language to learn. The rule is that the rule doesn't always rule.

The Origin of Phrases
Here are some well-known English language expressions and how they originated.

Tongue Twisters
A Collection of Tongue Twisters from my Tongue Twisting Collection.

Bible and English Language
Bible translations made great impact on English as language and literature. Wyclif, Tyndale and Coverdale translated Bible in significant way.

"Super Verbs" Really Move Your Copy
Run or hustle? Eat or devour? Move or scurry? You can boost the power of your copy by boosting the quality of verbs you use. Verbs show action, and the way you describe that action can have a dramatic bearing on your readers.

Red Red English!
So what’s ‘red’ in English?
‘Red-letter days’, 'paint the town red' and more. And the difference between ‘red light’ & ‘red-light’.

English blues!
The influence of ‘Blue’ on English: a few words, phrases & expressions influenced by blue.

How black is thy English? – part 2
Some more words, phrases & expressions that contain ‘black’.

How black is thy English? – part 1
Some words, phrases & expressions that contain ‘black’.

The games that words play!
Here are some English phrases that have their origin in the games and sports that people play.

Wanna gamble? You bet!
Many English phrases have their origins in gambling. Don’t think so? Wanna bet?

Dravidian English
How has the Dravidian family of languages influenced English? Pakistan and Nepal, include 26 languages, prominent amongst which are Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Telugu.

Guru in English! – Part 2
Continuing with the influence of Sanskrit on English, here are a few more words with their origins in Sanskrit, the ancient Hindu language from Northern India?

Guru in English! – Part 1
What has been the influence of Sanskrit on English? And what are the words that are derived from this ancient Hindu language from Northern India?

Heart of the matter
Everyone knows that the heart has a very important place in the textbook of love, but do you know that it has an equally important place in the list of English phrases?

It’s only words… 2
As I had mentioned in one of my previous articles, English is a very exciting and intriguing language, especially ‘Etymology’, the study of the origins and development of words. This time we have three more words with interesting origins…

It’s only words…?
Many of the words and phrases in the English language are so ingrained in our day-to-day life that we do not even think twice before using them, but probe a bit and you will find that some of them have very interesting origins.

WebEx as an Online English Training Platform - Small Investment, Large Return
There are a lot of online meeting platforms out there but the only one that can offer both security and ease of use is WebEx. Companies from around the globe have flocked to this solution and now even do online English language training on it in order to provide much needed training for their workers.

TOEFL and IELTS Online Training - International Standardized Testing
Online training can now be done for the IELTS and TOEFL test with online training companies who can help you with all parts of the test especially the speaking parts.

Online English Training for Fortune 1000 Companies - Investment for the Future
Online English training for global corporations will prove to be huge in the coming decade. Not only will money be needed for this training it will be essential to set aside a training budget in order to compete effectively globally.

Online Business English Training - Customized Language Training
English for special purposes such as business training is good for companies who have specific needs in mind for their training. This training can be specific to their needs i.e. telecommunications, law, math or be very general based, it's completely up to the company.

Online English School - The Future of Global Education
Online language schools are now seen as a possible alternative to the traditional setting in a classroom. Costs are generally cheaper and provide more flexibility that a brick and mortar school.

Using Praise as a Tool for ESL Classroom Management
ESL Classroom management is all part and parcel of successful teaching yet it's something that is often left out of preparatory courses for student-ESL-teachers. This article gives you some crucial insight into how to put yourself in the enviable position of having a well-mannered classroom where your pupils learn and cooperate with you, without going home with a migraine and a sore-throat!

Global Online English Training - Investment for the Future
With the current global recession, companies are asked to reduce costs while somehow still keeping the same level of service and quality. Online English training helps companies with tight budgets looking for the most affordable English training for their employees.

ESL Training - Opportunities Through Language
English as a second language training is no longer available at schools or university's but now it is possible to receive the critical training that you need over the Internet.

English Training for Large Companies - Globally Educated
Companies can now train their workers online and save valuable time and money that goes straight to the bottom line. No longer do employees have to travel to an off site location for training but now can stay in the comfort of the office to receive critical English communication training.

English for Special Purposes - A 21st Century Approach
English for special purposes is training that focuses on a specific need or deficiency in one's English language speaking. The specific need could be telecommunications English, Scientific jargon to name a few.

Corporate English Language Training - A Competitive Advantage
Organizations around the globe can now get access to online English language teachers. Programs can be setup to help hundreds of staff members to just a few staff.

CELTA Course FAQs
Interested in teaching English as a second language but have some queries? These FAQs will answer some of the most common questions.

The Benefits of Taking a CELTA Course
Find out what a CELTA course could do for you.

The Written Word can be a Dangerous Thing
The written word. It has become so much a part of our everyday lives that we English-speaking peoples take it for granted. But, have you ever wondered if the words you were writing were conveying the message you had in mind? Writing in the English language is but one rather crude form of communicating that is relied on entirely far to often to communicate a critical point or issue. Far to often, the message heard is far from the message conveyed.

Multilevel ESL Games
Teaching in a multilevel ESL classroom can be a daunting prospect. How can a teacher stimulate students of higher levels without leaving beginners in the dark? With ESL activities that are well designed for a multilevel class a teacher's work is made easier and students get more satisfaction from class. Read on for some great multi-level ideas.

ESL - English as a Second Language Educator Career Information
Career guide about ESL Teacher careers. Learn about training, salaries, growth, and much more.

1 to 1 English Language Training - Why this Training is Better
Individualized training may just be the thing that you need in order to push your English language learning to the next level. Affordable online 1 to 1 training is now available through online tutors.

How to Gain a Better Vocabulary
Would you like to have an improved vocabulary? There are many benefits when you have a good vocabulary. You can do better in school, in your career and in your social life. Learn new words easily.

English LCI
Read more about English lci...

First Time Students to the UK
Article about the growth of the EFL industry, students coming to the UK for the first time. Trials and tribulation for a first time student in the UK. How language schools should accommodate a new language learner.

How to Practice for the TOEFL Exam
Prepare for the TOEFL exam by taking a practice test from start to finish.

ESL Fun and Games Tips for the ESL Classroom
Most people underestimate what it takes to successfully teach English as a foreign or second language. You need good planning and good ideas or materials. One useful, effective, time-saving method is to use language games to keep students motivated and give them the speaking practice they need. Planning ahead and understanding your students can also help you avoid many potential problems.

Taking English Courses in the UK
More and more people from all over the world want to learn the English Language. There is no better place to learn than the United Kingdom. If you can get into these programs and pass the KET, PET and the FCE you will be on your way to becoming an English speaking person with 100% understanding of the language.

UK English Language Courses – make sure it’s Accredited
The consequences of choosing non-Accredited English language courses in the UK can be serious. This article explains why Accreditation is important and how you can check.

A Glance at Online English Learning and Tutoring
Parents may try hard to get their child understand certain English principles or grammar rules. However, the parent may not be an expert tutor and may not have good knowledge in English. With heart-to-heart online English tutoring, a parent can depend solely on trained tutors to help their child learn English in the most suitable way.

The Rise of Business English UK Courses in UK Schools
English language schools based in the United Kingdom offer numerous ESL courses for students as well as professionals from many countries. Business English UK courses cater to the need of non native English speakers who want to focus their English education on Business, Finance, and other Professional English language courses.

Business English UK - Getting Ahead With Your Career
Business English UK provides you with the necessary business English skills and proficiency at its best. English schools both online and offline offer basic to advanced business English courses. Get ahead with your professional life with business English courses and achieve brighter career paths.

Practical Reasons Why you should Take an English Course in UK
Taking an English course UK can automatically give you the most practical and most useful reasons. An English course UK would give you the global competitiveness, an excellent type of education, the best learning environment, and the clear step by step guidance for achieving your goals.

The Present Global Demand and English Schools UK
English schools UK continues to meet the present global trend and demand of providing excellent English and skills studies. Having the right goals can set you off in the right track for a better education and a newly improved you. Studying in an English school UK whether as a direct campus student or a student of distance learning, you are sure to acquire proficiency in English and other skills.

Learning English UK
Learning English UK can be a very good way to broaden your horizons. You could of course take an English course from the comfort of your own home, but would that allow you to immerse yourself within the culture and speak the language? The obvious answer is, no it wouldn't, taking an English course in the UK however will give you all the benefits that will enhance your skills much further that you could ever have imagined.

English is the International Language
English is the international language that is used worldwide. In this era of globalisation, you cannot afford to be left out by not mastering English. There are English courses UK and to learn English UK, you need to register yourself or take classes part time. It is advisable to register your kids for such class so that they will have a firm grasp of the language

English Schools and Courses UK
It is very important to be schooled in English schools UK when you are young to get a firm foundation in grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, etc. And if you miss the boat, you can still enroll yourself in English courses in UK in the various colleges and night classes. You can also take private English tuition to improve on your spoken English to do sales, marketing and communicating with people at large.

Learn English UK
Learning the English language in the UK is a skill that could benefit you greatly in many areas. This article will explain why learning English can be so useful and what options are available so that you can begin learning English.

Learn English in Brighton
Why English language students should think about taking an English course in Brighton.

Learn English in Malta
Why you should take an English course in Malta.

Does This Spell the End of Proper English?
Aida Edemariam: Are we to be overrun, willy-nilly, by American spelling?

English Language Travel: Choosing a School
Things to think about when choosing an English language school on a trip abroad.

Learning Basic English Is Easy
Of all the languages in the world why has English become the desired form of global communication? Maybe it is because English at its most basic level is extremely easy to learn.

Of Eggblatts and Yupes
Paul MacInnes: The fashion for collecting new words is all very well. What we really need, though, is someone to protect our existing ones

Which English Language School Is Best?
Things for ESL students to remember when choosing which English language school will be best to help them learn English and have a great language holiday.

Can Learning Languages Help You Better Understand Science and Technology?
What do science and languages have in common? According to author Philip Yaffe, knowing something about science can ease the way towards learning languages, and vice versa. To take advantage of this surprisingly symbiosis, he argues that language teaching should be radically reformed, especially in English-speaking countries, where both science and language learning seem to be in decline.

English learning resources : variety and motivation
Variety is the key to success for those learning a new language or trying to build on their existing knowledge. Having interesting and appealing material to study from is essential to maintain motivation as a student, and this article will attempt to explain some of the more useful resources available.

Online English Language Tutors - the Newest Way to Improve your Spoken English
Becoming proficient in a language isn't as hard as it used to be, there are now online language tutors who can help speakers improve their conversational skills. Online English tutors can be found in Canada who are both very experienced and qualified to work with speakers of English as a second language.

Need Help with a Second Language: Consider Getting an Online English Language Tutor
Getting an online English language tutor is something that thousands of people around the world are trying in order to help them improve their English. This article explorers the benefits of getting an online English tutor and who would actually benefit from one.

Finding the Right Online English Language Tutor
Learn how to find the right online English language tutor to help you improve your spoken English. If you are interested in finding an English tutor who can help teach you online this article is not to be missed.

Ten Tips to Help ESL Internet Writers
Writing English as a second language can be a barrier to success on the internet. Here are 10 Tips to help webmasters with English grammar and idioms.

Learn to Speak English If You Want Success, Warns Benítez
Soccer: Rafael Benítez believes Fabio Capello's first task should be to improve his grasp of English after admitting struggles with the language caused him untold problems during his first season at Liverpool.

The Language of the Sea is English
The International Maritime Organization rolled out this law ages ago, that English would be the language of the sea, after they themselves suddenly realized that they could not understand each other!

In Other Words?
You have probably used the expression "in other words," but how often do you actually choose to think in other words?

The Twelve Most Useful Second Languages for English Speakers
Which are the most useful second languages when you already speak the most useful language in almost any field of human endeavor? Personal impact is the key. Here are the twelve most useful languages according to three major criteria: demographics, personal impact and business opportunity.

So, You Want to be a Writer?
We've all got at least one great idea, message or story in us... it's whether or not we choose to share that with the world and how we go about it. Many (many, many, many) incredibly talented and successful professional writers have zero training and qualifications.

Benefits of Learning the English Language
Communication plays a vital role in today's global challenge, be it in business or personal affairs. Among the often used mediums for communication, the English language serves as a pivotal force in bridging barriers in communication which can make or break international relations and state of affairs. Of the thousand or so business transactions that occur around the world in any given day, English dominates the front lines.

Teaching Grammar with Fun Learning Games
Why teach children English grammar with games? Research is showing that this is an excellent way to do it. What kind of games work best? This article answers those questions and is written for those teaching English as a second language to children.

The Trouble With Modern English
"Modern" English has irrevocably altered – even sexed up – the meaning of erstwhile innocent words and phrases. One word I have a problem with is "gay". Now, that word has been usurped to mean homosexual.

Enhance your English writing & written communication with software
English is an international language used widely for writing & interpersonal communications the world over. English writing softwares can help you to enhance your English writing & grammar. These softwares can checks & corrects English grammar, spellings, enrich text with adjectives & adverbs, suggest context related synonym for repeated words.

Motivating Young Children to Learn English
Six top tips on how to motivate children to want to learn English.

Teaching English Tips to Stay in Control of a Large Class
Teaching English with games is becoming standard through out ESL classrooms of the world. This is good news, because children love to learn through games, and become much more motivated students as a result.

Are You Working On Your Child's Sight Vocabulary?
While many words in the English language can be read by emerging readers through various decoding skills or represented by picture, there are some words that simply must be learned by sight. In order to become a reader, your child must be able to instantly recognize these "sight words".

How Teaching with English Games Helps Children Learn
Benefits of teaching English to children with games and why English games are not just time fillers.

Business English: New approaches are needed to increase the ROI in corporate English learning.
English is the international language of business. English is used to do business across international boundaries. Is there a satisfactory ROI (return on investment) for English language training in corporations or organizations?

How to Choose Exactly the RIGHT Foreign Word in any Language
English has many words with more than one meaning - for example: 'can' - to be able to; tin receptacle. Many foreign language words also have multiple definitions. How can you ensure that you choose the correct one? Mistakes can be embarrassing!

The Internet--THE Best Place to Learn English
English is the dominant language of the Internet. The Internet will in turn become the dominant place to learn English. The way languages are learned is changing, and these changes are accelerating.

ESL Activities With Little Preparation
Ten activities to liven up your ESL classes. How often do you find yourself preparing a class, racking your brain for something different, a new activity to liven up a group of tired students, or just to bring something fresh to the classroom?

English In The New World
From its early British heritage, the English language has evolved and it will continue to do so as it creeps its way into societies all over the world. The English you know may not be what another person, who lives in another country, knows. Marquez Comelab, author of The Part-Time Currency Trader , explains.

ESL Exams: A Teacher's Guide
A guide for TEFL teachers to the most popular ESL (English as a Second Language) exams.

Jazz up your English with Fresh and Lively Idioms
Do you want to create vivid word pictures, seizing the attention of your listeners? Use lively and fresh idioms, which will make your language more compelling.

Schröder on Crash Course to Learn English in London
It is a dilemma all statesmen have to confront sooner or later: what to do after leaving office? Yesterday Gerhard Schröder, Germany's soon to be ex-chancellor, came up with a novel solution to the problem by revealing he had enrolled on a two-week crash course in English.

Idioms: Piece of Cake or Hard Nut to Crack?
What are English idioms for you: piece of cake or hard nut to crack? Make up your mind now, getting to know more about the idioms.

Using audio books for learning English
Learning English by using audio books broadens the vocabulary, helps understanding rapid speaking but more than all it is the only method that helps you learn the right pronunciation.

Brief Etymological Review of the English Word - Stock
Don’t you know that English has pursued other languages down alleyways to beat them unconscious and rifle their pockets for new vocabulary?

A different language is a different vision of life
By learning a language you change your life for the better and acquire a new and exciting mode of being!

Join to Mass English Learning Obsession
English remains a dominant and universal language, which presently serves as a connection-link between great varieties of different nations. Now English is spoken mainly in every corner of the world. It is very convenient in terms of facilitating contacts between people from different countries.

How to Correctly Use the English Language
The readers' editor on ... split infinitives and other therapeutic matters. Ian Mayes

Thoughts From an English as a Second Language Teacher
This article presents some of my thoughts about teaching English as a Second Language.