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