I have to say that my English has improved since I moved to Spain...kinda. I have become such a grammar nerd. Just recently I have noticed myself analyzing sentences. For example, if I see or hear something in English, I will think, "oh that verb is in the past simple". Or when a Spaniard says something to me in incorrect English, I start analyzing it in my head and working out why it is wrong. Before I would have just thought it's wrong because it just doesn't sound right. Now I actually know the reasons...most of the time.
But you all probably don't notice this when you read this blog. Y'all (that's for you Lisa!) probably think, "How the hell does Fran teach English when she can't even speak/write proper English???" Well for one, I always, ALWAYS write how I speak...except for when I'm writing a paper for a class or a report for work, of course! But in an informal context, why the hell would it matter if I write good...I mean, well. When I write an email or post on this blog, I'm trying to express myself and the best way to do that is to write exactly how I talk. It's all about the comedic and dramatic effect. Secondly, I just can't get myself to speak proper English. It's boring!
So with that said, I apologize to those who find my writing ridiculous. I'm sorry if I don't seem to follow proper English rules, but you're gonna have to deal with it. However, I do sincerely apologize for all the typos. My mother just pointed out to me that I write "it's" (a contraction of "it is") a lot when I'm suppose to write "its" (a possessive adjective). I can deal with incorrect grammar when done for a specific purpose, but I CANNOT stand incorrect spelling (i.e. their for they're, or you're for your, etc.). Apparently, I've become number one offender! And to think I was the Spelling Bee champion in 8th grade!
By the way, if someone can explain the difference between the verbs tell and say, speak and talk, and look, see and watch, please let me know!!! My students keep asking and I don't want to give them a real answer until I have a good one. I think the difference is that to say, speak, see and watch are transitive verbs - they all take a direct object. While tell, talk and look are followed by adverbs or prepositions most of the time. But I'm not sure. Please share if you know the answer.
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3 comments:
Haha...you totally won the 8th grade spelling bee. I was in 6th grade at the time and it was down to me and you. I got the word "seaworthiness," but I spelled it "seaworthyness." You got a chance to spell it correctly and therefore won. I came in second to you damnit...and English is your second language!
You would probably think that I would know this, but I would probably just BS and say they (DO) are all synonyms even though I am sure they serve distinct purposes. As long as they are not ending their sentences with prepositions or misusing well/good, I can get past most other grammatical errors.
Have you ever considered teaching Ebonics?
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