Posted By Webmaster on May 10, 2010

Talking Point

As Director of Studies, one of my responsibilities is to keep up to date with the English as a Second Language course books that are available from the leading publishers in this field, notably Oxford and Cambridge University Press. When I look at their catalogues, I cannot fail to be impressed by the very large number of titles that are written to help and improve the English communication skills within the student’s own professional and working environment. What is also very pleasing, is the regular addition of new professional books to widen the scope of the coverage. Given my own previous background as a publishing business manager, I find reviewing the latest list of these new educational titles particularly enjoyable.

Basically there are two divisions in these professional publications. Firstly, we have the titles that deal with business English – conversation or writing – on a general and universal level, focussing on everyday situations that are fundamental and familiar in all commercial organisations. Just to mention a few, topics in this category usually include: organisation chart and departments,  meetings, presentations, making suggestions and telephoning in English.

Secondly, there is the very large list of publications that explain the vocabulary, expressions and contexts relating to a specific profession. Not only do these books cover English language tuition, but importantly they also provide a large element of very useful training material within the particular profession. The range of titles covers the major fields of professional pursuits, for example medical English for doctors, nursing, legal, banking, finance, marketing, advertising, the hospitality industry, secretarial, engineering and IT. 

This fine array of materials services essential needs which can be briefly summarized as: English is the international business language; each profession has its own specialised vocabulary, expressions and set of linguistic conventions; Thailand’s economy is enhanced through international trade and / or clients; the professional development of staff and individuals is of paramount importance to the advancement of a nation.

As a footnote, English Click is able to produce specialised course books if the particular focus is not covered by the major ESL publishers.

Talking Point

 

As you probably know, the Fourth of July is Independence Day in the USA which celebrates the Declaration of Independence from British rule in 1776. Since this date,

the English language has divided into British English & American English.

While basically the same language there are definitely clear differences, mainly in pronunciation, spelling and vocabulary.

 

Pronunciation is usually very different, and there are many different regional accents in both America and Britain. If you want to compare the differences, listen to both an American and English film soundtrack, or audio CD or tape, or television programme or news.

 

There are a few differences of grammar and spelling, and rather more differences of vocabulary and idiom. Modern British English is heavily influenced by American English, for example through movies / films, with the result that some of the differences are disappearing, with the American English word being used on both sides of the Atlantic.

 

Spelling

A number of words end in –or  in American English and –our in British English, for example harbor and  harbour.  Some words end in –er  in American English and –re in British English, for example center and centre Many verbs which end in –ize in American English are usually spelt in British English with –ise, but may be spelt with –ize. Some common words with different forms are:

American                                           British

analyze                                                analyse

catalog                                                 catalogue

center                                                  centre

check                                                   cheque  (issued by a bank)

color                                                    colour

defense                                                defence

jewelry                                                 jewellery

pajamas                                               pyjamas

practice                                                practise  (verb)

program                                               programme

tire                                                       tyre  (on a wheel)

traveler                                                traveller

whiskey                                               (Scotch) whisky; (Irish) whiskey       

 

Vocabulary

The following is a list of common American English words and their British equivalents:

 

American                                           British

airplane                                                aeroplane

apartment                                            flat

bus                                                       coach (long distance)

busy                                                     engaged  (telephone)

cab                                                       taxi

can                                                       tin

candy                                                  sweets

check                                                   bill  (in a restaurant)

cookie                                                  biscuit

crazy                                                    mad

dumb                                                   stupid

elevator                                               lift

eraser                                                   rubber

fall                                                       autumn

faucet                                                  tap

first floor                                             ground floor

flashlight                                             torch

flat (tire)                                              puncture, flat tyre

french fries                                          chips

garbage                                                rubbish

gas(oline)                                             petrol(eum)

highway, freeway                               main road, motorway

intersection                                          crossroads

mad                                                     angry

mail                                                     post

mean                                                    nasty

movie                                                  film

one-way (ticket)                                  single (ticket)

pants                                                    trousers

(potato) chips                                      crisps

railroad                                                railway

raise                                                     rise (in salary)

rest room                                             toilet

round trip                                            return (journey / ticket)

sidewalk                                              pavement

sneakers                                               trainers / sports shoes

stand in line                                         queue

stingy                                                  mean

store                                                    shop

subway                                                underground

truck                                                    lorry

two weeks                                           fortnight

vacation                                               holiday(s)

windshield                                          windscreen (on a car)

zee                                                       zed (the name of the letter ‘z’)

 

Enjoy the celebrations on 4^th July and be sure to practice / practise your American or British English on this special day!

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