Unit-2-Learning-a-Language2

(3) There are variations and dialects within one language;

Summary
A. Summarize the story
By clearing up three misconceptions of language learning, the author intends to help the learners become aware of three aspects of language and language learning: (1) language is not a fixed unchanging thing and learning a language is a lifelong task; (2) words have extended meanings in addition to their core ones; (3) practitioners of the same language may not necessarily understand each other.
The Norman Conquest brought a dual-language period in history (Old French as the official language) The Renaissance (The humanistic revival of classical art, architecture, literature, and learning that originated in Italy in the 14th century and later spread throughout Europe.); Many Latin and Greek words came into English


Pre-reading Task
1. What is the difference between learning a language and learning how to drive a car? 2. Why do people using the same language sometimes have trouble understanding each other?
rote learning, review, preview, revise, make notes, repeat, communication, interaction, input, intake, output, language aptitude, learning strategies 死记硬背、复习、预习、复习、笔记、复述、 交流、互动、输入、输入、输出、语言能力、学习策略

Expressions for language accent, dialect, pronunciation, syllable, intonation, tone, rhyme, stress, grammar, syntax, structure, context, vocabulary, phrase, word, lexicon, morpheme, prefix, suffix, slang, idiom, jargon 口音，方言，发音，音节，语调， 声调，韵律， 重音，语法，句法，结构，上下文， 词汇，短语， 单词，词汇，语素，前缀，后缀，俚 语，成语，行话
Task 6: Debate --- The younger the better? A debate on the issue whether children can do better in learning a foreign language than adults.

Pre-reading Tasks Read the Text Post-reading Tasks Words & Expressions Language Work (A, B, C)

Expressions for types of language users
writer,author, reader, translator, interpreter, poet, scriptwriter, playwright, reporter, journalist

Expressions for learning a language:
Part I Listening & Speaking Activities Part II Reading & Language Activities Part III Extended Activities

Brainstorming Listening Speaking

Expressions for language accent, dialect, pronunciation, syllable, intonation, tone, rhyme, stress, grammar, syntax, structure, context, vocabulary, phrase, word, lexicon, morpheme, prefix, suffix, slang, idiom, jargon

Choose several questions from the following list and interview your partner about them: 1. When did you start learning English? 2. Do you enjoy English learning? 3. Do you think you have a talent for learning a language? 4. What is the most difficult aspect in learning English? Why? How do you intend to deal with it? 5. How do you manage to remember new words? 6. Do you think it is helpful to recite passages? 7. What do you think is the best way to improve your pronunciation? 8. What would you choose if you have a chance of learning another foreign language? Why?
597 AD 750 AD – 1050 AD 1066 AD 16th century
Saint Augustine introduced Christianity into Britain and hundreds of Latin and Greek words entered Old English. The Vikings attacked Britain and their language Norse collided with English



Task 4: Story telling A story based on the picture .

Task 5: Play --- China English? A short play about difficulties in explaining to foreigners those objects or ideas characteristic of Chinese culture (e.g.旗袍，皮蛋，蚂蚁上树 等). You could also briefly present your view on the proper way that such things should be expressed in English.
Expressions for types of language users
writer,author, reader, translator, interpreter, poet, scriptwriter, playwright, reporter, journalist
作家、作者、读者、译者、翻译、诗人、剧作家、 编剧、记者、新闻记者 Expressions for learning a language:

Read the Text – Questions for reading comprehension
1. How has the English language developed into its present form?
-- It was originally a form of ancient German. Later it collided with a special kind of old French and was subjected to several waves of Latin and a flood of Greek. Some other languages have also enriched the English language.
Time
Event and Its influence on English
3000 B.C. – 1000 B.C.
55 BC– 410 AD 5th century
The Indo-Europeans lived in Britain, calling themselves “Celts”.
Julius Caesar and his army conquered Britain and the native Celtic language was influenced by Latin. The Angles and Saxons invaded Britain and the language of Angles and Saxons (Old English) came into contact with the Celtic language.

Read the Text - Questions for skimming:
1. What aspects of language learning are discussed in the text?
--Three important aspects of language learning: (1) Learning a language is a life-long activity and cannot be done systematically with clear ultimate success; (2) Words, besides their core meanings, are often used creatively and have extended meanings;
rote learning, review, preview, revise, make notes, repeat, communication, interaction, input, intake, output, language aptitude, learning strategies

ቤተ መጻሕፍቲ ባይዱ

Task 1: Conversation/ play A conversation/ short play about misunderstanding caused by the misuse of language in communication (e.g. idioms, pronunciation) Task 2: Conversation / Play A conversation / short play about misunderstanding caused by the use of different dialects of English (e.g. American English vs. British English) Task 3: Mini-lecture A short lecture introducing several interesting idioms and their stories.