“Fill up this form.”
We were asked by the registrar to fill out the form she just handed to us. But did you know that to fill up means to pour something until a container is full? The better way to say it is “Fill out the form” or “fill in the form.”
This is just one of the English expressions we have come to accept and use in our everyday dealings. The truth is, they can cause confusion when used in conversation with native English speakers. It is because they are loosely translated and inaccurate.
Often, to express something, we literally translate words to cope up with our struggle with the language. English, after all, is not our first language. It is not what we commonly use to think and feel. I remember one momma relayed to her son that “your slippers are inverted.” She must be communicating to her little boy that his slippers were interchanged. These nonstandard English expressions used by Filipinos is what we refer to as Filipinism. Another funny example of Filipinism we often hear from Filipinos is “nosebleed.”
Don’t Speak Good. Speak Well! The Nosebleed Edition
Effective communication is essential. It is a life skill that connects us to people and helps make our message come across. Through communication, we gain understanding, build respect, and create a connection. And no better way to communicate than speaking not just good English, but well!
It is for this reason that American English Skills Development Center, Inc. came up with the book “Don’t Speak Good. Speak Well! The Nosebleed Edition” The book is intentionally designed to improve our English command and fluency. It is handy, comprehensive, and compelling.
The book has three parts.
The first part is a review of the rules of English grammar. Written in a concise manner, the book details the parts of speech and how one can properly put them together. Summary tests (and answer keys) are provided at the end of each topic to determine one’s learning progress.
English Communication Strategies
The second part tackles conversation strategies and expressions. Enumerated are useful phrases and expressions one could use in starting a conversation, for instance. The chapter also provides communication strategies one could use in case of difficulty. An example would be what to say when still thinking about the next word.
The last part is all about pronunciation. Aside from tips on sounding more natural when speaking English, exercises on how to improve one’s intonation are readily available. At the end of the book, a product key and instructions are provided to access the American English website for more pronunciation and accent practice.
Don’t Speak Good. Speak Well!
“Don’t Speak Good. Speak Well! The Nosebleed Edition” is for Filipinos who would love to understand the nuts and bolts of the English language. It is for the open-minded who aims to improve his spoken and written English skills in a relaxed and explanatory manner.
The book is 115 pages. It is written in such a concise manner that neither dictates nor bores readers. It uses simple words and charts to comprehend each lesson quickly. The book is engaging.
Available for an introductory price of P590.00, one could enjoy complimentary unlimited access to the American English e-learning site. This is because a unique product code comes with each purchase.
Learning English can be distasteful for most people. But it is necessary. It is a tool to be understood, be connected, and be heard. One can speak good. But he may opt to speak well. Settle for the latter.
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