When you are studying alone, what is the best way to find sources of English to help you learn the language? Of course, you listen to BBC World Service radio and you may have textbooks to help you. But where else can you find English if you don’t live in a country where English is a first or main language?
The BBC World Service radio programme, Going Global, looks at English from an international perspective. In the following extract, Philip Ryle, a teacher at King’s College at the University of London, gives his advice on finding English around you.
Before you read the extract Are there any English-language newspapers or magazines published in your country? Can you name them? Where can you buy them?
When you are living in a country where English isn’t used as the first language it can sometimes be difficult to find interesting English texts. But in many places, local English-language newspapers are just as good – and possibly even more resourceful than ‘authentic’ British newspapers. Obviously, they are much cheaper because they are locally produced, but they are also more relevant to the learners because they understand the contexts of the stories and articles. Much of what we read in British newspapers is difficult for learners to understand, not because the vocabulary is difficult but because they don’t have all the background information which they need to understand it fully.
The BBC World Service radio programme, Going Global, looks at English from an international perspective. In the following extract, Philip Ryle, a teacher at King’s College at the University of London, gives his advice on finding English around you.
Before you read the extract Are there any English-language newspapers or magazines published in your country? Can you name them? Where can you buy them?
When you are living in a country where English isn’t used as the first language it can sometimes be difficult to find interesting English texts. But in many places, local English-language newspapers are just as good – and possibly even more resourceful than ‘authentic’ British newspapers. Obviously, they are much cheaper because they are locally produced, but they are also more relevant to the learners because they understand the contexts of the stories and articles. Much of what we read in British newspapers is difficult for learners to understand, not because the vocabulary is difficult but because they don’t have all the background information which they need to understand it fully.
- What are the two advantages which Philip sees in learners reading locally-produced newspapers?
- Why can articles in British newspapers be difficult for learners to understand?
Answer
- They are cheaper than imported newspapers and the stories are more relevant because they are about local issues.
- To understand the stories, you need a lot of background knowledge.You may not have this if you don’t live in the country where the newspaper is produced.
Apart from local newspapers and BBC World Service, you may be able to find lots of other sources of English around you.Think about ...
English language films You may be able to see English-language films on TV or at the cinema. If you watch English films with subtitles, try to close your eyes from time to time to avoid reading the text. Can you understand what you hear? Remember, this type of listening activity can be difficult at first. Don’t worry – keep trying!
Local libraries Is there a library near you which has books in English? For example, many British Council offices around the world have lending libraries where you can borrow English-language books. If there isn’t a library near you, try to organise your own with a group of friends. If each person in a group of four has a different book or magazine, it means that everyone can read four different texts!
Notices, signs and labels Are there English-language signs in your town? Do you buy food or things for your house which have labels in English? Try to be aware of how much written English there is around you. Can you pronounce the words on the label? Do you understand the instructions if they are written in English?
Talks and lectures In your town, you may have clubs and societies which give talks in English.Try to find out if there is a cultural society you can join.There may also be foreign companies which give marketing seminars or who publish brochures and booklets. For example, if you are interested in becoming a teacher, try to find out if there are any foreign educational groups working in your area.They may have talks you can attend or books you could read.
TASK
When you next walk around your town, try to count how many signs or notices you see in English. Make a note of any words you don’t know. Can you work out what they mean by re-reading the notice or sign?
Local libraries Is there a library near you which has books in English? For example, many British Council offices around the world have lending libraries where you can borrow English-language books. If there isn’t a library near you, try to organise your own with a group of friends. If each person in a group of four has a different book or magazine, it means that everyone can read four different texts!
Notices, signs and labels Are there English-language signs in your town? Do you buy food or things for your house which have labels in English? Try to be aware of how much written English there is around you. Can you pronounce the words on the label? Do you understand the instructions if they are written in English?
Talks and lectures In your town, you may have clubs and societies which give talks in English.Try to find out if there is a cultural society you can join.There may also be foreign companies which give marketing seminars or who publish brochures and booklets. For example, if you are interested in becoming a teacher, try to find out if there are any foreign educational groups working in your area.They may have talks you can attend or books you could read.
TASK
When you next walk around your town, try to count how many signs or notices you see in English. Make a note of any words you don’t know. Can you work out what they mean by re-reading the notice or sign?
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