The risks of literal translation

The risks of literal translation

Some years ago, while in France, I was waiting to withdraw money from an ATM machine.  There was a woman in front of me using the machine, and she appeared to be having some difficulty trying to read the display; she was shading her eyes with her hands against the...
Speaking English better than the English!

Speaking English better than the English!

I have a lot of sympathy with learners of English. They have to learn all of the grammar rules which we native speakers never have to. Many of my students are able to tell me the names of the various tenses and explain to me the rules which apply to their application,...
I want to break free!

I want to break free!

When I teach, I allow my students to ‘perform’ the language skills with me in fluent, two-way conversation, I monitor their language at the same time, and then help them to choose more effective ways of expressing themselves, adhering to the ‘rules’ of English...
Speaking English better than the English!

A journey without end

What I love the most about teaching the English language is that it’s a journey without end. In every lesson which I teach, not only do I pass on my passion for and knowledge of the language onto others, I also learn something new myself; often it’s a word or an...
Parlez-vous anglais ?

Parlez-vous anglais ?

I love language! As a fluent speaker of French, when I decided to become a qualified teacher of English, primarily to French speakers, I was passionate about passing my love of the language onto others. I like to pretend that my reasons were wholly altruistic, for...