908. Bits & Bobs 2 📚 Questions of English (Part 2) Listener Comments
Luke's ENGLISH Podcast - Learn British English with Luke Thompson
Deep Dive
Why should someone get a TEFL certificate?
A TEFL certificate is essential for teaching English abroad. The industry standard qualifications are the CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) run by Cambridge and the CERT TESOL (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) run by Trinity College London. CELTA is more widely recognized, with three out of four English language teaching jobs requiring it. It includes 120 hours of study, practical techniques, and teaching practice, giving you the confidence to start teaching in just four weeks.
What is the difference between 'China is' and the intrusive R in British English?
In British English, intrusive R occurs when a word ending in a vowel sound is followed by another word starting with a vowel sound. For example, 'China is' can be pronounced as 'China is' to make the transition smoother. This is common in non-rhotic accents, like Received Pronunciation, where R is not typically pronounced at the end of words unless followed by a vowel.
What does it mean to be a 'fly on the wall'?
To be a 'fly on the wall' means to be in a position where you can observe or listen to what is happening in a room without being noticed. For example, 'I'd love to be a fly on the wall when they get home' means you want to hear their conversation without them knowing you're there.
Why is singular 'they' used in English?
Singular 'they' is used to refer to one person when their gender is unknown or unspecified. For example, 'A good boss explains what they want so their employees can understand them.' It is also used by people who prefer not to be identified as male or female. Singular 'they' has been used in English for hundreds of years, and it helps avoid the awkwardness of 'he or she.'
What is the difference between 'antique' and 'vintage'?
Antique items are at least 100 years old and are often valuable due to their rarity and high-quality craftsmanship. Vintage items are typically between 20 and 100 years old and are valued for their style and cultural significance, often associated with a specific era. For example, a 19th-century Chippendale commode is an antique, while a 1980s Volkswagen Golf is vintage.
Why does 'see' sometimes not mean 'to see with your eyes'?
In English, 'see' can be used to indicate that within the context of one event, another event happens, often as a consequence. For example, 'More heavy rain could see water levels rise' means that heavy rain could cause water levels to rise. This usage is common in newspaper headlines and formal writing, where it helps convey the relationship between events without using 'cause' or 'result in.'
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