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 an English language teacher obtain a TEFL certificate?
A TEFL certificate is essential for teaching English abroad as it provides practical techniques and builds confidence. The CELTA and CERT TESOL are industry-standard qualifications, with the CELTA being the most widely recognized and requested by employers globally.
Why do some British people add an 'R' sound between words that don't have it in their spelling?
This is known as intrusive R or linking R, which occurs in non-rhotic accents like Received Pronunciation. It helps to link words ending with a vowel sound to the next word starting with a vowel, making speech smoother and more fluent. Examples include 'saw it' sounding like 'saw rit' and 'India and China' sounding like 'India ran China'.
What does the phrase 'to be a fly on the wall' mean?
To be a fly on the wall means to observe a situation or conversation without being noticed. It's often used when you want to listen to what's happening in a room you're not in, like a private meeting or personal interaction.
Why is the use of singular 'they' becoming more common in English?
Singular 'they' is used to refer to one person when their gender is unknown or when they prefer a gender-neutral pronoun. It has been used for hundreds of years but gained prominence for gender neutrality in recent times. Using 'they' avoids the awkwardness of 'he or she' and respects non-binary identities.
What is the difference between 'antique' and 'vintage' items?
Antique items are at least 100 years old and often valuable due to rarity and high-quality craftsmanship. Vintage items are between 20 and 100 years old and valued for their style and cultural significance. Vintage items can be mass-produced, while antiques are usually unique or rare.
Why does the verb 'see' sometimes not mean 'to witness with the eyes'?
The verb 'see' can be used to indicate that one event or situation leads to another. For example, 'The pandemic saw a surge in online shopping' means that during the pandemic, online shopping increased significantly. This usage expresses a consequence or result within a given context.
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