2012年9月27日木曜日

The best way to improve a second language


The best way to improve a second language 

What come to mind when you are asked about the best way of boosting the speed of learning your second language? Each person has their own way to study. However, in my experience, it is to speak it as often as possible that is the most effective learning method. 

Well, you might think it is too simple and nothing special. My answer is “Yes, it is, but it works better than you think.” Despite the fact that many people consider it as the best way of improving their language skills, there are few language learners who are not taking it seriously. I think this is because there are many awkward moments when committing themselves to do so. 

For over 3 weeks, I didn’t speak Japanese at all, but English. I have started my only-English-rule in order to prepare myseld for a speaking exam. Since then, i’ve been speaking English all the time, even when the Japanese talk to me in Japanese, I respond to it in English. I made us both feel uncomfortable, rather they saw me as a strange guy. It was, however, only for the beginning. Once I got used to it, there were no obstacles any more. 

the outcomes came to me all of sudden. My English teacher praised me for quick progress in my English. I was really rewarding. I regret not having started it much earlier, or should I count myself lucky for realizing the best method of learning? 

2012年9月26日水曜日

英文法 causative (passive)

to have/get something + past participle

1. I took pictures.
→ active.
2. Pictures were taken
→passive. someone took pictures, it could be me.
3. I had pictures taken
→ causative passive. someone took pictures, but not me.

2012年9月25日火曜日

1. S + used to + base V + O
2. S + be used + to Ving + O
3. S + get used + to Ving + O
のちがいの復習。 

よく1と2,3のちがいはわかりやすいと思うけど、2と3を一緒だと思っている人は多いのでは?実は微妙に意味が違ってくるんですね。

1 I used to play video games →not play video games any more.
2 I am used to working late. →habit
3 I get used to working late. →in the process of being familier with working late.

英文法 participle clauses CAE

Participle clauses
理由、結果、時間または関係代名詞の代わりに使えるらしい。
でも注意しないといけないことはVing と Having+past participleの違い。
Ving 時間→ 2つのアクションに時間差がないときに使える。物理的に可能かどうかを考慮しないといけない。
Having past participle 理由→1つ目のアクションから2つ目のアクションまで考える時間がある。

The lecturer started to speak when he had got the students to be silent.
The lecturer started to speak, (the lecturer) having got the students to be silent.

I read the book quickly because it was so good.
The book being so good, I read it quickly.
ちなみに主語が一致しなくても、目的語が一致してても使えるらしい。そのときはparticiple clause に主語(後の分で目的語になる)が必要。

先生に確認したところ、although, while などの譲歩としての役割はないらしい。ただ意味的に結局そういった意味になることはあるらしい。日本の英語教育は間違えだらけですね。