Words of Wisdom

Languages change, usually very slowly, sometimes very rapidly.  There are many reasons a language might change.  One obvious reason is interaction with other languages. We find that the language of the elite often shows the influence of constant interaction with the majority, while the majority language imports vocabulary and speaking styles from the elite language.… Read More

Confusing words: Big, Great, High, Large or Tall?

Word Explanation Example  big large in size, degree or amount  a big stone  great much bigger than average  a great success a great time  high measurement from the  bottom to the top; greater than normal  a high mountain a high level  large big in size and quantity  a large country a large number of people… Read More

Erros comuns em inglês de alunos brasileiros + 100 exercícios + gabarito

É absolutamente normal alunos traduzirem diretamente do seu idioma para o inglês. Isso acontece não somente no Brasil, mas em todos os países onde se aprende inglês. No caso de alunos brasileiros, é possível identificar alguns desses “portuguesismos”: Nós estávamos sem carro. O que os estudantes brasileiros costumam dizer: They were without a car. O correto é: They didn´t have a car. Eu estava com frio. O que os estudantes brasileiros costumam dizer: I was with cold. O correto é: I was cold. Eu fiquei esperando por ela durante uma… Read More

Good Night’s Sleep Improves Learning

Researchers from Royal Holloway, University of London have found that successful long-term learning happens after classroom teaching, after the learners have slept on the new material. Academics from the Department of Psychology at Royal Holloway taught a group of people new words from a fictional language, which unknown to them, was characterised by a rule… Read More

Ambiguity in Language: the Advantage

Cognitive scientists develop a new take on an old problem: why human language has so many words with multiple meanings. Why did language evolve? While the answer might seem obvious — as a way for individuals to exchange information — linguists and other students of communication have debated this question for years. Many prominent linguists,… Read More

Just Toilet Paper?

Toilet paper is a soft paper product (tissue paper) used to maintain personal hygiene.  It differs in composition somewhat from facial tissue: most modern toilet paper in the developed world is designed to decompose in septic tanks, whereas some other bathroom and facial tissues are not. Most septic tank manufacturers advise against using paper products… Read More

Business Traveller – Fashion Faux Pas

China : Even casual wear is somewhat conservative. Revealing clothing in a business environment may be offensive. In social situations, jeans are acceptable for both men and women. England : Men’s shirts should not have pockets, but if they do, they should remain empty. Do not cram them full of pens, calculators, etc. Argentina :… Read More