Module 5: Developing Self-knowledge of ASEAN

Language Focus

Language Focus 13: Use world knowledge and context to interpret what you are discussing.

 

In understanding any topic of discussion, one very important thing is the context of the issue.  Each of us has some kind of world knowledge and topic knowledge, and thus should bring them to use. For examples, if the interview is about dam building, if you know anything about this, you should use it to help you interpret and make sense of the interview you are listening to.

Language Focus 14: Learning vocabulary

  1. You also need to know certain vocabulary to be able to discuss topics of interest. You can practice giving opinions about some issues. These can help you bring out the necessary vocabulary.
    When you can convey your content, try to speak out so that you can actually practice using it.

  2. To “know” vocabulary or a word means …
    you know its meaning,
    you remember  it, and
    you can bring it to use—to communicate in a new context.

  3. How should you collect your vocabulary?
    By topic, by content.

  4. You can apply your knowledge of affixes (prefix, suffix) to help expand your vocabulary.

Language Focus 15: Monitoring yourself

When speaking, you should be aware of your weak points and try to be careful. Do you have any fossilization in language use? This may result from your mother tongue. Some Thai people do not use the ending ‘–s’ because in their language they do not have them. Some Chinese are confused between ‘he’ and ‘she’. In your own language, what are your fossilizations or common mistakes?


Language Focus 16: Feedback from others

After you practice speaking, you should then try to get some feedback. This may be from your actual conversations, i.e., response from the person you are talking to or your audience. Or you can ask your friend to give you feedback.  Then you can improve your English.


Language Focus 17: Asking for clarification 

You can always ask for more clarification. The following are examples of ready-made phrases or set phrases to use.
Could you please speak louder?
Could you spell that for me, please?
Could you say that again, please?

I’m afraid I don’t quite understand what you said.