You can build your vocabulary by using more collocations. Collocations? I hear you ask. Now, what are they?
Collocations are words that naturally appear together. Like old friends from school days, they are comfortable in each other’s company. They enjoy spending time together.
By using collocations, your language becomes richer.
Let’s look at some collocations for make.
Collocations with ‘make’
You wake up at 6:00 o’clock in the morning and immediately make your bed. You turn on the radio and make breakfast. Careful! The milk is boiling. Don’t make a mess.
You receive a text from your best friend from college. Can you make it for the reunion next month? Oh no. You’ve just made a plan with the family.
How many collocations with make so far? Four. Or maybe five. Can you make a guess?
It’s your first day as vice-president and you want to make a good impression. There’s an important meeting happening downtown. You’ve made the arrangements to get there well in time.
At the meeting, you’re client makes some good points. You make some notes. You think to yourself: why isn’t our sales team making more of an effort?
You then make a suggestion. You say, ‘Why don’t we share the research data with you? We normally don’t share it with our clients. But, in your case, we could make an exception.’
Your manager looks at you with stars in his eyes. As you both walk down the stairs, he whispers, ‘We are going to make so much money!’
After lunch, there is a sharp pain in your mouth. Ouch! You can’t ignore the pain anymore. You need to make an appointment right now. Time to visit the dentist.
It’s 10:00 o’clock at night. You are at home. Your family is fast asleep. You look out the window and see the inky black sky. You make believe there is a shooting star streaking above the dark clouds. You make a wish.
Phew! All those collocations make my head spin.
Collocations with ‘risk’
Now, let’s look at business English. How many collocations are there with the word ‘risk’? There are more than you can imagine: Considerable risk. Low risk. Negligible risk. Increased risk. Reduced risk.
And then there is: take a risk; pose a risk; accept a risk; manage a risk; minimize a risk; assess risk; measure risk; and balance risk.
Wait… there’s more: credit risk; political risk; environmental risk; safety risk; and security risk.
How many of these collocations of risk have you used? What can you use in future?
At the risk of overloading you with collocations, let’s briefly look at a word I’m sure you use: budget.
Collocations with ‘budget’
Some collocations with budget are:
prepare a budget
plan a budget
approve a budget
propose a budget
balance the budget
exceed the budget
stick to the budget
Now, we need to budget our time. So, I’ll stop here.
Takeaway
Before you click away, remember this–collocations help us to express ourselves with precision and flexibility. And they widen our range of vocabulary.
Select a collocation that you haven’t used before from the lists above. Use it by the end of tomorrow. By doing so, you will have expanded your vocabulary without much effort.
You carry many identities within you. Area sales manager. CEO. Chef. Head of accounts. Homemaker. Entrepreneur. YouTuber. Parent. Part-time painter. Professional dancer. Gardener. Baker. Foodie. The list goes on.
To improve your communication skills, there is an identity that you must embrace: the identity of a student. Yes, you read that right. Look in the mirror. There is a student gazing at you. Just because you’ve left college, that doesn’t mean you have to stop learning.
Where is your classroom? Your classroom is your office. It’s your laptop at home. It’s the unopened newspaper on the table. It’s that Netflix series you are binging on. It’s your favorite business website. It’s the device you are using right now to read this post.
Who is your teacher? You have many. Your clients who send you emails are your teachers. So are the Tedx speakers who inhabit YouTube. So are the ads you see on billboards. In short, your teachers are everywhere. The question is, are you open to being taught?
When I conduct corporate training sessions, what strikes me is the limited range of people’s vocabulary. They are fluent in the jargon of their field. They have good domain expertise. But, when they need to express their views on unfamiliar topics, they are at a loss for words. They are often stumped when they are asked to talk about social issues, culture, and the environment.
The higher up the corporate ladder you climb, the greater will be the demands on your communication skills. As you progress up the ranks, there will be times when you need to present to a wider, more diverse, audience. There will be times when you need to explain complex systems to people from outside your sector. There will be times when you need to be diplomatic to not offend investors or clients. There will be times when you need to speak about broader issues such as employment, climate change, and ethics. For all those times, you would need to speak fluently, effectively, and confidently. To do so, you would need to have a wide range of vocabulary that you could immediately access.
Build your vocabulary
How can you enrich your vocabulary? Be more aware of the words and phrases around you. If you have a client who communicates effectively, find out why. When she writes emails, what phrases does she use? Could you use those same phrases when you write emails?
To learn in a more structured manner, visit BBC Learning English . There will be some words you are familiar with. But, there will be many words that you are not. Be open. Read the definitions for expressions you do not know. And check the ones you think you know. You may not know the precise meaning of a familiar word or phrase. You may be in for a surprise.
Do not use ‘fancy’ words to show off. Use words appropriately. Use the right word at the right time in the right context. Usually, simple words are sufficient. Remember, it’s not just what you say that matters, but also how you say it that matters too.
Listen for phrases you can use
When you watch a panel discussion, how do the panelists interact? Good speakers weave a narrative by referring to what was said before. They are not making isolated statements, but are interacting with one another, creating a coherent, meaningful conversation. Pay attention to the phrases that are used to refer to what was said before. For example, ‘I would like to build on what X just said.’ Or: ‘I partially agree with you, however…’ Could you use such phrases in your next zoom meeting?
Improve your pronunciation
Pronouncing words is a tricky affair. A problem with pronunciation is that when everyone around you is pronouncing a word incorrectly, you do not question that way of pronunciation. How can you escape this invisible loop? Doubt yourself. Personally, I have been often surprised when I checked words I thought I knew how to pronounce. I wish you many such moments. Cambridge dictionary is my go to dictionary.
The magic of awareness
Do you know what is essential for improving your communication skills? Awareness is the key that unlocks the door to better communication skills. Only you can open it.
Be aware of the spoken and written language around you. Be curious about a new word, phrase, or expression. Google it. Think about it. Absorb it. Notice if you come across it again. Decide if it would work for you. If it does, use it. If it doesn’t, no worries. Let it go. Whatever happens, you are expanding your language horizon.
Despite your busy schedule, you’ve read till the end. Bravo! Now, I have a gift for you. It is something that will last forever. That gift is: awareness.
There is no clear answer to this question. It depends on your profession.
Imagine you are a painter from Hyderabad who is in Toronto for an art festival. You know a few words in English to get by. It’s okay. People are not concerned about your level of English. And why should they be? They have come to see your art.
Similarly, a chef does not need to know English. Of course, it would be helpful. She could explain her dishes better. But, speaking English is not essential. Her food is her message.
English for business
For jobs in the corporate sector, it is a different story.
In this globalized world, English has become the language of business. According to an article in the Harvard Business Review, companies such as Airbus, Daimler-Chrysler, SAP, and Samsung have adopted English as their common corporate language.
Interestingly, a Japanese company Rakuten has pursued Englishnization, a language policy that embraces English. The policy requires employees to improve their level of English, or face consequences such as demotion.
Why did Mr. Mikitani, the CEO of Rakuten, take such a drastic measure?
Mr. Mikitani believes that it was essential for his company’s growth and survival. Rakuten is Japan’s largest online marketplace, with a presence in many countries including the US, UK, Germany, China, Indonesia, and Brazil. To unify communication throughout the network, Englishnization was felt to be necessary.
English in corporate India
What is true for Rakuten is true for corporate India as well.
We live in a globalized, competitive world. One of the reasons why the IT sector has done so well in India is that software engineers in Bangalore speak English.
If you work with an MNC or an Indian company, you have to communicate in English when talking to foreign clients. Even within India, there are clients/vendors in the south and the north-east of the country who may not be fluent in Hindi.
We can agree that English is important in the corporate workplace. But, how high does your level of English need to be?
How well should my English be to succeed at work?
To get an entry level job, companies are ideally looking for at least a B2-level speaker — a person who is at the upper-intermediate level. At this level, she communicates with ease and is able to comprehend the main ideas of complex texts. She is able to write clearly on a wide range of topics, and express her opinions.
In my experience as a corporate trainer, many employees in corporate India are at the B1 level, which is the intermediate level. This means that they can understand information about familiar topics. B1-level speakers can manage their work.
The key word being manage.
There are speakers who speak fluently, but make grammatical errors along the way.
For example, a person may say, ‘I didn’t went to the warehouse.’ Of course, it should be ‘I didn’t go…’.
But does it really make a difference?
Communication is all about being understood. If the listener understands the message, communication has been achieved.
In many situations, it is alright to make grammatical errors–as long as no confusion is generated.
Even incorrect pronunciation need not be an issue. If the listener understands a strong accent, then there is real communication. Thoughts are exchanged. Work gets done.
Miscommunication leading to misunderstanding
Things get complicated when speaking to people from other countries.
Let me give you an example. An irate client in Southeast Asia was talking to an engineer in India. The client complained that some machinery parts were not delivered on time.
The person in India replied, “I could understand your problem.”
This upset the client even more.
“What does could mean? Does it mean that you don’t understand my problem?” asked the client.
The client escalated the issue.
The Indian engineer did not understand why the client was so angry. Although the engineer was trying to be empathetic, he was misunderstood.
As you can see, things get complicated when dealing with sensitive situations. A person may not have the vocabulary to express precisely what he wants to say.
The need for better communication skills
When you rise up the corporate ladder, more will be expected of you when it comes to communication. For instance, you may have to attend a conference in Singapore, representing your company. At the event, you would want to network. The common language of communication would be English. If you speak the language fluently and clearly, people would find it easier to speak with you. You would be more successful in your networking.
When you become a CEO, you have to make speeches and presentations to wider audiences. The information and thoughts you convey will be more complex and nuanced. Also, you would have to read and absorb information about topics that are not in your domain of expertise.
To accomplish all of this effectively, you would have to be an advanced-level user of the language, which means at the C1-level . Such a speaker uses language fluently in social, academic, and professional settings.
Putting it all together
Now that we have had a bird’s eye view of what is expected in the corporate sector, the picture becomes clearer.
When hiring a junior engineer, executive, or accountant, companies may search for B2-level candidates, but in reality, B1 would be just fine.
Remember, domain knowledge counts for a lot. Being good at your job is a big advantage. When you know your work well and speak the jargon, you should be able to communicate well enough, even if you are at the B1 level.
Here is a telling quote from Rakuten CEO Mikitani who implemented Englishnization.
There is a powerful message in what he said: When people are on the same page, and open to collaboration, a lot can be achieved. And you do not need to be a native speaker (that is at the C2 level). Grammatical errors do not impede communication.
I agree with what he says, but with some reservations.
If there are unexpected situations, you may not have the language to express yourself effectively. As we saw in that example of “I could understand….”
Are you at the B1 level? If yes, I urge you to improve your English to reach the B2 level. The effort will be worth it. You will be better able to handle difficult situations.
And if you are at the B2 level, put in the hard work to reach the C1 level. There is a big difference between a B2 and a C1 user of the language. Your peers will notice that difference, and so will your clients.
Beware of the language plateau
There is something that could prevent you from improving your language: the dreaded language plateau.
When you begin learning a language, you do so enthusiastically, covering miles of territory. After you arrive at the intermediate stage, your enthusiasm wanes. You need to work much harder to see results. When this happens, you are at the intermediate plateau. (There is an advanced-level plateau as well.) Read this article by Preply to learn more about plateaus.
To ensure you escape the plateau, find ways to rekindle your enthusiasm for the language. Watch English movies. Read novels. Listen to songs. Be persistent, even when learning does not look as rewarding as it once did.
If you are keen to improve your language, you need to know your level of English. Many people overestimate their language skills. It would be better to get an objective assessment. A reality check never hurts, at least when it comes to language learning.
Once you are clear as to where you are, start improving your skills. These 3 free websites are useful.
Why don’t you learn English from the world around you? You could become your own language coach!
If you have any questions, let me know in the comments section below.
FAQs
Why is English important for success?
We live in a world where the largest economy is the U.S.A. – an English-speaking country.
Even many French, German, and Japanese companies use English for internal communication.
To reach a global audience, one needs to know English.
Why is English important for your future
A lot of information is available in English, when compared with other languages. 55% of online domains are in English.
Being proficient in English will help you better explain your ideas and thoughts in interviews, in meetings, and during presentations.
English will help you with networking, especially when meeting people from other countries.
Rome was not built in a day. Neither is proficiency in any language. It takes time to learn a language. Think about your mother-tongue. How much time would a person need to learn it to be an advanced-level speaker?
International English exams such as IELTS, SAT, and TOEFL test a person’s language skills.
But they do more than that.
Not many people are aware of this: they indirectly test a person’s level of general knowledge.
For example, you may be expected to read and answer questions on a piece about Global History. If you have no clue about history, the task is challenging. Your mind does not have the framework to understand the topic.
What can you as a parent do? This post is for parents who have children in the 8th to the 12th class.
I start with a disclaimer. This post will not provide any short-cuts to getting higher scores.
Instead, you will learn how to strengthen the English language foundation of your child, so that when the time comes to appear for such exams, she will be better prepared.
Are you interested to learn more? Then read on.
How to succeed in international English exams
Let’s go step by step. Here is step one:
How can parents help their children learn English? Take a level test.
Before one starts on a journey, one needs to know where one is. At what level is your child? Is she at the intermediate level or higher or lower? It would be good to find out.
If there is a language school near you, such as the British Council, then you could find out whether they conduct language assessment tests. The results will provide you with an objective measure of your child’s language skills.
You can also take a quick test online from Cambidge.
In my experience as an English teacher, I have noticed that people tend to overestimate their English skills. Do not make the same mistake.
If you are able to visit a language school nearby, go there and find out. It will be worth it.
How can parents support English language learners: Learn the four skills and language
As a parent, the more aware you are of language learning, the better you can guide your child. So, let’s take a deep dive into language learning.
There are four skills when it comes to language usage. The skills are: speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Apart from the four skills we also have grammar and vocabulary.
Let’s start with speaking.
Speaking skills
There are two aspects to speaking: fluency and accuracy. I have noticed that there are people who speak fluently, but they make a lot of basic grammatical errors! This affects accuracy and will negatively affect one’s score, especially in tests such as IELTS. Here are a few videos from the British Council that would help, if you are thinking about IELTS.
Even if your child is not preparing for IELTS, do watch these videos. They can improve her overall speaking skills.
Many students are fluent and have reasonably good grammar, but pronunciation is a problem.
How can you improve pronunciation? There are many ways to do this.
The first is to listen. When you hear people talk, listen to how they pronounce words. The danger is that everyone you meet may be pronouncing a word incorrectly!
The internet can come to the rescue. If you are unsure of how a word is pronounced, visit the Cambridge Dictionary.
Just type in the word and listen to the pronunciation. There would normally be two variations: UK and US. Choose the one that you are more comfortable with.
You can also have fun when learning pronunciation. Pick a song and sing along. Don’t worry if your voice is out of tune. It’s a fun way to spend time with your child. Both of you can sing your hearts out.
On YouTube, there are many songs with the lyrics as well. Select a song that you think is appropriate. This exercise may sound silly, but it is a good way to get accustomed to accents and also improve one’s pronunciation without any stress. To get you started, play this song from the Beatles: Here comes the sun.
You can also pay attention to how words are pronounced when watching movies, serials, and news programs. Become aware of how you pronounce words and compare the pronunciation with other peoples. Yes, to improve your child’s pronunciation, you have to work on yours as well.
To get an overview of pronunciation, read this post.
Let’s look at the next skill.
Listening skills
As a skill, listening may be more rewarding than speaking.
Many people are better speakers than listeners. They speak, speak, and speak, without listening to what the other person has to say. I urge you to be a better listener to improve your English language skills.
When listening to a person speak, or watching a movie, do not be passive. Be an active listener. Give your full attention. Analyze what the person is trying to say. For example, when watching a documentary on climate change, think about what the main point of the argument is. Think about the words used to convey a message. Think about the sequencing of ideas and the examples given. Think about the pronunciation and intonation.
Sounds exhausting?
It could be. However, you will find it a more enriching experience. And your general language skills will improve.
Once you start finding yourself to be a better listener, see how you can guide your child. Here is what you can do. Watch a video on science. And then ask general and specific questions.
Let’s look at this video on the planet Saturn.
I have come up with some questions based on the video:
General questions
1. What is the video about?
2. How did the rings of Saturn form?
Specific questions:
1. What is the Roche Limit?
2. What are the names of two of Saturn’s moons?
The first set of questions require listening for gist, while the second set of specific questions asks you to listen for detail.
To improve listening skills, this is what you can do.
1. Play the video once, and ask two general questions. (You can make some more, if you like.)
2. Then, ask the two specific questions. If she cannot answer them properly, play the video again.
Try this approach with other videos. You will find your child honing her listening skills. You can even ask your child to make questions to test you! This would further activate her listening skills. And she would enjoy it to see you fumble.
Listening is an overlooked skill. Do not underestimate it. It can be beneficial in not only improving one’s language skills, but also general knowledge. Both of which are tested on exam day.
Reading skills
Reading is a lot like listening. It is another under-rated skill. People read to pass exams. Many people do not read out of curiosity or for pleasure. In short, people read only when they need to.
Try to develop the reading habit in your child. This will reap benefits in many ways.
First, her vocabulary will improve. It is said that a word has to be encountered at least ten times before it can be used by a person naturally and appropriately. Do not encourage your child to memorize word lists. She may use them incorrectly and out of context. Vocabulary building takes time. It takes years. Reading is the best way to do it.
Reading also helps in improving one’s general knowledge. There is a wide range of topics that your child may encounter on an international English language test. Here is short list:
1.Science
Possible topics: astronomy, geology, and chemistry
2.Social sciences
Possible topics: economics, psychology, and political science
3.The Environment
Possible topics: climate change, pollution, deforestation
4.Film and entertainment
Possible topics: film genres, film and its impact on society, the role of theatre in social change
Do not get intimidated. As I wrote at the beginning of this post, Rome was not built in a day. There are more common topics that could appear on test day. However, these four should be enough for now. I do not want to overload you.
To help your child succeed in international English exams, make sure that she reads the newspaper. Many students start reading the newspaper weeks before the exam day. How much can they learn? Reading newspapers should become a habit and not something one does ten days before the test.
Do not impose reading on her. You could start by asking her to read an article on a topic she likes. It could be about sport or history. Slowly expand the range to include other topics such as science and technology.
Your local English paper would have many good articles. You could also read these online news websites:
When on these websites, do not start with the current news. Read the sections on science & technology, sports, environment, and culture. Then start reading other sections.
If you feel that there may be inappropriate content for your child, decide what she should read.
When you have selected an article, this is what you can do:
Ask your child to read the headline and guess what the article is about. This will help her prepare her mind to better absorb the writing.
Look at the photograph and discuss what it is trying to say. What is the focus of the photograph? Is there a message?
Let her read the article, and then ask her what new information she has learnt. Are there any words she is unsure of? Find out the meaning and pronunciation from an online dictionary. Did she like the article? Why or why not?
To help your child succeed in international English exams, you will have to think like a teacher.
Asking these kinds of probing questions will make her more engaged with the article. Over time, she will become a better reader. Improved reading skills will be an advantage throughout life.
Writing skills
We have now arrived at the last skill. In IELTS, many candidates find this the most difficult part of the test. Even if the test your child is planning to take does not have writing, I urge you to read on. Writing is a skill that is essential in adult life.
To write well, it would be a good idea to read well. When reading an article or opinion piece, pay attention to the organization of ideas. How is the topic introduced? What is the first main point? Is it supported with facts or examples?
A big problem when it comes to writing is coherence and cohesion. Coherence refers to the logical flow of ideas. And cohesion refers to the use of cohesive devices (such as however, therefore) that hold the sentences and paragraphs together.
Watch this video on coherence and cohesion. Even if your child is not planning to take IELTS, it would be useful.
It is important to plan well before actually writing. In fact, the better plan, the easier it is to write.
Phew! That was a lot of information. Sorry, we are not done yet. If you recall, in language learning, apart from the four skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing), there is what we call language.
Language includes grammar and vocabulary.
How to succeed in international English exams: Grammar
Make sure that your child’s grammatical foundation is strong. If the foundation is weak, then errors will persist into adulthood. And of course, she will find it difficult to get a high score in any international English exam.
Grammar is vast. You could start with my post on articles (a, an, the). If you want to know more about the future time, click here.
If your child finds grammar to be difficult, spend more time exploring those online websites.
Another way to learn grammar is through more exposure to the language. Make your child watch more English movies and read more books.
How can parents help their children learn English? Vocabulary
As we looked at before, the more one engages with the language, the more one improves one’s vocabulary. Make sure that your child is exposed to a variety of topics. This will improve her topic-specific vocabulary. For instance, if she watches a video about climate change, she will learn words that are used in that field. You could ask her to have a book where she writes down new words and phrases.
Of course, she should also read newspapers, magazines, and non-fiction and fiction books. Make sure the reading material is broad, covering diverse topics ranging from technology to culture.
How can I help my child? One step at a time
As you can tell, you are in a marathon and not a sprint.
To succeed in international English exams requires one to have a strong foundation in both language and general knowledge. A strong base in general knowledge will help your child to better cope with the variety of topics that will be present on test day.
The sooner you start the better. Take it one step at a time. And do not overwhelm your child or yourself!
If you are in India, I have written a book on common Indian errors in Business English, covering topics such as vocabulary, Indian English, and grammar. It would be helpful when focusing on common errors Indians make. Click here to find out more about it.
Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments section below.
FAQs
How can parents help their children learn English?
Make English a part of your child’s environment.
Watch cartoons, serials, and movies. Read comic books, magazines, and novels.
The key to learning any language is complete immersion.
How can parents support English language learners?
Find out your child’s language level. That is the first step in the journey.
Focus on the four skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Emphasize the skills of listening (watch documentaries, TV programs) and reading (read newspapers, magazines, and novels).
What is the best way to study for an English language exam?
Make a long-term plan to improve your English. Do not start preparing two weeks before the test.
Understand the expectations of the test. This is key.
Answer past question papers.
Is IELTS hard to pass?
If your English is at the upper-intermediate or advanced level, it is not difficult. But, you will still need to know the expectations of the test. Otherwise, you may not reach your full potential, even if you are an advanced-level speaker.
If your English level is at the intermediate level or below, then it is difficult. Start by improving your general English skills.
What can I do to pass the English exam?
Improve your general English level.
Find out the expectations of the test.
Practice answering common test questions. When possible, go to the official website/YouTube channel of the test authority to get authentic practice material.
How can I help my child with English language?
Make your child familiar and comfortable with the language. Watch English programmes on YouTube or TV.
As a parent, you should be aware of what language learning means. Focus on the four skills: writing, speaking, listening, and reading. Remember that listening and reading are undervalued skills.
Focus on grammar, but do not try to cover all grammar points in a short period of time. It takes time for a learner to understand, absorb, and practice. Go slow and steady.
This is my second article on Indian English. The first one introduces the topic. Here, we’ll look at some more examples.
Imagine this. This is your first trip outside India. You’re in London, at a restaurant. You glance at the menu and then ask your colleague a serious question. “Are you veg?” She may not understand what you have just said. She may even think that you are asking her if she is made of veg. (Do you understand?) The expression is Indian English. The international English version is: “Are you a vegeterian?”
In India, the opposite of veg. is well, non-veg. If there is a carnivore inside you, and you happen to be abroad, I advise you not to say: “I am non-veg.” Instead, say, “I eat meat.”
Let’s leave the topic of food. Now, this is super-duper important. What you’re going to read is said often at the workplace. Tell me whether this sentence is okay or not. “According to me, we should sponsor the women’s cricket team.”
Is that sentence alright, in terms of vocabulary? And the answer is no. When we use the phrase according to… it normally refers to a third person or a thing. For example: According to the consultant, we should strengthen our retail network. Or: According to the UN report, this country has a lot of potential.
Now, if you want to talk about your opinions, then say: In my opinion… So, if you are at a meeting, you could say: In my opinion, we should sponsor the women’s cricket team.
If you want to be more informal, then: I think... or I believe… are good phrases to use when introducing one’s opinion.
So, the next time at work or on zoom, when you want to express yourself during a meeting or an important discussion, monitor your language. In your mind, if you are making a sentence starting with “According to me…” Stop. Change tracks. And confidently say: Excuse me, I’d like to say something. In my opinion…
Indian English in India is well, all around us. It is embedded in the language that our colleagues, customers, and managers speak. Indian English, as a term, is a wide tent. It covers typical grammatical errors, vocabulary specific to Indians, and a range of regional accents. Here we will focus on vocabulary.
When it comes to the use of Indian English vocabulary, it is not necessarily incorrect. Language is all about communication. And if the other person understands the thought/idea/emotion you wish to convey, then we have communication. So, don’t feel that there is anything wrong when Indian English is used.
Having said that, if you are communicating with international clients and colleagues, it would be better to use international English expressions. This will reduce the chance of miscommunication.
So, what are examples of Indian English? Read these three quotes and decide which ones contain Indian English in them.
“We will revert to you tomorrow by 3 pm.”
“Hi! What is your good name?”
“I’ll meet you at the backside of the building.”
So, of these three examples, which contain Indian English? Yes, all of them! Revert is classic Indian English. It may have been used in England, but that would have been ages ago. Now, you could say: “I’ll get back to you.” Doesn’t that sound less official? Friendlier?
Good name. Most probably, you would have identified this as Indian English. It is a direct translation from Hindi. Aapka shubh naam kya hai? In Hindi that means: What is your good (or auspicious) name. Perfectly polite in that language. But, the sentence does not translate well into English. Go with: What is your name? If you need to be more polite, ask: Could you tell me your name, please?
Backside of the building.This has generated a few giggles from visitors to our country. ‘Backside’ usually refers to the backside of a person. If you haven’t got it, contact me. I’ll be more explicit. Instead of backside, you could say: I’ll meet you at the back of the building.
There are many ways to express an idea or thought. For example, in India for the word warehouse, we, at times, use the word godown. Be aware of both variations, and use the right one at the right time and place.
There are many more Indian English expressions out there. If you would like to know more, you can check out my book.
We use words all the time to express what we feel, think, and want. But have you ever wondered whether you are using the appropriate word? The right word to express your thoughts and emotions? Are you thoughtfully using words to convey shades of meaning? Or are you using boiler-plate templates of phrases and words which ‘fit’ into a current situation?
Words are like people. It takes time to get to know them. You have to meet them in different contexts. And just like people, they may be multi-layered and at times, misunderstood. You have to spend a lot of time with a person to become a good friend: someone whom you really understand. The same goes for words.
So, what does it mean to know a word?
Well, to know a word means to be aware of its dictionary meaning.
It also means to be aware of the other words that usually go with it. It’s called collocation.
It means to know whether it has a positive or negative connotation. So, you will have to be aware of the context when a word is generally used.
And to know a word means to know how it is pronounced.
Well, this is actually quite a list, if you think about it. And the list is expandable. To know a word also means to know the origin of the word, and the prefixes, or suffixes used. But, we’ll stay with the basics: dictionary meaning and pronunciation.
Let’s take an example. In India, people use this word a lot: improvise. At a meeting I attended, someone was giving a task. His colleague said, “Well, you’ll have to improvise!” What did he mean by that? Did he mean that there was a need to be creative? Or that there is a need to improve the current product? Or did he mean something else? I wish I asked him, because it was not clear to me at the time.
Let’s look at what the dictionary can unearth for us. Go ahead and click on this link. Read about the word improvise. Then return to this page.
Welcome back! When I clicked on this link, I learned a lot about the word, improvise. Here is what I found interesting:
1. There are three syllables in the word, and the first one is stressed. The other two are unstressed. So immediately, I had a good idea as to how the word is pronounced.
2. The definition is what I expected it to be. Although, I would have not thought about including inventing devices in the meaning of the word.
3. I didn’t know that we could use the word from with improvise. The example sentence from the Cambridge Dictionary page is helpful: We improvised a mattress from a pile of blankets.
What were your thoughts when you read the dictionary entry for the word? And do you use this word accurately?
Words, like people, may not always be what you think they are. So, question yourself when you use a word. You may think you know its meaning or how it is pronounced, but in reality, you may be using the word inaccurately.
Doubt yourself. Check the dictionary. You may be in for a few surprises.
amalfabian 