communication: a two-way process jean meakin ma, pgce english language wing defence school of...
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Communication: A Two-Way Process
Jean Meakin MA, PGCE
English Language Wing
Defence School of Languages
Defence Academy UK
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Outline• The Communication Problem• Clear English and Unclear English• A Two-Way Process
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DSL Survey
Q1. ‘Native speakers’ 13‘Foreigners’ 14
Q2. ‘Speed of speech’ 22 ‘Pronunciation/Accent’ 19
‘Vocabulary’ 7
Number of Foreign Students: 27
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11
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1
3
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Middle EastNorth & Central Africa
Eastern Europe
Far East
Afghanistan
South America
Mission Exploitation Exercise (MX)
Were you ever aware of Afghans who did not understand because the English native speakers did not speak plainly enough?
•‘Yes, it was a problem’ – 6 people
•‘No’ – 1 person
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Plain English Campaign
• ‘Fighting for crystal clear communication since 1979’
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SLP Level 3Listening
• …. understand most formal and informal speech on practical, social and professional topics, including particular interests and special fields of competence;
• …. however, may not understand native speakers if they speak very rapidly or use slang, regionalisms or dialect
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SLP Level 3Speaking
• …. able to participate effectively in most formal and informal conversations on practical, social and professional topics;
• …. may not fully understand some cultural references, proverbs and allusions, as well as implications of nuances and idioms.
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• Slow down• Separate the words• Avoid slang and jargon• Be aware of accents and dialects• Say abbreviations slowly and then repeat
them• Use short sentences• Avoid negatives where feasible• Avoid low frequency idioms• Avoid little-known cultural references
Speaking Clearer English
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Vocabulary
• 170,000 words, phrases and examples
7,000 idioms
6,000 phrasal verbs
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take
12
take
in
out
off
back
up
on
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take
InUnderstand
DeceiveCare forIncludeWatch
Reduce in size
offRemove
FlyNot workSucceed
LeaveImitate back
CancelReturn
onFight
AcceptEmploy
outDestroyRemoveGo with
upStart
Fill / useDiscussShorten
Accept an offerStart a relationship
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A Two-Way Process
Non-Native Speakers Native Speakers
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