Welcome to Basic English Course

Introduction

• Focus on learning basic English and fundamental concepts.
• Part of a larger program on Data Science and Computer Programming.
• The course will help in understanding how data works by learning about language.

Objectives

• Discuss the details of what we will do in this course.
• Understand how we learn and what we must do to learn English effectively.
• Focus on impactful understanding leading to impressive speech and communication.

Understanding Language Learning

What is Language?

• Language: A sophisticated product of the human mind, which seeks patterns and simplicity.
• Learning language involves recognizing and understanding patterns in language.

Language Acquisition vs Learning

• Acquisition: Automatic learning by children, happens naturally.
  • Children start speaking words by 4 years, gradually developing to sentences.
• Learning: Effortful learning by grown-ups, requires conscious effort.

Age and Language Learning

• Learning before 10 years of age: Automatic and effortless.
• Learning after 15 years of age: Requires efforts and conscious motivation.
• Between 10 to 15 years: Transition period where learning still occurs.
• Input received by children is processed by the mind into grammatical and infinite output.
• As we grow older, the subconscious process weakens, requiring conscious efforts to learn a new language.

Applying Language Learning to Grown-ups

• Grown-ups observe and apply patterns consciously.
• Key steps: Observe patterns and Apply patterns, then rely on subconscious processes.
• Motivation and specific interests drive learning in grown-ups.
• Efforts in improving language skills can enhance existing knowledge of English.
• No need to sound like a native speaker (American, British, Australian), but improve your own way of speaking.

Strategies for Learning

• Focus on patterns and conscious effort for learning.
• Improving speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills.

Practicing Language Skills

Listening

• Listen to English audio material for at least 30 minutes daily—news bulletins recommended.
• Pay attention to the way speakers speak in the audio.

Reading

• Read for at least 30 minutes daily—literature and newspapers recommended.
• Newspapers use simple, active sentences beneficial for learning.

Speaking

• Improved through subconscious influence from listening and reading.
• Keep speaking regularly to enhance skill.

Writing

• A specific skill, distinct from speaking and listening.
• Writing will be addressed specifically in the course.

Conclusion

• Welcome to Basic English course as part of your Data Science and Computer Programming degree at IIT Madras.
• Detailed course plan will be discussed further.
• Emphasis on practical activities and pattern observation for effective learning.