Speaker: Matt Ellman, Teacher Trainer at Cambridge University Press
Location: Better Learning Conference, Robinson College, University of Cambridge
Guest: Professor David Crystal, linguist and author
Focus: Discussion on Professor Crystal's career, changes in the English language, and implications for language teachers.
Professor Crystal's Passion for Language
Nature of Language: Language is everywhere and varies significantly.
Rapid Change: English evolves daily, creating curiosity about future changes.
Creativity: People play with language creatively, a trait seen from early childhood.
Language Play
Universality: Language play is not unique to English; all languages have playful elements.
Forms of Play: Includes sophisticated oratory, puzzles (e.g., crossword), advertising slogans, and newspaper headlines.
Example: "Pain Stops Play" – a play on the traditional cricket headline "Rain Stops Play".
Importance in Teaching
Benefits of Language Play: Language play should not be reserved for advanced learners; it is beneficial from the start.
Engagement: Children naturally enjoy language play, fostering a fun learning environment.
Physicality: Baby talk is an example that highlights repetition, pitch, and creativity in early language acquisition.
Recent Changes in English Language
Vocabulary Changes: Around 5% of vocabulary changes annually; new words and meanings emerge continuously.
Grammar: Less frequent changes; example includes a decrease in the use of 'must' in favor of 'have to'.
Pronunciation and Orthography: Slow changes; punctuation evolving with digital communication.
Teaching Global English Varieties
Intelligibility vs. Identity: Standard English ensures understanding, while local varieties express identity.
Exposure to Varieties: Teachers should expose students to global English varieties from early stages to prepare them for real-world interactions.
Technology's Impact on Language
Unpredictable Changes: Technology influences language and communication forms (e.g., Twitter's shift in language prompts).
Teachers' Resources: Use of online corpora and tools to stay updated on language changes.
Future of English as a Lingua Franca
Cultural Challenges: Understanding cultural context is vital for effective communication in global English varieties.
Resource Development: Need for materials that bridge cultural knowledge with language learning.
Professor Crystal's Books
Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language (Third Edition): Updates include significant changes since the internet's rise affecting English globally.
Personal Insights on Language Learning
Bilingualism and Multilingualism: Perspectives on native vs. non-native speakers; the norm is multilingualism around the world.
Encouraging Language Learning: Children naturally acquire languages in context, and this should be nurtured in educational settings.
Conclusion
Accent and Identity: Emphasizing that learners need not sound like native speakers, but should communicate effectively.
Cultural Awareness: Importance of teaching students about cultural references in English as part of their learning experience.
Q&A Highlights
Accent Importance: Accent indicates identity; intelligibility is crucial but sounding native isn't necessary.
Role of Emojis: Emojis provide limited expressiveness but are part of modern linguistic trends.
Native Language Influence: The lines between native and non-native are becoming blurred in global communication contexts.