Definition of metaphor

A definition of metaphor for me is quite simple.

Its one thing described as something else that are totally different but have something in common.

Although I would use includes stories, similes and fairytales in this category as generally metaphor is when you say something is something else.

Many NLP trainers however use a broad range of definitions.

Love is a journey or why not uses a famous quote from Shakespeare I studied at school.

From my drama class "A man may break a word with you, sir, and words are but wind." You may remember it as "the comedy of errors".

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Cultural differences and their impact on the English translation of metaphor

Abstract
language closely related to Culture, different cultural background gives the analogy of different languages within different cultures
culvert.Therefore, in the process of learning English analogy, metaphor of cultural differences must pay close attention.This example from the word through
too many of the cultural differences between English and Chinese metaphor, and then summarize the method in Translation.
Key words: language and Culture; English metaphor; cultural differences; translation.

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The Importance of Speaking Practice

There are 4 key skills when you learn a language:

1. listening
2. speaking
3. reading
4. writing

Which one of these is the "Odd-One-Out"? Which one of these is different from the other three? The answer is speaking. The other three you can do alone, on your own, without anyone else. You can listen to the radio alone. You can read a book alone. You can write a letter alone. But you can't really speak alone! Speaking to yourself can be "dangerous" because men in white coats may come and take you away!!

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10 Reading Tips

1. Read at a level slightly lower than what you understand. You should not have to look up a lot of words. It's okay to look up a few words.
   
   
2. Make reading a ritual. Choose a time and place to read every day or week. Commit to this reading time as if it were a job.
   
   
3. Read what interests you.
   
   
4. Understand what you'll be tested on. If you're working on your reading skills for a particular test, make sure to learn about the test. There may be specific formats such as advertisements that you'll have to read in the test.
   

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What To Read

Are you overwhelmed by the reading materials that are available? Without spending a penny, you can read printed texts (books, magazines, newspapers at the library), online materials (websites and blogs), and ebooks (on your mobile devices).

Think about what you like to read in your native language. Can you find these written materials in English?

There are two important things in deciding what to read:

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Why Read?

You probably know that even in your own language reading is regarded as important because it can be entertaining and educational, can open up new worlds and enrich your life, and can improve hand-eye co-ordination and enhance social skills.

But for learning a foreign language, in this case English, reading in that language has additional important benefits that can help you learn the language faster and more completely.

Reading is an essential skill for language learners. When your reading skills improve, your listening, speaking and writing skills improve too. Here are some of the specific reasons why English learners are encouraged to read in English:

• The constant repetition of words and patterns in reading helps you learn and remember vocabulary and grammar structures.
  
  
• Reading helps you become familiar with the rhythm of English. Over time it will start to feel natural and you will notice when a sentence or phrase doesn't seem right.
  
  
• Unlike conversation, reading is something you can do on your own.
  
  
• Reading is not expensive, often free.
  
  
• Good reading skills can improve your other language skills. You need to learn to read before you can write.
  
  
• Reading is the best way to learn and remember the proper spelling of words.
  
  
• Listening as you read along can help you improve your pronunciation skills.

If you want to improve your English, learn to love reading in English. The best readers often get the best grades, jobs and opportunities.

What Is Reading?

"Reading" is the process of looking at a series of written symbols and getting meaning from them. When we read, we use our eyes to receive written symbols (letters, punctuation marks and spaces) and we use our brain to convert them into words, sentences and paragraphs that communicate something to us.

Reading can be silent (in our head) or aloud (so that other people can hear).

Reading is a receptive skill - through it we receive information. But the complex process of reading also requires the skill of speaking, so that we can pronounce the words that we read. In this sense, reading is also a productive skill in that we are both receiving information and transmitting it (even if only to ourselves).

Reading is the third of the four language skills, which are:
1. Listening 2. Speaking 3. Reading 4. Writing

Do we need to read in order to speak English? The short answer is no. Some native speakers cannot read or write but they speak English fluently. On the other hand, reading is something that you can do on your own and that greatly broadens your vocabulary, thus helping you in speaking (and in listening and writing). Reading is therefore a highly valuable skill and activity, and it is recommended that English learners try to read as much as possible in English.

Guide To Reading For English Learners

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Teaching Multi-Level Classes

What is a Multi-level ESL class?

Multi-level classrooms are as varied as the students in them. Most often, they include students who communicate in English at a variety of different levels. They may also be considered multi-level because they include students with different types of learning backgrounds, such as those who have learned orally and those who have learned mainly from a textbook. Students may also have different levels of literacy in their own native language. A classroom that contains some students who are familiar with the Roman alphabet and some students who are not may also be considered multi-level. Finally, the term multi-level can be used to refer to a group of students working together who range greatly in age.

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Teaching Small Classes

Most teachers would agree that teaching a small class comes with many benefits. Teachers can offer one-on-one assistance at times and are more likely to meet the individual needs of their students. Some teachers, however, find it quite challenging to keep their students interested and excited about learning in a small class. Depending on the location you are teaching in, small classes range from about three to seven students. In countries where large classes are the norm, classes of twenty may still be considered small. There are numerous coping strategies and activities that teachers can use to deal with the challenges of timing and student engagement.

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Teaching Large Classes

Most teachers agree that teaching a small group of students is easier, more enjoyable, and less time consuming than teaching a large group. Unfortunately, due to budgets, space, or lack of teachers, many ESL schools only offer large classes. In some schools, large classes may consist of up to 50 or more students. While your class may look more like a University lecture hall, your job is not to lecture. Just like teaching a small class, you must come up with engaging activities that keep all of your students interested and participating with the goal of improving their communication skills. While there are numerous challenges when it comes to teaching large classes, there are many coping skills and activities that you can use to make your job easier.

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Teacher Taboos

As a teacher of ESL there is a fine balance between being yourself and showing respect. If your students are learning English in your country, you want to share as much as you can about your own customs and lifestyle, while giving each of your students the opportunity and freedom to share theirs. If you are teaching English in a foreign country, you should take active steps to learn as much about the culture and customs of its people. This includes finding out about the taboo topics and actions that could embarrass, confuse or upset a student.

Remember, that what is considered appropriate conduct or conversational material in your country may be considered rude, insulting or even bad luck in another. You may also find that younger generations are more accepting of and accustomed to American or European topics and gestures, while older students still consider some things taboo.

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Using Music in the ESL Classroom

Music is the universal language of mankind.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

When students make a major breakthrough in learning, it is music to a teacher's ears. There is nothing more rewarding for a teacher, than seeing their students smile and laugh while they learn. The same can be said for students. Students who are taught in a fun and creative way, love coming to class. Using music in the classroom is a great way for teachers to achieve success with L2 learners. Oliver Wendall Holmes suggests taking a musical bath once a week, saying that music is "to the soul what water is to the body."

Benefits of using Music

Have you ever heard of anyone who doesn't like music? Some people may not like art, dancing, reading, or movies, but almost everyone likes one kind of music or another. Most people like many different kinds of music. Studies have shown that music...

• improves concentration
• improves memory
• brings a sense of community to a group
• motivates learning
• relaxes people who are overwhelmed or stressed
• makes learning fun
• helps people absorb material

"Music stabilizes mental, physical and emotional rhythms to attain a state of deep concentration and focus in which large amounts of content information can be processed and learned." Chris Brewer, Music and Learning

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