by Heather Chetwynd | Jun 21, 2024 | Culture and Values
I am often asked, “Is that ‘correct’ English?” It is not a simple question to answer. I have thought about this often but recently I was reminded of it again as I listened to the audio version of Between the World and Me. Written and read by Ta-Nehisi Coates, the book...
by Heather Chetwynd | Jun 28, 2022 | Culture and Values
We understand best those who communicate as we do. What does “communicating like me” mean? What are the variables in communication? Consider these factors: language, accent, volume, vocabulary and expressions, grammar, body language, level of formality, cultural...
by Heather Chetwynd | Feb 17, 2022 | Culture and Values
A former student of mine got a job in northern Quebec years ago. The weather is pretty harsh there and, being quick witted, he wrote the following few paragraphs with common weather idioms. I felt it was so well written and the idioms used so naturally, I decided to...
by Heather Chetwynd | Feb 11, 2022 | Culture and Values
In Canada, many people are not used to hearing a variety of accents, especially in less urban environments. Even in Toronto, one of the most multicultural cities in the world, many native speakers mix almost entirely with other native speakers and, therefore, do not...
by Heather Chetwynd | Feb 4, 2022 | Culture and Values
AUDIO-Why Computers Sometimes Crash This poem sounds like it has been written by the children’s author, Dr. Seuss. Apparently it is anonymous but it sure sounds like him. His poems are great for pronunciation practice. Try reading it aloud along with the...
by Heather Chetwynd | Jun 2, 2021 | Culture and Values
There is a word in German – umwelt – which refers to how different organisms and beings experience reality. Numerous conditions influence our perception of reality – faith, assumptions, education, culture, physical considerations, character traits, concepts we hold,...
