Snap Language

Language biases exist against people with accented speech, stutters, and other speech characteristics. Such biases can have serious consequences.

Just as in other languages, English has levels of formality. What is considered appropriate or inappropriate in the US? How do you know what level of formality to use? How can you avoid social blunders? (Article available for beginners and Interm./advanced learners.)

The idea most of us have about what grammar comes from what we learned in school, which is known as “traditional grammar.” However, to understand how language works linguists need to study a type of grammar based on describing the language as people actually use it, not how they “should” use it. In this article, Franco explains what grammar is for linguists.

Franco explains what accents and idiolects and draws on his own experiences to discuss their sociolinguistic nature, including the possible negative impact on an individual caused by stereotyped perceptions of accents and idiolects.

Marc Franco proposes five steps for English as a second language (ESL) learners to break through the “socio-cultural bubble” and, as a byproduct, improve their language skills in English. This is based on the concept that ESL learners living in the United States sometimes create a “socio-cultural bubble” in which they stay within their cultural and linguistic community, thus limiting socialization and exposure to English, which can slow down and even prevent language learning.

The author, an experienced instructor of English as a second language (ESL), shares what he has learned about the experience of many ESL learners who are learning English while living in the United States. Although the focus is on ESL and the United States, the information likely applies to learning any language in a country where the language is spoken.