How Many Kinds of English Are There? (And Why the Answer to This Question Can Spell Success or Failure in Your Communication.
This module explores the many varieties and flavours of English, with an occasional look at interesting cases in other languages. Dialects, mesolects, accents, regionalisms, professional jargon, slang-- these and more can be precision tools in the hands of the skilled communicator, but grievous traps for the unwary. We will learn how to tune yourself to your audience's normal language patterns, how occasionally to play safely with out-of-tune for effect but mostly how to avoid jarring your audience by being out-of-tune.
This module explores the many varieties and flavours of English, with an occasional look at interesting cases in other languages. Dialects, mesolects, accents, regionalisms, professional jargon, slang-- these and more can be precision tools in the hands of the skilled communicator, but grievous traps for the unwary. We will learn how to tune yourself to your audience's normal language patterns, how occasionally to play safely with out-of-tune for effect but mostly how to avoid jarring your audience by being out-of-tune.