"When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said, in a rather scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean - neither more nor less."
"The question is," said Alice, "whether you can make words mean so many different things."
"The question is," said Humpty Dumpty, "which is to be master-that's all."
Through the Looking Glass (1872) - Lewis CarrollHumpty Dumpty sure knew what he was talking about. Now we know he was just an egg and eggs really can not talk, but he does choose his words to mean - "neither more nor less." The truth is that Humpty Dumpty's word choices did not actually take him very far. For people, on the other hand, choosing appropriate words at the right time can take them very far. Words equal power. Words reveal knowledge. Words can be used for good or evil. Words can change things. Words and language are distinctly human. Words are what separate humans from eggs!
Teaching English as a second language helps to empower English language learners. It empowers them to express themselves in a way that can improve their lives and the lives of their families. Learning a new language and using that knowledge helps to secure jobs and success in tasks ranging from the mundane to the miraculous. Learning new words can inspire people. Since words express so many different things, mastering as many of them as is possible alters many different lives forever and in my opinion, that is a good thing.
VOCABULARY CORNER - Check it out!
SPELLING CORNER
Quiz on 10 commonly misspelled words
In each of the following pairs, only one is a word; the other is a common misspelling of that word. See if you can identify the correctly spelled word in each set.
1. (a) absorbtion (b) absorption
The act or process of absorbing something; occupying the full attention or interest.
2. (a) accidentally (b) accidently
Happening unexpectedly or by chance.
3. (a) alterior (b) ulterior
Lying beyond what is evident; deliberately and deceptively concealed.
4. (a) Arctic (b) Artic
Relating to the North Pole or the region near it.
5. (a) asterick (b) asterisk
The character * use as a reference mark in print.
6. (a) basically (b) basicly
At a basic level or in a basic manner.
7. (a) congradulations (b) congratulations
Acknowledging achievement or good fortune.
8. (a) definate (b) definite
Certain, clearly defined, having distinct limits.
9. (a) disasterous (b) disastrous
Terrible, calamitous
10. (a) embarass (b) embarrass
To cause someone to feel ill at ease or self-conscious.
SPELLING ANSWERS
1)b, 2)a, 3)b, 4)a, 5)b, 6)a, 7)b, 8)b, 9)b, 10)b
I really enjoyed your spelling exercises. I think your insight on misspelled words can be very helpful for ELLs.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I love your blogspot! You have included so much detail, it looks great. Secondly, I couldn't agree more with you that words can have a strong impact and can be used for good and evil. Words change lives. It is quite a comforting thought that as language teachers we are empowering our students. I love the humpty dumpty quote. It was so creative and so very fitting. Thanks for sharing! I look forward to reading more of your blogs!
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