In India, we have over a dozen official languages and countless local dialects. So how does a farmer from Bihar speak with a fisherman from Kerala [Images] [Images]? The answer, for now, is 'not easily'.
One day, however, all Indians will use English as a first, second or third language. This will allow them to communicate effectively not only with other Indians, but also the rest of the world.
Of course, getting to that point won't be easy. For most of us, English is still a challenge. With all its irregularities, exceptions and rules, English is a very difficult language to master.
With that in mind, rediff.com presents our English Bloopers series. Here, we publish written and spoken mistakes spotted and sent to us by observant Get Ahead readers. It's a great way to review the basics, clarify a few issues and share a laugh or two!
So, stop by each Monday, Wednesday and Friday for another fresh batch of English Bloopers.
Shashidhar Gowda
Improve vocabulary -- The more number of words you know, and the meaning and context in which you should use them, the better you become at the language. Observe what words people use in news papers, TV programmes and intelligent conversations. Then, learn their meanings.
Learn Grammar -- Learning a langauge is like constructing a building. Grammar is the foundation, or the cement. Your vocabulary is the bricks and stones. If you have no foundation, everything will crumble.
Practise -- Practise constantly, practise confidently and practise consciously. This means that you practise everyday; you understand that you'll get better eventually; and you stay completely focused while practising.
Helpful links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_language_learning_and_teaching
http://www.learn-english-online.org/
http://www.english-daily.com/
http://www.1-language.com/englishcourse/index.htm
http://www.1-language.com/audiocourse/index.htm
http://www.englishclub.com/
http://www.edufind.com/english/grammar/toc.cfm
Shagun Dayal, 24 and from New Delhi, sent two bloopers:
Wrong: I did an auto in order to reach the cinema hall
Correct: I hired an auto in order to reach the cinema hall
Wrong: I communicate from home to office.
People confuse commute and communicate. Communicating is interacting, talking and exchanging information with another person. To commute is to travel.
Correct: I commute from home to office.
DON'T MISS
If you'd like to share common bloopers you come across when people speak/ write in English, do mail your list, along with their correct alternatives to englishbloopers@rediffmail.com -- we'll highlight them right here as a helpful guide to those trying to improve their English. Also, make sure you include your FULL NAME, AGE, OCCUPATION and the CITY you are based in.
