In everyday English, you will hear idioms. If you read English textbooks, you will not be reading how native speakers actually talk. There are two parts to every language: the written and the spoken.
The written, or textbook form, contains proper grammar, punctuation and the proper use of words. It follows the rules of the language and when read aloud tends to sound strange. It is important to learn this type of English so that when you read from a textbook or need to write a message you will know the proper form of English.
Spoken English, the more natural form, is full of idioms, slang, jargon colour and humour. The grammar and word usage is more relaxed. You will have run on sentences, incomplete sentences, the grammar may not always be correct as well. Spoken English sounds better as well. You will also need to learn this form of English so that you can easily speak to native speakers with more confidence.
You would use the more natural spoken English in informal settings. There is a conversational tone when you use the idioms, jargon and the other differences in spoken English. Native speakers feel that they can be creative to use improper word usage forms and grammar. If you want to sound more like a native speaker, you need to learn the local spoken language of the culture you are interacting with.
If you are trying to learn idioms from a lesson plan, you need to be aware that idioms don’t sound or look right when written down.
Idioms when on paper look like a riddle or prose. They don’t really make much sense when read, but when spoken, they take on a different meaning and will create a sense of language colour. English idiom use in natural spoken language makes it informal and interesting.
What actually are idioms?
Idioms are phrases and word clusters that only have a meaning in the culture that speak them. A good example is the phrase “a piece of cake.” When seen on a piece of paper and taken literally, it is something to eat. In a different context and the right locality, it means “easy.” You need to understand that idioms would only be understood in certain cultures. If you went to another culture, that idiom may not be understood and in some cases may even be offensive.
An idiom is an expression that when spoken creates a different meaning depending on the context it is being used in. They may not conform to the rules of formal, English, but they are very useful in spoken English. They create the local language culture. Some idioms have been used for so long that their originally meanings have been lost. Their meanings are now part of the user’s dialogue.
Idioms grow, change and mutate over decades or even centuries. They take on new meanings and become deeply rooted into cultures. They can become part of movies and advertising.
You really need to learn the local native speaker’s idioms if you want to know and speak English more like a native speaker.
Finding a native speaker to work with will help you to become a better speaker. You can contact me at michael@languagewings.com and we can discuss how we can work together to help you improve your English language speaking ability.
To your language success
Michael W
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