English Pronunciation and Language Lessons by ElementalEnglish.com

If you asked an American when we use the word "such" [sʌtʃ] instead of "so", it wouldn't be so easy for that person to explain the difference between the use of the two words. The dictionary comes in handy here to help differentiate these similarly used words.

Dereck and Beverly Joubert have been living amongst wild animals for nearly three decades. They have dedicated their lives to learning about many amazing animals, but particularly large cats, and photographing their incredible lives for us to see and to learn from.

Ordering at Starbucks is an English language challenge that didn't even exist fifteen years ago for most of the world. So it's no surprise that many ESL learners have a need to practice how to order at all, but particularly at Starbucks, which is a common meeting point for students, friends, business meetings and social gatherings. Continue reading...

In America, where Elemental English is based, confident and appropriate body language is extremely important when speaking and listening. Americans (actually, people from all around the world, including your own culture) immediately notice when communication is "off" or when a speaker is uncomfortable, and they can notice all of this solely based on the communication coming not from your words -- but coming from your physical body. One of the most important communication skills to utilize in America is eye contact. Making and maintaining eye contact is not only important, it is essential when conversing with someone, especially if you want to be taken seriously. Think job situations, talking to a professor, meeting a new girl or guy that you like — anything! What is eye contact?  First, let's say what eye contact isn't. Eye contact does not mean staring into the speaker's eyes without a break! That's creepy! According to dictionary.com, 'eye contact' is defined as: The act of looking directly into another's eyes...a meeting of the eyes of two persons, regarded as a meaningful nonverbal form of communication. SOURCE: Dictionary.com   Why eye contact is important: 1) Interest. Making eye contact immediately tells your speaker that you are interested in what he or she has to say. And the opposite is true, too. If you look away and fail to make eye contact with someone who is speaking to you, they can and probably will take this as a sign that you are not interested in what they are talking about! 2) Respect. In American culture, making eye contact shows that you respect the person who is speaking and that you know that what they are saying is important (at least important to them). This is in contrast to other cultures, where a subordinate may be expected to look away. But in America, eye contact shows that you respect that the person is speaking and that they have your attention. Consider this in numerous situations, from being a student sitting in class and to being on a job interview. 3) Comprehension. Maintaining eye contact is part of the process of showing your speaker that you as the listener understand what is being said. Other body language and communication techniques may accompany the eye contact to communicate comprehension, such as nodding your head up and down and confirmation sounds, such as "mmhmm" or "uh huh". All in moderation, of course. Answer the questions below to think more about eye contact and to share your opinions with all of us.   Questions Leave your answers and comments in the 'Comments' box below! Can you think of any other reasons eye contact is important? Do you have any examples of when you did or did not maintain eye contact and it made a difference? How is eye contact treated in your home culture? (Please identify the country). As always, email or post your questions and comments on ElementalEnglish.com