Job Discussion Forums

[donb2222]

[nickpellatt]

I do have knowledge of the Chinese language, and my reasoning for not putting it down to L1 is because of this. L1 interference is normally attributed to when something does or doesnt exist in L1, and this carries over into the new language. Differences for he/she do clearly exist in Chinese with different characters for nan/nu and even though pronunciation is the same ... I think the different written characters mean it cant be attributed to a standard interference error. The concept of identifying male and female through personal pronoun use is very similar to English.

A number of my students tell me they learn English for many years, but dont have to reproduce it orally for some time. Naturally, when they do start using language verbally, they want to practice and use more advanced language, and neglect the basics. They rarely make the mistake in written English, but have problems reproducing the correct form 'on the fly' during oral practice. With concerted practice on these basic things...I reckon they will get it right. Just my thoughts...and could be wrong of course!

The 1 RMB fine goes into a class pot. Many of my students leave at different times and we often have a class dinner to say goodbye to them. I take the 'pot' and this goes toward the first round of drinks at the farewell night.