Job Discussion Forums

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaBH_huiJSM

buravirgil · Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2015 9:18 pm Post subject: Re: Modals

fluffyhamster · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 12:01 am Post subject:

I don't see the point in just posting links to YouTube clips or Wikipedia pages or whatever and just leaving it at that. At least say whether you thought the clip was good or bad (even if you don't say why). Presumably in this case you consider the clip bad, Scot?

Me, I half-watched it while watching TV with my other eye. The teacher's delivery is a bit soporific and a few of her examples suck. The main objection I have though is to the rule-mongering that May rather than Can has to be used when asking for permission (May I use the phone), and that Could is apparently always preferable to Can when making requests (Could you open the door).

Anything you guys want to add to that?

buravirgil · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 12:22 am Post subject:

fluffyhamster · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 12:57 am Post subject:

What do you mean, all? I've commented on what I consider are the most important linguistic points, in the bit you didn't for some reason quote. How about you fill us in then on everything you think I've apparently missed? Rolling Eyes

As for bewilderment, um, no, that isn't quite what I feel when I see posts like Scot's above. When starting a thread, personally I prefer to tell people what I think and thus why I'm posting whatever, even if that leads to few or even zero responses. In other words, I like to give people things to read and possibly enjoy without commenting on than to just scratch or shake their heads at.

More to the point, I'm not that interested in people's looks, individual accents, delivery or whatever else may've got in this case Scot's apparent goat. There is after all YouTube itself for leaving more direct comments. All I'm primarily interested in is their linguistic taste and their derived linguistic selections, as that's what's most important (IMHO).

One thing I've definitely noticed though is that those who are wont to "pull up" YouTubers here aren't exactly putting anything up themselves to show us all how it's done.

buravirgil · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 1:32 am Post subject:

Your "linguistic points" are a forest for the trees scenario. As well, modifying words with "linguistic" (e.g., taste and selection) doesn't infuse them with legitimacy. Suggesting looks and accents are a possible objection is disappointing. However you're much warmer citing delivery. In a playful spirit, I'll still goad your prior hedging with a technical term: alignment.

Scot and I were incorrect about decompose and I thank you for that.

fluffyhamster · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 1:50 am Post subject:

Four modals with just a couple of functions given for each is hardly a 'forest for the trees', and gives us more to go on than 'delivery' (which by the way I addressed, calling hers 'a bit soporific'). I'm not that interested in pursuing 'alignment' (I was a Lawful Evil Cleric) other than noting that a number of learners, judging by their comments there on YT, apparently find that style of 'talking grammar book' helpful, so who are we to judge? To me it's like konnyaku, harmless (unless you happen to choke on it) and just something to chew on that's not too high in calories or indeed nutrition.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Can we have a thread on the evils of (overused) parenthetical expressions (and statements) (?) Laughing

buravirgil · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 3:04 am Post subject:

Aww, c'mon Spiral. Is the posted link real teaching?

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Dunno, I admit (I'm distracted by the parenthetical expressions). I'm too busy teaching to watch it at the moment Wink

Will try to get to it asap Laughing

buravirgil · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 4:23 am Post subject:

Begging off? After the number of times you've asserted hiring committee experience as supporting evidence? (If that doesn't rile you, what will?(How 'bout double parentheses)?)! and engaging past rancor instead of the topic of poor, guileless Scot47's post?

If this lesson were submitted with any "CV", what criticisms, if any, would you make of it.
I'll stick by mine: Horrid. I'll add, devoid. Not to their face, naturally.

Maybe I'm wrong, but my first response to the OP was a way of relating:
Challenging even a small number of teachers to address technique reveals levels of training and experience.
Doing so on a forum this large is mischievous.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I posted it purely to illustrate how AWFUL some presentations are ! Using technology is no protection against incompetence !

It reminded me of some of the truly bad lesson observations I have done in my roie as trainer.

Will be back soon with some more instruments of torture.

fluffyhamster · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 1:30 pm Post subject:

But it isn't a challenge at all to pour scorn on people rather than look for the positives or indeed <gasp> have an actual, non-patronizing discussion for once. Too busy? Why even bother posting then?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I have not signed up to the international conventions outlawing torture.

fluffyhamster · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 3:19 pm Post subject:

I'd be more worried by the fact that Buravirgil and Spiral clearly aren't signatories, Scot. Here's to hoping they don't turn their turgid patronizing "prose" and repeated lame "jokes" respectively onto you. All I can suggest is that you stock up on plenty of mops, buckets, and nosepegs. Good luck!