Korean Job Discussion Forums

[lion]

I have tried to come up with my own simple rules for the correct use of �say�, �talk�, �tell�, �speak� etc. (for example, �tell� usually requires that the listener be the direct object, etc.), but the subject seems riddled with exceptions, and my students are always able to come up with strange and awkward-sounding sentences on the basis of my silly rules.

I�ve found a few incomplete references in grammar books, but haven�t yet found the definitive guide.

Can somebody point me at a good teaching reference on this topic?

[ddeubel]

You seem to be a great reference! I mean that sincerely.

There is no confusion, only what works.

Tell your students they should value communication over precision unless they are working in the diplomatic core...

DD

[ajuma]

Will this help?

http://esl.about.com/library/lessons/blrepspeech.htm

[lion]

Well, I appreciate the praise and the pointer to the exercises, but what I�m really after is the definitive guide to grammar here. I agree that Koreans tend to cling too fervently to grammatical rules, but I can�t really fault someone for asking me for some kind of guideline, and I feel insufficient for not being able to serve it up.

To give you an idea what I�m after, the best reference I�ve found so far is two teensy weensy chapters of the Cambridge �English Grammar in Use� book. A sampling:

�If you say who somebody is talking to, use tell� � otherwise use say� � but you can �say something to somebody���

However, it�s very incomplete.

Anyhoo, I�ve sort of retreated to telling people not to worry about rules but just to copy a few basic patterns I give them. I guess I can be comforted knowing that the reference I�m after isn�t out there (or is it?)�

[Voyeur]

You are teaching the wrong language if you want a definitive guide to anything. Try French perhaps?