Language driving!
For those of you who drive a car, you will perhaps understand this idea a bit more.
I’ve been thinking about another comparison with language use.
When we go out for a drive, we:
Plan the journey/route
Check the car; fuel, oil
Put things in the car we need to take
Set off
Follow the route
Follow the rules of the road
Check the signposts/roadsigns
Stop for a rest and "stretch our legs"
Arrive at the destination
During the journey, we drive slowly in risky areas (near schools, on busy roads) and we drive faster on motorways (freeways)
The car journey can be pleasant, if the weather is kind and traffic is calm
Sometimes the journey can be difficult: wet weather, fog, snow and ice, angry drivers
With language, we can plan our “language trip”
- plan the language trip: what will I need to talk about? Who will I be speaking with? Where will this take place? What type of language? Written or spoken?
- Get ready: Put some things in our “pocket”…small dictionary, revise some useful vocabulary, research a subject
- Follow the rules: be polite, courteous, interested, happy. Reply honestly to questions, ask questions.
- Stop for a rest . Don’t forget to rest sometimes. Maybe even relax and do something completely different.
- Check the signposts. Look for signs, verbal or physical signs that you are being understood, people nodding in agreement, feedback, smiles, frowns, yawning, laughing etc
- Arrive at the destination: check how things are progressing and don't forget to pat yourself on the back for a good journey.
Let's go for a drive! Take a passenger!
Bye
Alan
