Communication: A Two-Way Process Jean Meakin MA, PGCE English Language Wing Defence School of Languages Defence Academy UK

2 Outline The Communication Problem Clear English and Unclear English A Two-Way Process

3 DSL Survey Q1. ‘Native speakers’ 13 ‘Foreigners’ 14 Q2. ‘Speed of speech’ 22 ‘Pronunciation/Accent’ 19 ‘Vocabulary’ 7

Mission Exploitation Exercise (MX) Were you ever aware of Afghans who did not understand because the English native speakers did not speak plainly enough? ‘Yes, it was a problem’ – 6 people ‘No’ – 1 person 4

Plain English Campaign ‘Fighting for crystal clear communication since 1979’ 5

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7 SLP Level 3 Listening …. understand most formal and informal speech on practical, social and professional topics, including particular interests and special fields of competence; …. however, may not understand native speakers if they speak very rapidly or use slang, regionalisms or dialect

8 SLP Level 3 Speaking …. able to participate effectively in most formal and informal conversations on practical, social and professional topics; …. may not fully understand some cultural references, proverbs and allusions, as well as implications of nuances and idioms.

9 Slow down Separate the words Avoid slang and jargon Be aware of accents and dialects Say abbreviations slowly and then repeat them Use short sentences Avoid negatives where feasible Avoid low frequency idioms Avoid little-known cultural references Speaking Clearer English

10 Vocabulary 170,000 words, phrases and examples 7,000 idioms 6,000 phrasal verbs

11 take

12 take in out off back up on

13 take In Understand Deceive Care for Include Watch Reduce in size off Remove Fly Not work Succeed Leave Imitate back Cancel Return on Fight Accept Employ out Destroy Remove Go with up Start Fill / use Discuss Shorten Accept an offer Start a relationship

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A Two-Way Process Non-Native Speakers Native Speakers 15

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