Noticing Matters

Of course my students are interested in improving their English and often spend hours doing grammar exercises, combing the dictionary and repeating sounds and words over and over.  These can be useful strategies for early language learners but for those who have an intermediate or advance command of the language and are looking to go "from good to great", that kind of practice will be less helpful.  Instead I recommend "noticing".  This sounds simple and it IS simple, but it can be very effective if done regularly and with intension. 

What do I mean by noticing?  Well, just as it sounds...you should pay attention to the way English is constructed and used around you by native speakers.  If you are in an English-speaking location, you can listen to the way native speakers communicate with each other.  You can focus on the way written material is organized and the way words are combined and sentences are formed.  If you are not in a native English speaking environment, you can access English speakers online, in publications or...through audiobooks (see previous post)! 

You may be thinking, "I listen to English and read English all the time, so what?"  I will say that you probably have been listening and reading for meaning and not for form or use or pronunciation.  It is very important what you focus your attention on when noticing. When a person listens or reads in a non-native language, they tend to focus their attention on comprehending the meaning and content of the message.  Of course, this is important, but once you are more comfortable comprehending meaning, you can listen and read for examples of language construction as well.   

There are so many things you can listen/read for.  Let me give some examples.

·         Is the speaker/writer using long or short sentences?

·         What tenses is the speaker/writer using for various situations?

·         How is the speaker transitioning between ideas?

·         When does the speaker/writer use formal/informal language?

·         How does the speaker use modals (could, should, would, might)?

·         How does the speaker express politeness, offer an apology, ask for help or give suggestions?

·         What words are used frequently/infrequently?

·         What words are often used together in phrases?

·         What kind of language is used when a person is addressing a superior? A friend? A child?

If you are a business person, notice the language used in meetings and memos to help improve your language use at work.  If you are a student, focus your noticing on class materials and lecture language for an academic advantage.  If you are trying to improve your English in general, notice language used in social situations and friendly correspondence.

Once you make noticing a habit, you will start to see patterns of what is more or less common and what is acceptable in a variety of different situations.  Then, you can compare what you learned from your noticing “research” with the language that you already use,  Then, begin to adjust.  Try phrasing something in a way that you’ve noticed but never used before and notice how your listeners respond.  Are they thrown off at all or does the conversation flow smoothly?  Continue the pattern: notice, adjust, test and then implement the new forms into your communication style.

Noticing can be used to improve many areas of language weakness.  If you want to improve your pronunciation, notice the speaking of someone who you would like to emulate.  If you want to improve your verb tense use, notice its usage in writing and speaking AND notice how verb use differs between written and spoken language.  If you want to improve your understanding and use of idioms, phrasal verbs and slang, notice how they are used and notice which are more or less common. 

Unfortunately, this won’t be very effective if you only do it once or twice but if you make it a habit, you can make the world your classroom and improve your accuracy and appropriateness every time you encounter English.