The English language can be both frustrating and confusing, yet it is never dull.
More than 400 million people speak English as their first language, and astonishingly, over a billion individuals, roughly a seventh of the global population, are either learning or proficient in English as a second or tertiary language.
Despite its widespread use, English has intriguing quirks and a fascinating history. Surprisingly, English, labeled with its name, belongs to the West Germanic family and has been significantly influenced by Latin (through the use of the Latin alphabet), French, and Old Norse languages.
While it may appear that English has settled into a standardized form with established grammar rules and syntax, influenced by "proper" English prevalent in business and media, variations persist worldwide. Diverse dialects and accents lend English a distinct flavor wherever it is spoken.
Your TEFL course will cover the fundamentals of English grammar, but beyond that, there are numerous captivating facts about this historically rich and diverse language!
More than 400 million people speak English as their first language, and astonishingly, over a billion individuals, roughly a seventh of the global population, are either learning or proficient in English as a second or tertiary language.
Despite its widespread use, English has intriguing quirks and a fascinating history. Surprisingly, English, labeled with its name, belongs to the West Germanic family and has been significantly influenced by Latin (through the use of the Latin alphabet), French, and Old Norse languages.
While it may appear that English has settled into a standardized form with established grammar rules and syntax, influenced by "proper" English prevalent in business and media, variations persist worldwide. Diverse dialects and accents lend English a distinct flavor wherever it is spoken.
Your TEFL course will cover the fundamentals of English grammar, but beyond that, there are numerous captivating facts about this historically rich and diverse language!
Here are 10 interesting facts about English that you might not have known
1. The English language is full of tricks!
A "contronym" refers to a word with contradictory meanings. Take the word "variety," for instance; it can denote a specific type of something or a large number of that thing.
Likewise, the term "dust" can convey the action of either adding or removing dust. Dusting a cabinet and a croissant involves markedly different tasks! If someone asked you to do some dusting around the house, imagine the confusion if you left icing sugar everywhere – not the reaction they were expecting.
It's a nuanced challenge, but the surrounding context provides clues about the intended meaning of a particular word, even when it happens to be a contronym!
It's a nuanced challenge, but the surrounding context provides clues about the intended meaning of a particular word, even when it happens to be a contronym!
2. Have you ever “swaggered” into a room, to “break the ice”?
Thank William Shakespeare for expanding the English language. The renowned poet and playwright contributed more than 1,000 words to the English lexicon! Shakespeare, known for his criticism of the limitations of the English language, made language gatekeepers uneasy with his bold and rebellious introduction of new words, challenging the existing vocabulary.
Indeed, every common word highlighted in bold? That's all thanks to Shakespeare.
Thank William Shakespeare for expanding the English language. The renowned poet and playwright contributed more than 1,000 words to the English lexicon! Shakespeare, known for his criticism of the limitations of the English language, made language gatekeepers uneasy with his bold and rebellious introduction of new words, challenging the existing vocabulary.
Indeed, every common word highlighted in bold? That's all thanks to Shakespeare.
3. An “ambigram” is a word that looks the same from various orientations
Isn't it fascinating how some words stay the same, even when you flip them upside down? Take "swims," for instance – it looks identical both ways!
And there are plenty more examples of this quirky phenomenon. "Big" is another one – you can write it down and read it from any angle, and it still looks the same.
For some words like "awesome" and "blessing," a bit of creative handwriting might be needed, but the cool thing is, you can understand them no matter which way is up!
And there are plenty more examples of this quirky phenomenon. "Big" is another one – you can write it down and read it from any angle, and it still looks the same.
For some words like "awesome" and "blessing," a bit of creative handwriting might be needed, but the cool thing is, you can understand them no matter which way is up!
4. The English alphabet used to be longer
Over the years, some letters like 'ash' (æ) and 'ethel' œ were eventually phased out, but interestingly, they still have a place in Scandinavian languages.
The English alphabet, which we're all familiar with and have a fondness for, currently consists of 26 letters. It's fascinating to note that in earlier versions, there were as many as 29 letters and perhaps even more. Comedian Steven Wright once humorously pondered, "Why is the alphabet in that order? Is it because of the song?"
The English alphabet, which we're all familiar with and have a fondness for, currently consists of 26 letters. It's fascinating to note that in earlier versions, there were as many as 29 letters and perhaps even more. Comedian Steven Wright once humorously pondered, "Why is the alphabet in that order? Is it because of the song?"
5. The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 changed the English language forever
The Battle of Hastings brought about some interesting changes! The Normans, back in the day, sprinkled a bunch of new words and phrases into English, borrowing from what we now know as French.
Now, you'll find loads of everyday words in English that have French roots. Words like "parliament" and "banquet" are part of our regular conversations. Plus, a bunch of words related to food and even the classic English game of cricket have their origins in Norman French. Cool, huh?
Now, you'll find loads of everyday words in English that have French roots. Words like "parliament" and "banquet" are part of our regular conversations. Plus, a bunch of words related to food and even the classic English game of cricket have their origins in Norman French. Cool, huh?
6. People think the longest word in the English language is antidisestablishmentarianism
Nope, it's not! Believe it or not, the longest word in English is pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis. Curious about what that is? Well, it's a lung condition caused by inhaling sand or ash.
Chances are, you won't be using this word in your daily conversations. But hey, if you want to impress people as the one who knows the longest word in English, now you've got it. Just a friendly tip: maybe don't attempt to pronounce it after a drink or two!
Chances are, you won't be using this word in your daily conversations. But hey, if you want to impress people as the one who knows the longest word in English, now you've got it. Just a friendly tip: maybe don't attempt to pronounce it after a drink or two!
7. The most used noun in the English language?
Guess what's topping the charts? It's "time"! Yep, it beats out "person," "year," "way," and "day" in the top 5. Exciting stuff for watch enthusiasts, exam proctors, and even Morris Day. Curious about that last one? Maybe give your parents a shout for some insights!
8. On paper, “set” is a fairly simple word
Check this out: Did you know that a tiny three-letter word has made its way into the Oxford English Dictionary with a whopping 40,000 words and over 430 definitions? Imagine this: you can set a table for a specific time, complete a set of something, and much more. It might sound a bit wild that such a short word can have so many meanings, but you're not the only one who finds it intriguing!
9. According to stereotypes, British people love a good queue
Ever wondered about the origin of this French-sounding word? Believe it or not, it actually comes from the tail of a creature depicted in medieval art. So, the term "queue" essentially resembles the tail of an animal, whether it's in a single-file line or winding around corners. Just a fun fact to keep in mind the next time you find yourself at the airport!
10. What’s the most commonly used letter in the English language?
In the final sentence, you spotted it six times on its own. Guess what? It's the letter 'E'! Some words go all out with 'e'—up to five times! Take "beekeeper," "effervescence," and "teleconference," for instance; they each pack in five 'e's.
So, the next time you find yourself in a lively teleconference with a buzzing beekeeper, just keep this fun fact in mind!
So, the next time you find yourself in a lively teleconference with a buzzing beekeeper, just keep this fun fact in mind!
The English Language: tricky, but interesting!
It's no surprise that navigating the intricacies of English can be a bit challenging for those who aren't native speakers. Interestingly, the name 'English' itself is a bit misleading, considering its roots in Latin, Germanic, and French.
English comes in various forms, such as American and Australian English, and has gained global popularity as the language of business.
Languages are constantly evolving, and English is no exception. The Oxford English Dictionary keeps growing each year, influenced by new words from pop culture and evolving idioms.
Learning English can be quite tricky, but it's undeniably fascinating, given its diverse influences. As TEFL teachers, you have the chance to make this widely spoken language less perplexing and share insights beyond what's found in the dictionary with your eager learners!
English comes in various forms, such as American and Australian English, and has gained global popularity as the language of business.
Languages are constantly evolving, and English is no exception. The Oxford English Dictionary keeps growing each year, influenced by new words from pop culture and evolving idioms.
Learning English can be quite tricky, but it's undeniably fascinating, given its diverse influences. As TEFL teachers, you have the chance to make this widely spoken language less perplexing and share insights beyond what's found in the dictionary with your eager learners!
