With the pandemic having such a strong influence on people’s lives all over the world, it can feel important to mention this in emails with international partners. You may feel that you wish to show your concern and good wishes towards your clients or colleagues when writing in English. How can you do this in a caring but also business like way?
Aiheet: English, keep safe, take care, Yours from afar, see you soon, showing care, pandemic, keep in touch, keep well
The coronavirus pandemic has brought not only serious disruption and change to countries across the world but also a new range of terminology to help describe the disease and its effects.The epidemic will not be under control until there is at least a working vaccine. In this blog you have the chance to revise your English vocabulary related to this current matter.
Aiheet: English, English language, covid-19, korona, pandemic vocabulary
Although videoconferencing has shown steady growth over recent years the COVID-19 pandemic has vastly expanded its use. Daily users of Microsoft Teams have grown from 10 million at the end of 2019 to over 100 million in June 2020. Skype has also shown a notable upswing while Zoom has shown the strongest growth of all - from less than 10 million daily users to over 200 million daily users in the same period. At Galimatias we have already been using videoconferencing in language training for several years with very good learning results and client feedback. Here below we would like to share some useful hints for overcoming possible challenges in videoconferences in general and in English in particular.
Aiheet: English, videokokous englanniksi, videoconference, videoconferencing in English, video conferencing key phrases, usefull tips for videoconferences, vinkit videokokoukseen englanniksi
In the current epidemic situation, a sense of connection to other people, however brief, can be important. Small comments and exchanges in a video meeting may be the closest we get to outside conversation all day. Video conferencing can have its challenges but small talk can break through the limitations of the technology. However, how can we start and sustain pleasant conversation online? In this climate let’s look again at small talk and how it can be used.
Aiheet: English, small talk, defining, smalltalk, sence of connection, cultural differences
There is a curious phenomenon that takes place when friends or family from my remote hometown in the Canadian wilderness visit me here in Finland. When they are meeting my friends at a dinner party or around a table at the pub, I often end up having to take on the role as the interpreter.
Aiheet: English, communication, quiz, British English, finglish, misunderstanding, native speaker, American English, Canadian English
The 14th of February (celebrated as ystävänpäivä in Finland) is known as Valentine’s Day in English speaking countries and is also marked in many other countries around the world.
Aiheet: kielitaito, English, valentine´s day, ystävänpäivä, 14.2.
- Guidelines for good use of time expressions
Did you know that to “move something back” in English means to move it ahead, further away? How do you know for sure when your meeting will take place? Have a look at our blog and short animation and learn the secrets of time expressions in English in order to be on time.
Aiheet: englannin kieli, English, time expressions, ajan määreet, grammar, move back time, rules of thumb, kielioppi, bring forward time
If you have been following the news from the Anglosphere (the English-speaking world) you may have noticed how often discussions around the topic of political correctness are coming up. Political correctness can be defined as, ‘the avoidance of forms of expression or action that are perceived to exclude (reject, keep out), marginalize (treat as insignificant), or insult groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against’1.
Aiheet: English, culture, crosculture, tips, English language, politeness in English
English idioms, just like English spelling, can be confusing. While idioms are great for giving your language more expressiveness and helping it flow more naturally, English idioms can often be illogical. By using a range of these idioms you can ensure your English is both more naturalistic and expressive. So, some care needs to be taken!
Aiheet: English, englanti, English idioms, sujuva viestintä, idioms, englannin sanonnat, meetings in English, englanninkieliset kokoukset
Just before the holidays we would like to take a last chance to boost your English. Perhaps you will also use English over the summer, travelling for pleasure or business, or in between the breaks at a summer cottage?
Aiheet: rallienglanti, English, englanti, kesäkurssi
