Top Flex Online

English is easier than Portuguese. Really?!

Lu Martins — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 22:01:59 +0000

I know it’s difficult to get this, because we are Portuguese native speakers.

On one hand, if we analyse the vocabulary, it’s really difficult for us, because these two languages don’t come from te same origin (Portuguese come from the Latin language while English has a lot of Greek influence and the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England). So, most of the words are completely different.

Think about when you go to the supermarket to buy meat. In Portuguese you know the names of all the parts of meat, right? And in English? It’s a lot of vocabulary. Even in Portuguese, think about it. But since we are native speakers, we consider it normal. Look at some examples:

Rabo / Ox Tail

Lagarto / Eve of The Round

Coxão Duro / Outside Round

Coxão Mole / Top Inside

Músculo / Muscle – Shank

Patinho / Knuckle

Picanha / Rumpsteak

Alcatra / Top Sirloin

Contra Filé Argentino / Sirloin

Filé Mignon / Tenderloin

Aba de Filé / Skirt of Tenderloin Beef

Fraldinha / Botton Sirloin

Ponta de Agulha / Short Ribs

Capa de Filé / Prime Ribs

Acém / Chuck

Paleta / Shoulder

Peito / Breast

Pescoço / Neck

Filé de Costela / Strip Loin

Maminha de Alcatra / Trip-Tip

Cupin / Hump

Difficult, hum?! It takes a lot of getting used to.

On the other hand, think about grammar.

Don’t go further, Present Simple will do. Verb to work, how is it conjugated?

I work

you work

he works

she works

it works

we work

you work

they work

How many different endings are there? Only two, -K or -KS (-S in the end of he, she, it).

Now, how many endings are there if we conjugate this same verb in Portuguese?

Eu trabalho

tu trabalhas

ele trabalha

nós trabalhamos

vós trabalhais

eles trabalham

Is it that difficult now? Give me your opinion! Which language is more difficult? What do you think about it?

Pronunciation is VERY important!!

Lu Martins — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 03:09:31 +0000

Imagine you take a vacation trip to The USA. You’re walking along the sidewalks, paying attention to every new thing around you. When you cross the street, your scarf falls down on the floor, and then a complete strange helps you and get it from the floor for you (use your imagination, ok! Americans are not that friendly, I know…). You get very thankful and instead of saying THANKS with the correct pronunciation, which is θæŋks, you get so excited about speaking English with a native American, that you say tæŋks, as in TANKS. This poor American would get crazy and would run away, because he/she would understand that there was a war tank on the street.

You see how important pronunciation is?
Guys, you know I’m kidding, right?! But it’s true, some words have very similar pronunciations, and depending on the situation you can cause a huge misunderstanding because of it. So, be aware!!
Now, just for you to have fun, watch the video about a French man and tell: What would he like to buy?

Have fun!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUCDhvbQFmU

Remember when we were talking about art?

Lu Martins — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:11:10 +0000

We talked a lot about it, and I was very glad it was a subject that everybody enjoyed so much. I must confess I thought you wouldn’t like it that much. I think it’s so good when we can use English as a means of communication like we did, not only being there in the classroom studying grammar, vcabulary, pronunciation etc. You could talk about your favorite artists, favorite kinds of art, favorite paintings, and I had the opportunity to learn many things from you, such as how to pronounce Juan Miró’s name and so on.
Now it’s my turn! I wanna tell you who my favorite artist is. He may not be as fancy as yours, I know, But I like him a lot!
Who’s he? Who’s he?

*surprise moment*

I usually say I became a teacher because of him. Because it was reading his comic books that I started loving this art, the art of writing. I have read his comic books my whole life!! And I love them untill today!!
What about you, guys? What do you have to say about it? What are your favorite artists?

What do you use the internet for?

Lu Martins — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 03:55:03 +0000

I know, I know… We’ve already talked about it way too much in class! I know you check your e-mails, send flowers to friends, buy things, talk to people, send pixs. But if I wanted to find you online? Write about it! Where can I find you on the internet?
Have you heard about these tools?

Have you ever tried any of these? Would you like to?

Let’s have some fun around here?!

Lu Martins — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:56:44 +0000

Usually, my students know a lot about me, ’cause I’m always talking about the things I like. So you already know that one of my favorite things when I wanna have some fun is going to the mall!!! I looooove it!!! And my favorite is: *surprise* Barra Shopping!!

And you? What do you do to have fun? When you have a free time, what are the activities you like to do? Where do you like to go?

Oh, really?!!

Lu Martins — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:45:12 +0000

Yes!! Don’t be surprised, we are here!! It’s the Top Flex online!! For us using English just at Ibeu isn’t enough! Please, give your opinion: what would you like to do here? What would you like to use this space for?