#70, Article: ‘English is ‘Fun” by Sophia Jaychandran

English language in the present day context has undergone a whole lot of new dimensions and paradigms. This is clearly manifested in the manner in which the language that has been rather receptive and flexible to many inflexional changes. In my presentation, I wish to highlight some of the easy but rock-solid ways of acquiring the language thereby making the entire process a matter of fun and pleasure. In the context of ELT (English Language Teaching) and ELL (English Language Learning), numerous methods and approaches have been worked out with the sole objective of making the exercise learner-centered. Such a methodology aims at making learning (in this context, language acquisition) fruitful and rewarding.

As teachers we can capitalize on the learners’ aspirations and the creative inclinations in order to maximize learning. This requires resourcefulness and farsightedness on the part of the teachers. With the dawn of interactive teaching and experiential learning, the onus in the present day scenario has been shifted upon teachers. English teachers these days are confined only to the teaching of the components as prescribed in the syllabi. The need of the hour is to integrate certain elements that act as appendages in the process. This method will certainly infuse tremendous zeal in the minds of the learners and thus the teaching-learning process could be triggered in the right direction. (more…)

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#70, Article: ‘Which one: Persian, Farsi or Parsi?’ by Zohre Maleki, Alborz University, Iran

Introduction:

In the past few years, there has been a tendency to replace the adjective “Persian” by “Farsi”. These discussions over the usage of Farsi in European languages has long existed among Iranians, especially Iranian immigrants. As usual, some agree and others disagree. The official language of Iran is sometimes called Farsi in English and other languages. This is a correct transliteration of the native name of the language, however many, including the ISO and the Academy of Persian Language and Literature, prefer the name Persian for the language. Some speakers use the older local name: Parsi. In English, the word Persian has profound historical and cultural connotations, from Persian Empire (good or bad) to Classical Persian Literature. Persian is closely associated with Persian poetry, Persian carpets, and so on. Reputable organizations (such as the BBC and the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford, London, etc.) utilize the word Persian. (more…)

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