In this week’s post, Abby Kaplan, author of Women Talk More than Men…And Other Myths about Language Explained, investigates the phenomenon of “Uptalk” and the myths and facts surrounding it. 

Young people these days, their intonation is really strange?  And all their sentences sound like questions? Which makes them sound like they’re not sure of anything?

Final rising pitch – popularly known as “uptalk” – is an intonation pattern that involves rising pitch at the end of a sentence. It has been documented throughout the English-speaking world: in the US, Australia, and New Zealand; it has also been documented among ELT students.

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According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 77% of jobs within the next decade will require some degree of technology skills. How can these skills be integrated in to English language programs? Kathy Harris explores the role of digital literacy with adult learners. Dr. Harris teaches in the MA TESOL program at Portland State University and also teaches literacy and low-level adult English Language Acquisition.

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“What makes me enjoy talking the most,” explains Milo, a Year 3 student, “is that everybody’s listened to you, and you’re part of the world, and you feel respected and important.”

Oracy — the ability to speak well — is a core pedagogy at School 21, a London-based public school.

“Speaking is a huge priority,” stresses Amy Gaunt, a Year 3 teacher. “It’s one of the biggest indicators of success later in life. It’s important in terms of their employability as they get older. It’s important in terms of wellbeing. If children aren’t able to express themselves and communicate how they’re feeling, they’re not going to be able to be successful members of society.”

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