Naslov
Actions speak louder than rules: Activating the passive in General English and beyond

Autori
Kovačić, Andreja

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, neobjavljeni rad, ostalo

Skup
14th HUPE - IATEFL - TESOL CONFERENCE

Mjesto i datum
Šibenik, Hrvatska, 20.04.2006. - 23.04.2006

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Domaća recenzija

Ključne riječi
Passive ; general English

Sažetak
Proper usage of the passive often implies bridging the gap between rather abstract rules on forming and using the passive and its concrete usage in speech/writing. A possible method of addressing that issue is changing the students' perspective thus enabling them to perceive each passive structure as an instrument for conveying a particular of meaning. In the talk several attempts at rendering the rules regarding the usage of passive more 'user-friendly' to students of EFL in general and students of English for Information Technology in particular are presented. The talk is subdivided into 4 mini-chapters. Focusing on the students' perception of the passive (1) reasons for using the passive are first highlighted through inductive approach. Next (2) the position of elements in a passive sentence is contrasted with that in the corresponding active sentence (Am I talking about the invention or the inventor?). Next stage (3) provides examples of verbs (to be perceived as 'blocks') in basic tenses in the passive as used in concrete situations (standard procedures, ongoing / finished processes). Finally, the differences (4) between L1 and L2, owing to which difficulties in proper usage of the passive frequently occur, are illustrated, along with alternative mechanisms of expressing the passive/impersonal meaning in L1. The goal of such an approach is to contextualize grammar to its fullest extent, by drawing on familiar elements and concepts, relevance of (authentic) topics used in examples, as well as visual impact, all of which potentially make the acquisition of structures less daunting.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

POVEZANOST RADA