What makes a translation a quality translation? There are a few factors to keep in mind. Fluency in target language General writing ability Expansive vocabulary in both original and target language A sense of creativity to create legitimate alternatives for words, expressions and phrases which don’t exist in both languages Cultural sensitivity to both involved […]
Why English?
This entry is part 4 of 4 in the series Business EnglishIn Brazil, I have noticed three main reasons people like to learn English as a second language. Entertainment – A great deal of the world’s entertainment is in English. Music, books, television shows, movies, video games and more are often in English. Because of […]
The advantages of Skype classes
While having English classes face to face is typically the best option, there are some advantages to Skype English classes. Having a class through Skype gives the student flexibility in location and time. Skype classes also allow the teacher to use a variety of Internet resources. English classes through Skype additionally allow a student to […]
Expressions (expressões) – Dog Eat Dog
This entry is part 10 of 10 in the series Expressions(English, like most other languages, is full of expressions that don’t really make sense when translated. This series will explore some of the different, popular expressions used in English to help any speaker improve their vocabulary.) There are many expressions which work well in […]
Uncountable Nouns – Part III
This entry is part 6 of 13 in the series Improving EnglishEnglish has a series of nouns called uncountable nouns or non-count nouns. Many of these are similar to Portuguese, but some of them are confusing. This short series of posts is going to look at the different types of uncountable nouns. Uncountable nouns are […]
Uncountable Nouns – Part II
This entry is part 5 of 13 in the series Improving EnglishEnglish has a series of nouns called uncountable nouns or non-count nouns. Many of these are similar to Portuguese, but some of them are confusing. This short series of posts is going to look at the different types of uncountable nouns. Uncountable nouns are […]
Writing Tips – Contrast
This entry is part 3 of 4 in the series Business EnglishWriting emails, memos, notes, reports, and other documents are essential aspects to the corporate world and business English. There are a lot of ways to improve writing in English, but one of the best ways is through improving conjunctions and other transition words. Conjunctions […]
Email Endings – Formal
This entry is part 2 of 4 in the series Business EnglishMost Business English uses more formal communication, typically between a company and a client or between an employee and an English-speaking boss. When you need to use more formal endings in your emails, you have a variety of options. It is good to use […]
Email Endings – Informal
This entry is part 1 of 4 in the series Business EnglishOne of my students recently asked me how to finish an email in an informal way. There are lots of email finishers that are appropriate in different situations. When I’m speaking informally, I use the following options, depending on the subject: Thanks See […]