Effective English for Engineers

Janaki Murali Campus Connect 2008

Learning outcome
This presentation will take students on a journey through how English has got neglected over the years, despite being a uniting language. Of how thinking in our mother tongue and translating in English actually breaks down communication. With people working together from different geographic locations on projects, students will understand the need to communicate better in a globally accepted language. At the end of the session, students will be aware of their need to improve their English to be a global professional and point them to resources where they can acquire better English skills.
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Disclaimer
2008 Infosys Technologies Limited. All rights reserved. The information provided in this presentation is intended for the sole use of the recipient and is for educational purposes only. No part of this presentation may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying and recording, without written permission. Permission must also be obtained before any part of this presentation is stored in a retrieval system in any nature. No responsibility can be accepted by Infosys Technologies Limited, the Editorial Board or contributors for action taken as a result of information contained in this presentation. The views expressed in this presentation by the presenter are not necessarily those of the Editorial Board or Infosys Technologies Limited.
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Why English?
English is accepted as the global business language. The workplace today comprises professionals working together from different countries. Effective English is essential to communicate important information to international stakeholders.
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A global workplace

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Middle class aspirations

Family has always played an important role in education/career choices in India. Public sector, banking, Computer science to biosciences . These helped fuel industrial growth.
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IT - link between cultures

The British gave India a common link, cricket and English. 1991 and liberalization gave the other linkICT. ICT has empowered the masses and given them opportunities where none existed.

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However
While science scored and students concentrated on topping in technical subjects, they neglected the language that in the first place put India in a position of strength in the global market.

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Indianisms
Indianisms are special to Indian speakers of English. When we translate from our mother tongue, often the flavor of our mother tongue gets transferred to the English language. This is difficult for other English speakers, specially international colleagues and clients to comprehend.

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Exercise on Indianisms
Ten minutes to go over the exercise: 1. Whats your good name? 2. Morning, morning hes eating my head. 3. My principal passed away. 4. My head is turning. 5. I will go and come back.

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Answers to Indianisms exercise

1. Whats your name? 2. Since morning, hes been annoying me. 3. My principal walked past the class room just now. 4. I am stressed out. 5. I am leaving now.

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Learning resources
British Council LearnEnglishProfessionals is a very comprehensive English learning resource http://www.britishcouncil.org/professionals.htm http://www.britishcouncil.org/professionalsintroduction.htm

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Video clipping
My Fair Lady is the film version of Pygmalion, by George Bernard Shaw. The story is about a professor who trains a flower girl to speak proper English. The transformation takes long, as she has a lot of unlearning to do, before she is ready to learn.

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In summary
English has given us a very good global business advantage, which we should continue to leverage. To be a better global professional good communication in English is essential. Constant and continuous learning is necessary for polishing English skills. Start thinking in English, to remove the mother tongue influence.

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Thank you Open to Q&A