•	Experienced native and non native teachers of primary level and above
•	You will need an upper intermediate level of English or above to participate in this course.

Course Summary

Traditional approaches to teaching grammar have been almost exclusively based on prescriptive written models of English. However, due in large part to the impact of Corpus Linguistics, it is now apparent that there are quite different rules, patterns and conventions for creating spoken discourse. Spoken grammar is now an emerging linguistic system. This course will focus on the principal differences between written and spoken grammar and how to teach the latter effectively and creatively, enabling you to motivate your students to speak English with more competence and confidence.

What are the key course contents?

Materials will be created for the group by the main trainer, supplemented by published materials and by work presented by the participants themselves.

•	Topics include:
»	The main differences between written and spoken grammar.
»	How English is rather than should be spoken. (“descriptive” v “prescriptive” approaches to grammar)
»	An introduction to Corpus Linguistics.
»	The crucial role of vague language in spoken English.
»	The crucial role of understatement and indirectness in spoken English.
»	Why and how “softeners” such as “just” and “only,” help to promote successful spoken interaction.
»	Grammar beyond the sentence – encouraging genuine spoken discourse.
»	Beyond verbs and tenses – the grammar of words.
»	Ways of making course book dialogues more authentic.
»	Improving your students’ narrative building skills.
»	“Turn taking” conventions in English (including interruptions, echoing and silence)
»	An examination of “Teenage English.”
»	Myths about spoken grammar (that it necessarily encourages lazy, substandard and undesirable English)

•	Yes, if you want to participate in a course that provides you with a wide range of exciting new approaches to teaching and learning grammar and spoken language
•	Yes, if you feel that "traditional" approaches to teaching grammar need to be improved through creativity, authenticity and innovation.
•	Yes, if you want to update and improve your own spoken English.

•	English for Teachers for a more language focused course.
•	Teaching Advanced Students if you want to focus more specifically on a high level language improvement course.

What do I do next?
If this is the right course for you, please complete the Registration Form online. Our courses have limited places, so avoid disappointment by completing your reservation as soon as possible.

If this course does not match your needs, please contact Pilgrims Sales (details below) or browse the website for information on other courses.

To request more information or to register, please contact Sales at Pilgrims. Alternatively, you can register online by clicking here.

Recommended reading: Please note it is not necessary to buy or bring these books to the course.

•	“Cambridge Grammar of English” R. Carter & M. McCarthy (CUP) 2006
•	“From Corpus to Classroom” R. Carter & M. McCarthy (CUP) 2007
•	“Beyond the Sentence: Introducing Discourse Analysis” S. Thornbury (Macmillan) 2005
•	“Vague Language” J. Channell (OUP) 1994