USING THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

LESSON 1: ENGLISH AS A GLOBAL LANGUAGE

The English language is considered a global language due to its widespread use and influence on a global
scale. Several key factors contribute to English's status as a global language:

1. **Historical Colonialism and Expansion:** During the era of British colonialism, the British Empire
established colonies and territories around the world. As a result, English was introduced to many regions, and
it became the administrative, educational, and legal language in these areas.

2. **Economic and Political Power:** In the 20th and 21st centuries, the United States has played a dominant
role in the global economy and politics. English is the primary language of the United States, and this influence
has contributed to the global prominence of English in business, diplomacy, and international relations.

3. **Media and Entertainment:** English-language media, including movies, television shows, music, and
literature, have a global audience. Hollywood, in particular, produces a significant portion of the world's
entertainment content, making English a common language for international entertainment.

4. **Science and Technology:** English has become the lingua franca of science, technology, and academia.
Most scientific research papers, technical manuals, and software documentation are published in English. As a
result, professionals in these fields often need to communicate and collaborate in English.

5. **International Business:** English is the language of international business and trade. Companies
worldwide use English as a common language for communication, contracts, and negotiations.

6. **Travel and Tourism:** English is commonly used in the tourism industry. Travelers often find that
English is the most useful language for communication in countries where they don't speak the local language.

7. **Education:** Many countries teach English as a second language in schools, making it a valuable skill for
students who want to access global opportunities, whether for work, travel, or further education.

8. **Internet and Technology:** The internet is predominantly in English. Most websites, programming
languages, and software are developed in English, making English proficiency crucial for online
communication and digital literacy.
9. **Diplomacy and International Organizations:** English is one of the official languages of various
international organizations, such as the United Nations, NATO, and the European Union, further cementing its
role in global diplomacy.

10. **Cultural Influence:** English-language culture, including music, fashion, and pop culture, has a
significant impact on global trends and consumer behavior. English words and phrases often find their way into
other languages, influencing local dialects and vocabularies.

11. **Ease of Learning:** English is considered relatively easy to learn compared to some other languages,
partly due to its simplified grammar and widespread availability of learning resources.

The combination of historical factors, economic power, media influence, and the practical utility of
English as a global means of communication has solidified its position as the world's lingua franca. English
facilitates international communication and interaction, making it indispensable in various aspects of modern
life, from business and education to diplomacy and entertainment.
LESSON 2: IMPORTANCE OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN THE MARITIME
PROFESSION AS PER STCW

The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers
(STCW '78) is an international maritime treaty that establishes the minimum training, certification, and
watchkeeping standards for seafarers. The English language plays a crucial role in the maritime profession
under STCW '78 for several important reasons:

1. **Safety at Sea:** Effective communication is vital for ensuring safety at sea. The maritime industry relies
heavily on clear and unambiguous communication between crew members, especially during critical situations
like emergencies, navigation, and collision avoidance. English serves as the international maritime language,
ensuring that all seafarers can communicate effectively in these situations.

2. **Global Operations:** The maritime profession operates on a global scale, with ships, crew members, and
port authorities from various countries and linguistic backgrounds. English provides a common language that
facilitates communication and cooperation among multinational crews, international ports, and maritime
organizations. This is essential for seamless global operations.

3. **Navigation and Charts:** Navigational charts, publications, and documents are often in English.
Mariners need to understand and interpret these materials accurately to navigate safely. Proficiency in English is
crucial for reading and comprehending nautical charts, weather reports, and other essential documents.

4. **Radio Communication:** English is the standardized language for maritime radio communication,
including the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). It ensures that distress calls, navigational
information, and safety messages can be understood by ships, coastguards, and maritime authorities worldwide.

5. **Legal and Regulatory Compliance:** STCW '78 and other international maritime regulations,
conventions, and codes are often published in English. Seafarers must understand and comply with these
regulations to ensure vessel safety, environmental protection, and adherence to international standards.

6. **Crew Training and Certification:** Many maritime training programs and courses are conducted in
English, and proficiency in English is often a prerequisite for obtaining maritime certifications and licenses.
Seafarers must be able to understand training materials and assessments to advance their careers.

7. **Port Operations:** English is commonly used in port operations, including customs clearance, cargo
handling, and documentation. Seafarers and shore personnel need to communicate effectively in English to
ensure the efficient loading, unloading, and servicing of vessels in ports worldwide.

8. **Global Trade:** The maritime industry is integral to global trade, with the majority of goods transported
by sea. English is the primary language used in international trade agreements, shipping contracts, and bills of
lading. Proficiency in English is essential for dealing with contractual and commercial aspects of maritime
trade.

In summary, the importance of the English language in the maritime profession, as outlined in STCW
'78 and observed in practice, cannot be overstated. It ensures safety, facilitates global operations, enables
effective communication among seafarers and maritime stakeholders, and supports compliance with
international regulations and standards. Proficiency in English is a fundamental requirement for seafarers
seeking successful careers in the maritime industry.
Lesson 3: HISTORY OF ENGLISH WORDS/WORD FORMATION PROCESSES

HISTORY OF ENGLISH WORDS

The history of English words is a long and complex journey that reflects the cultural, social, and
historical evolution of the English language. English has borrowed, adapted, and evolved words from various
sources throughout its history. Here's an overview of the key periods and influences in the development of
English vocabulary:
1. **Old English (circa 450-1150 AD):**
- **Germanic Roots:** Old English, the earliest form of the English language, had its roots in the Germanic
languages of early medieval England. Many words from this period are of Germanic origin.
- **Norse Influence:** The Viking invasions in the 8th and 9th centuries brought Old Norse words into
English. This influence can still be seen in words related to seafaring, trade, and geography.
2. **Middle English (circa 1150-1500 AD):**
- **Norman Conquest:** In 1066, the Norman Conquest introduced Old Norman (a variety of Old French) to
England. This led to a significant infusion of French-derived words into English, especially in areas like law,
government, art, and culture.
- **Latin Influence:** Latin continued to be a source of scientific, medical, and religious vocabulary during
this period.
- **Word Evolution:** Many Old English words underwent changes in pronunciation and spelling during the
Middle English period, leading to the development of words that are more recognizable in modern English.
3. **Early Modern English (circa 1500-1700 AD):**
- **Renaissance and Expansion:** The Renaissance period, marked by the works of William Shakespeare and
other literary figures, contributed to the expansion of English vocabulary. New words and idiomatic expressions
were coined, and English became a more versatile language.
- **Scientific and Technical Vocabulary:** The scientific and technological advances of this era led to the
adoption of Latin and Greek terms into English to describe new discoveries and inventions.
4. **Modern English (1700s-Present):**
- **Colonial and Global Influence:** English expanded globally through colonialism, trade, and cultural
exchange. It absorbed words from various languages, including Spanish, Dutch, Arabic, and Indigenous
languages.
- **Neologisms:** English continues to evolve with the creation of neologisms (newly coined words) to
describe concepts related to technology, pop culture, and other contemporary developments.
- **Slang and Informal Language:** The language has also seen the development of slang, colloquialisms,
and regional dialects that reflect the diverse cultures and communities where English is spoken.
5. **Digital Age and Globalization (late 20th century-present):**
- **Internet and Technology:** The digital age has introduced a plethora of new words and phrases related to
technology and the internet. This includes terms like "blog," "website," "emoji," and "Google."
 - **Globalization:** English continues to evolve as a global lingua franca, incorporating words and phrases
from various languages due to international business, travel, and cultural exchange.
Throughout its history, English has been an adaptive language, readily incorporating words from
different linguistic backgrounds and evolving to meet the needs of its speakers. This linguistic diversity has
contributed to English's richness and its status as one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.

WORD-FORMATION PROCESSES
Word formation processes, also known as word formation or word-formation processes, are the ways in
which new words are created in a language. These processes involve combining or altering existing words or
word parts to form new words. Word formation is a fundamental aspect of language evolution and allows
languages to adapt to new concepts, technologies, and cultural changes. Here are some common word formation
processes in English:

 Borrowing – the direct use of foreign words

Foreign Source Loan Words

1. Arabic alcohol, algebra, candy, syrup, coffee
2. Australian boomerang, corroboree
3. British oxen, children, brethren, trim
4. Chinese tea, typhoon, mahjong
5. French canapé, barbecue, fillet, gourmet
6. Greek thesis, pseudo, trauma, kudos, diploma
7. Italian influenza, piano, spaghetti, umbrella
8. Japanese geisha, bonsai
9. Russian czar, soviet, cosmonaut, vodka
10. Spanish sala, desperado, fiesta, camino

 Coinage – products of inventions in science and technology

Examples: laptop, text messaging, photocopier

 Compounding – combines two or more words to build a new one with an entirely new meaning.

Examples: ball + room = ballroom

sweet + heart = sweetheart
play + ground = playground

 Blending/Portmanteaus – putting together of parts of two words – usually the first part of the
first word and the last part of the second word.

Examples: splash + surge = splurge

smoke + fog = smog
breakfast + lunch = brunch

 Acronym - putting together the first letters of a series of words.

Examples: snafu – situation normal all fouled up

 scuba – self-contained underwater breathing
apparatus

 Clipping/Apocopated – shortening of words for ease and breeziness of speech

Examples: advertisements = ads

examination = exam
information = info
gymnasium = gym

 Incorporation – a word or an element in the sentence becomes part of another word.

Examples: butter – buttered

wallpaper – wallpapered

 Affixation – forms new words by prefixing or suffixing, that is, adding syllables at the beginning
and/or end of the root word.

Examples: happy + ness = happiness

ir + regular = irregular
beauty + ful = beautiful

 Eponym - a name based or derived from a person or place. This is how some words come to be.
Examples:
 bloomers – a full, loose trousers, gathered at the knee, after Amelia Bloomer, a social
reformer, who advocated such clothing.
 boycott – to avoid trade or dealings with, as a protest; after Charles Boycott, an English
land agent, ostracized in 1830 for refusing to reduce rent.

 guillotine – a machine for beheading; after Joseph Guillotin, a French physician who
proposed its use in 1789 as more humane than hanging.

These word formation processes are not exclusive to English and can be found in various forms in other
languages as well. The richness and flexibility of these processes contribute to the dynamic nature of language
and its ability to adapt to the changing needs of its speakers and the evolving world around them.

LESSON 5: FAMILIARIZING WITH IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS/IDIOMS

An idiom (also called idiomatic expression) is an expression, word, or phrase that has a figurative
meaning conventionally understood by native speakers. This meaning is different from the literal meaning of
the idiom's individual elements. In other words, idioms don't mean exactly what the words say. They have,
however, a hidden meaning.

EXAMPLES:
1. At a crossroads – Needing to make an important decision
When you are at a crossroads, you are at a point in your life where you need to make a decision. The
implication is that the decision you make will have big, life-altering consequences.
2. Bad apple – Bad person
You can use this idiom to describe someone who is not nice and maybe even criminal.

3. Barking up the wrong tree – Pursuing the wrong course

When you “bark up the wrong tree” you are pursuing the wrong solution to your problems.

4. Be closefisted – Stingy
If you are being “closefisted”, you don’t want to spend a lot of money.

5. Be cold-hearted – Uncaring
If you decide to be “cold-hearted”, you are making a deliberate decision not to care about someone or
something.

6. Be on solid ground – Confident

When you are “on solid ground”, you are confident in your position or feel that you are safe.

7. Beat around the bush – Avoid saying

When you do this, you are taking a long time to say what you really need to say. You may be doing this because
the “truth” is embarrassing or your unsure about how the listener will take it.

8. Behind you – Supportive

When you are “behind” someone, you are saying that they have your support.

9. Born with a silver spoon in their mouth – Born wealthy

This idiomatic expression is used to describe someone who was born into a wealthy family.

10. Break the bank – Spend a lot

When you “break the bank”, you spend a lot of money on something. If something will “break the bank”, then
it’s expensive.

BASIC MARITIME JARGON

ABOARD - On or within the boat.

COMPASS - Navigation instrument, either magnetic (showing magnetic north)
or gyro (showing true north).
DEAD AHEAD - Directly ahead.
GALLEY - The kitchen area of a boat.
PROPELLER - A rotating device, with two or more blades, that acts as a screw
in propelling a vessel.

MARITIME IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS IN COMMON USAGE

1. Abandon ship: an order given when a vessel is disabled or about to sink (give up on an idea or project)
2. Stand by: an order to await further commands (wait)
3. Bear a hand: an order to assist in the performance of an action (help)
4. All hands on deck: an order for all crew members to assemble in an emergency (a call for everyone
available to be available to assist with an activity or event)
5. Pass down the line: relay an order (convey news or information in a series or to others)

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