Learning Log in Class 17th December, 2010

Today, my teacher suggests the websites that are beneficial for us to learn English such as IEARN, ELLLO, UIOWA, TLSBOOKS and ESLGOLD. They are very interesting websites for English learners. Then, he teaches us about If-clause which is necessary when we translate some texts. There are three kinds of If-clause that today we learn about them.

1. Present + Real/ Possible

Structure If + V.1, will/ can/ may + V.1

For example:
1.1 ถ้าฉันขึ้นรถเมล์ไม่ทันบ่ายนี้ ฉันก็จะเรียกรถแท็กซี่
If I miss the bus, I will get a taxi.
1.2 ถ้าเราขึ้นรถเมล์ไม่ทัน ขึ้นรถแท็กซี่นะ
If we miss the bus, can be catch a taxi.
1.3 ถ้าฉันไม่เข้าใจการแปล 2 อย่างลึกซึ้ง ฉันอาจจะสอบตก
If I don’t understand Translation 2 course thoroughly, I may fail it.
ถ้าฝนไม่ตกบ่ายนี้ ฉันจะออกไปโอเชี่ยน
1.4 If it doesn’t rain this afternoon, I will go to the Ocean.

2. Present + Unreal/ Impossible

Structure If + V.2, would/ could/ might + V.1


For example:
2.1 ถ้าฉันเป็นทักษิณ ฉันจะไม่ไปอเมริกา
If I were Thaksin, I would not fly to America.

3. Past + Unreal/ Impossible

Structure If + had + V.3, would/ could/ might + have + V.3

For example:
3.1 ไม่มีใครบอกฉันเลยว่าคุณเข้าโรงพยาบาล ถ้าฉันรู้ฉันคงไปเยี่ยมคุณแล้วแหละ
Nobody told me that you were in hospital, if I had known, I would have visited you.

HOMEWORK
1. ถ้าฉันมีเวลา ฉันจะโทรหาเธอเย็นนี้
If I have free time, I will call you this evening.
2. ถ้าหิมะตกในกรุงเทพฯ ทุกคนคงจะตกใจ
If snow fell in Bangkok, everyone might be frightened.
3. ถ้าเขาไม่พาฉันไปดูหนังเมื่อคืนนี้ ฉันคงจะเสียใจมากเลย
If he had brought me to see the movie last night, I would have been so sad.

What do you think about my homework? You can share your opinions.

Learning Log out Class 3rd December, 2010

Progressive Aspect
Definition:
A verb phrase made with a form of be plus -ing that indicates an action or condition continuing in the present, past, or future.
Examples and Observations:
"A progressive form does not simply show the time of an event. It also shows how the speaker sees the event--generally as ongoing and temporary rather than completed or permanent. (Because of this, grammars often talk about 'progressive aspect' rather than 'progressive tenses.')"

Present Progressive
"History is a nightmare from which we are trying to awaken."
(James Joyce)
"The advice I am giving always to all my students is above all to study the music profoundly."
(Andres Segovia)

Past Progressive
"We were talking about the space between us all
and the people who hide themselves behind a wall of illusion."
(George Harrison, "While My Guitar Gently Weeps")
"I met this wonderful girl at Macy's. She was buying clothes and I was putting Slinkies on the escalator."
(Steven Wright)

Future Progressive
"I'll be seeing you
In all the old familiar places
That this heart of mine embraces
All day through."
(Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal, "I'll Be Seeing You")

"A man who is not afraid of the sea will soon be drowned, for he will be going out on a day he shouldn't."
(John Millington Synge)

Present Perfect Progressive
"Well I've been out walking
I don't do that much talking these days."
(Jackson Browne, "These Days")

Past Perfect Progressive
"‘You would not have called to me unless I had been calling to you,’ said the Lion.”
(C.S. Lewis, The Silver Chair)

Future Perfect Progressive
"Well, dearest, I know you will have been thinking a good deal about me today and wondering how I have faired."
(Mowbray Meades, letter to his wife, 1917)

Reference: http://grammar.about.com/od/pq/g/progtenseterm.htm

Learning Log in Class 3rd December, 2010

Today, teacher teaches us about tenses (Past, Present and Future) and their structures. Then he teaches us about aspects which connect with tenses. There are Progressive and Perfective which is different. Progressive aspect connected with the form of a verb (for example I am waiting or It is raining) that is made from a part of be and the present participle. Progressive forms are used to express an action that continues for a period of time. Perfective aspect is the form of a verb that shows, for example, whether the action happens once or repeatedly, is completed or still continuing. It connected with the form of a verb that consists of part of the verb have with the past participle of the main verb, used to express actions completed by the present or a particular point in the past or future: ‘I have eaten’ is the present perfect tense of the verb ‘to eat’, ‘I had eaten’ is the past perfect and ‘I will have eaten’ is the future perfect.
Furthermore, we learn to translate sentences that relate with aspects. For example;

1. คนไทยส่วนใหญ่เชื่อว่าสุนัขเป็นเพื่อนที่ดีที่สุดของมนุษย์
Most people believe that dogs are man’s best friends.
2. ปัจจุบันอัตราการว่างงานในประเทศไทยอยู่ที่ 28%
At present, the unemployment in Thailand stands 28 percent.
3. น้องสาวฉันดื่มน้ำหนึ่งแก้วทุกเช้า
My sister drinks a glass of water every morning.
4. ตอนที่ฉันยังเป็นเด็กฉันดื่มนมหนึ่งแก้วทุกวัน
When I was young, I drank a glass of milk every day.
5. นิดโทรมาหาฉันเมื่อสองสามวันก่อน
Nid called to me a few days ago.
6. ตั้งแต่น้อยออกจากงาน เค้าไม่เคยโทรมาหาฉันเลย
Since Noi quit the job, she has never called me.
7. รัฐบาลประกาศขึ้นราคาน้ำมันแล้ว
The government has announced an increase in oil price.
8. เล็กไปประเทศญี่ปุ่นมาสองครั้งแล้ว
Lek has been to Japan two times.
9. ใหญ่ไปอเมริกาแล้วและจะกลับมาเดือนหน้า
Yai has gone to the States and will be back next month.
10. คุณทำงานหนักมาตลอด คุณควรจะพักผ่อนบ้างได้แล้ว
You have been working hard. Now you should get a rest.
11. ระหว่างที่ฉันรอพบหมอ ฉันอ่านนิตยสารจบไปสองเล่ม
While I was waiting for seeing the doctor, I read two magazines.
12. ตอนที่ฉันเข้าไปในห้องนั่งเล่น สามีฉันกำลังดูข่าวอยู่
When I went into the living room, my husband was watching news.
13. ตอนที่ฉันเข้าไปในห้องนั่งเล่น สามีฉันดูข่าวจบแล้ว
When I went into the living room, my husband has watched news.
14. ศักดิ์สูบบุหรี่มานาน 30 ปี แต่เค้าเลิกบุหรี่แล้วเมื่อสองปีก่อน
Sak had been smoking for thirty years, but he stops smoking two years ago.
15. เค้าจะเอาหนังสือมาคืนเธอวันศุกร์
She will return the book to you on Friday.
16. ฉันกำลังจะเริ่มงานใหม่อาทิตย์หน้า
I am going to start a new job next week.

HOMEWORK
1. อย่าโทรมาหาฉันช่วงหกโมงถึงหนึ่งทุ่มนะ ฉันกำลังกินข้าวเย็นอยู่ตอนนั้น
Don’t call me during six to seven p.m., I will be having dinner in that time.
2. โทรมาหาฉันหลังทุ่มหนึ่งนะ ฉันกินข้าวเสร็จแล้วตอนนั้น
Please call me after seven p.m., I would have had dinner.
3. เมื่อเช้านี้ตอนเราไปถึงที่ทำงานก็พบว่ามีคนงัดเข้าไปในบริษัทตอนกลางคืน
In this morning, when we came to the office, we saw that someone had broken in the office last night.
4. จอยบอกฉันว่าเค้าจะไปเที่ยวเชียงใหม่ในเดือนพฤษภาคม
Joy told me that she is going to Chiangmai in May.
5. เธอคิดอะไรตอนที่ซื้อกระโปรงตัวนี้นะ มันสั้นมาก
What do you think when you bought this skit? It’s very short.

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Learning Log out Class 19th November, 2010

Can
Can is an auxiliary verb, a modal auxiliary verb. We use can to:
• talk about possibility and ability
• make requests
• ask for or give permission

Structure: Subject + can + main verb

Use of Can
Can: Possibility and Ability
We use can to talk about what is possible, what we are able or free to do:
• She can drive a car.
• John can speak Spanish.
• I cannot hear you. (I can't hear you.)
• Can you hear me?

Can: Requests and Orders
We often use can in a question to ask somebody to do something. This is not a real question - we do not really want to know if the person is able to do something, we want them to do it! The use of can in this way is informal (mainly between friends and family):
• Can you make a cup of coffee, please.
• Can you put the TV on.
• Can you come here a minute.
• Can you be quiet!

Can: Permission
We sometimes use can to ask or give permission for something:
A. Can I smoke in this room?
B. You can't smoke here, but you can smoke in the garden.
(Note that we also use could, may, might for permission. The use of can for permission is informal.)

Could
Could is an auxiliary verb, a modal auxiliary verb. We use could to:
• talk about past possibility or ability
• make requests
Structure of Could: Subject + could + main verb

Use of Could
Could: Past Possibility or Ability
We use could to talk about what was possible in the past, what we were able or free to do:
• I could swim when I was 5 years old.
• My grandmother could speak seven languages.
• When we arrived home, we could not open the door. (...couldn't open the door.)
• Could you understand what he was saying?

Could: Requests
We often use could in a question to ask somebody to do something. The use of could in this way is fairly polite (formal):
• Could you tell me where the bank is, please?
• Could you send me a catalogue, please?

Reference: http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/verbs-modals_can_3.htm

Learning Log in Class 19th November, 2010

Today, teacher describes about the differences between interpretation and translation. We use listening and speaking skills for interpretation, but we use reading and writing skills for translation. When we learn English, we have to use Communication Competences (the ability to use the language correctly and appropriately to accomplish communication goals. The desired outcome of the language learning process is the ability to communicate competently, not the ability to use the language exactly as a native speaker does.) For example,

Linguistics Competence is to know how to use the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of a language. Linguistic competence asks: What words do I use? How do I put them into phrases and sentences?

Sociolinguistics Competence is to know how to use and respond to language appropriately, given the setting, the topic, and the relationships among the people communicating. Sociolinguistic competence asks: Which words and phrases fit this setting and this topic? How can I express a specific attitude (courtesy, authority, friendliness, respect) when I need to? How do I know what attitude another person is expressing?

Discourse is to know how to interpret the larger context and how to construct longer stretches of language so that the parts make up a coherent whole. Discourse competence asks: How are words, phrases and sentences put together to create conversations, speeches, email messages, newspaper articles?

Strategies/ Pragmatic is to know how to recognize and repair communication breakdowns, how to work around gaps in one’s knowledge of the language, and how to learn more about the language and in the context. Strategic competence asks: How do I know when I’ve misunderstood or when someone has misunderstood me? What do I say then? How can I express my ideas if I don’t know the name of something or the right verb form to use?

Reference: http://www.nclrc.org/essentials/goalsmethods/goal.htm

Furthermore, we learn about modality which is an important thing that we have to use when we translate some texts. There are many kinds of modality such as can, could, would, may, might, should etc. We have to understand which sentence use modality. For example:

Your sister can speak English well. (Ability)
The temperature can sometimes reach 40 ˚C in April. (Possibility)
You can take my car. (Permission)
Can you pass me the salt? (Request)
He can run very fast. (Ability)
When he was young, he could run very fast. (Ability + Past)
Can you turn on the light? (Request)
Could you turn on the light? (Request + more polite)
I can’t see you today, but I could see you tomorrow. (Possibility)

HOMEWORK
1. เวลาตัดสินอะไรคนเราอาจจะถูกหรือผิดก็ได้
When we judge something, we may be right or wrong.
2. เขาใช้ตะเกียบไม่เป็น
He can’t use chopsticks.
3. คุณอยู่ที่นี่นานแค่ไหนก็ได้เท่าที่คุณอยากอยู่
You can live here as long as you want.

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Learning Log out Class: 12th November, 2010

Written Translation Tips

Written translation is completely different from any other type of translation. As a rule, there is no need to react instantly - you can take your time, think, choose a better variant, use a dictionary, consult a specialist, etc. Like any other translation it should convey the meaning and the music of the source language. Also, you need to be very accurate with the language and give proper weight to stylistic features.

The most important translation tips are as follows:
1. Translate meaning not words!
2. Rely on your wits and savvy - it can prove to be helpful when translating a difficult text
3. Ask a specialist or a native speaker to proofread your translation so that it sounds natural
4. Never accept a project which you know is not within your abilities
5. Skills and translation expertise come with time - remember it!
6. Language nuances do matter when making a professional translation
7. A good translation is worth taking time for!
8. The way documents are organized in one country may not be understood in another
9. Emulate the original style of the author, be it humorous, wordy, with colloquial or scientific language, etc.

From: http://www.all-translations.com/translation-tips.html

Learning Log in Class: 12th November, 2010

Today is the first day that I learn Translation II. Translation II is a subject which we have to study about how to translate from Thai to English. I think that it is more difficult than last course. My teacher begins his teaching by describing about the precious things in our lives such as Critical Mind, Creative Mind, Production Mind and Responsible Mind. Then he tells us about how to submit our homework. I have to submit my homework by using blog. It’s very interested me. I can share my work and general knowledge for everyone. Furthermore, I learn to translate many sentences. For example:
1. ฝากดูแลบ้านให้ฉันด้วยนะ
Please, look after the house for me.

2. ฉันกินแซนวิชกับแอปเปิลเป็นอาหารกลางวัน แซนวิชไม่ค่อยอร่อยเท่าไหร่ แต่แอปเปิลอร่อยดี
I have a sandwich and an apple for lunch. The sandwich is not delicious, but the apple is nice.

3. นิตจะไปยืมหนังสือห้องสมุด
Nid will borrow the book from the library.

HOMEWORK
1. เธอจะไปเชียงใหม่ทางรถยนต์หรือรถไฟก็ได้
You can go to Chiangmai by car or train.

2. รถยนต์ที่แม่ซื้อให้ฉันเป็นรถญี่ปุ่นคันเล็กๆ
The car that my mother bought for me is a mini Japanese car.

3. เขากะว่าจะพาฉันไปร้านอาหารดีๆ เพื่อฉลองวันเกิดฉัน แต่แล้วเราก็ลงเอยที่ร้านอาหารใกล้ๆ ที่ทำงานเค้านั่นแหละ
He thought that he would bring me to a good restaurant to celebrate my birthday, but we ended up at the restaurant near his office.

4. A: ฉันใช้เงินไปหมดเลย เพราะฉันพักโรงแรมที่แพงที่สุดในเมือง
B: ทำไมเธอจึงไม่อยู่โรงแรมที่ถูกกว่านั้นล่ะ
A: I exhausted my money because I stay in the most expensive hotel in the city.
B: Why don’t you stay in a hotel where is less expensive than there?

5. ใครๆ ก็รู้ว่าเงินเป็นสิ่งจำเป็นในชีวิต
Everyone knows about money is a necessary thing in life.

What do you think about my homework? You can share your opinions.