IMPROVING ONES ENGLISH

Very often I will have a student or even a teacher ask me for tips to improve their command of the English Language. Well, besides reading and listening to news and programmes in English, I would recommend singing. Not just any song. There are some singers who mumbles when they are singing and can barely be understood. Then there are some songs in which the lyrics are penned using language that is not grammatically correct. Let me give you an example of a song that I will be teaching my students to sing during my English language lesson next year. The language used is good and every syllable and every word sung by the singer can be heard and understood. The song is from Josh Groban's latest album, "Awake". Before I forget, for every original album sold in Malaysia part of the money will be donated to the National Cancer Council of Malaysia (MAKNA). Below are the lyrics.

You Are Loved (Don't Give Up)

Don't give up

It's just the weight of the world

When your heart's heavy

I...I will lift it for you

Don't give up

Because you want to be heard

If silence keeps you

I...I will break it for you

Everybody wants to be understood

Well I can hear you

Everybody wants to be loved

Don't give up

Because you are loved

Don't give up

It's just the hurt that you hide

When you're lost inside

I...I will be there to find you

Don't give up

Because you want to burn bright

If darkness blinds you

I...I will shine to guide you

Everybody wants to be understood

Well I can hear you

Everybody wants to be loved

Don't give up

Because you are loved

You are loved

Don't give up

It's just the weight of the world

Don't give up

Every one is to be heard

You are loved