The SALL Centre || How to sound like a Native Speaker

The workshop, held by Laura Jones Katz, taught students common English Language idioms and their origins, as well as useful phrasal verbs that will help participants sound more like native speakers. For example, to “get up on the wrong side of the bed” means to start the day in a bad mood. “Saved by the bell” means saved at the last possible moment.  

Once the announcement about the workshop was out, the response from students was overwhelming. Each workshop  in general lasts 90 minutes and is usually open to 10-12 students. More workshops will be offered in the semester. “We hope that students understand workshop is for work; students come to learn and have fun in the process, but not to play games,” explained Dr. Wong, Director of the SALL Centre.

In addition to workshops, the SALL Centre offers seminars, the English Table, one-on-one tutoring, e-learning programme and film viewing. During the past month, over 400 students in total have shown interest in joining the sessions. More activities will be offered in October after the National Holiday. 

Lecturer
Laura Jones-Katz joined The SALL Centre in September, 2016. She comes to the Centre from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she taught academic writing, pronunciation, and reading in the English Department’s ESL program. Laura’s work with English language learners began in the Brooklyn College Writing Centre, and she is happy to be working here in the SALL Centre. 

Student Feedback
(Feng Jiayin-SME 1st year) I had a wonderful class. I’ve learnt a lot about the idioms and phrases and they are fantastic. The lecturer’s explanation was clear and attractive. The arrangement of her class was great and the atmosphere was relaxed. We talked to each other and enjoyed ourselves!

(Li Xuewei-HSS 1st year) I really appreciate that you could hold such a meaningful workshop to help us learn more about cultural difference. There is no doubt that I have learnt plenty of interesting things through this workshop.

Hope you can join us at our upcoming workshops!