Language in Practice
Course Description:
The Language in Practice course is designed to provide students with the necessary language skills
to communicate effectively in both professional and everyday settings. Emphasizing practical use,
the course covers both written and spoken communication, focusing on developing the ability to
express ideas clearly, persuasively, and appropriately for a range of audiences and contexts.
Students will learn how to analyze language use, enhance their writing and speaking skills, and
understand the key principles of grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and communication strategies. This
course is essential for individuals who wish to improve their fluency and competence in using
language in professional environments, such as in business, healthcare, education, or customer
service.
Course Objectives:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills.
Understand the principles of syntax, grammar, and vocabulary.
Apply language skills in various real-world contexts (e.g., business, healthcare, social
interactions).
Develop critical thinking and analytical skills related to language use.
Use appropriate communication strategies for different audiences and settings.
Understand the importance of clarity, precision, and tone in both spoken and written forms.
Course Content Outline:
Week 1: Introduction to Language and Communication
Lesson 1: Understanding Language and Its Components
Definition of language and its functions
The relationship between language, communication, and culture
Key elements of language: phonetics, morphology, syntax, semantics
Language in context: how meaning is shaped by social and cultural factors
Types of communication: verbal, non-verbal, and written
Lesson 2: Effective Communication Skills
Principles of effective communication (clarity, brevity, coherence)
Barriers to effective communication and strategies to overcome them
Understanding your audience: tailoring your language
Non-verbal communication: body language, gestures, and facial expressions
Active listening techniques and the role of feedback in communication
Key Learning Outcomes:
Understand the basic components of language and its role in communication.
Recognize and overcome common communication barriers.
Apply active listening and non-verbal cues effectively.
Week 2: Writing Skills for Professional and Academic Contexts
Lesson 3: Writing Fundamentals
Sentence structure and paragraph organization
Grammar and punctuation essentials for clear writing
Identifying and correcting common grammatical errors (subject-verb agreement, tense usage, etc.)
Types of writing: formal, informal, academic, and professional
Developing coherence and cohesion in writing
Lesson 4: Business Writing and Correspondence
Writing professional emails, letters, and reports
Structure and tone in business communication
Writing for clarity, precision, and professionalism
Understanding the difference between formal and informal writing
Writing meeting agendas, minutes, and proposals
Key Learning Outcomes:
Enhance writing clarity, accuracy, and coherence.
Write professional emails, letters, and reports that are appropriate for various business
contexts.
Understand the structure of formal and informal writing.
Week 3: Oral Communication and Presentation Skills
Lesson 5: Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
Principles of effective oral communication
Structuring a presentation: introduction, body, and conclusion
Managing nervousness and building confidence in public speaking
Using visual aids (PowerPoint, posters, etc.) effectively
Speaking with clarity and authority: tone, volume, pace, and intonation
Lesson 6: Conversational and Interpersonal Skills
Initiating and maintaining conversations in various contexts
Asking and answering questions effectively
Negotiation and persuasion skills in spoken communication
Understanding the role of tone, empathy, and emotional intelligence in conversations
Role-playing and practicing real-life communication scenarios
Key Learning Outcomes:
Deliver clear, engaging, and well-structured oral presentations.
Improve conversational and interpersonal communication in professional settings.
Demonstrate effective negotiation and persuasion techniques.
Week 4: Language Analysis and Communication Strategies
Lesson 7: Language in Context
Analyzing language use in different contexts (business, healthcare, social settings, etc.)
How to adjust language for different audiences and purposes
The role of cultural awareness in language use
Exploring jargon and technical language in professional settings
Lesson 8: Persuasion, Argumentation, and Debate
The principles of persuasive communication
Structuring arguments: claims, evidence, and reasoning
Techniques for presenting a compelling argument
Debating skills: presenting opposing views respectfully
Recognizing and avoiding logical fallacies
Lesson 9: Language in the Digital Age
Language use in digital communication (social media, emails, online forums)
Writing for online audiences: tone, brevity, and engagement
Professionalism in digital communication
Understanding digital etiquette and cultural nuances in online language
Key Learning Outcomes:
Analyze and adapt language based on context and audience.
Develop persuasive communication and argumentation skills.
Effectively communicate in digital environments, maintaining professionalism.
Recommended Reading:
Textbooks:
Practical English Usage by Michael Swan
Effective Communication Skills by John Adair
The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
Business Communication: Process and Product by Mary Ellen Guffey and Dana Loewy
Supplementary Reading:
The Art of Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie
The Everything Guide to Writing a Speech by Scott S. Smith
The Oxford Handbook of Applied Linguistics edited by Robert B. Kaplan
