The language that schools don't teach anymore

The current generation of school goers will not know the finer nuances of the English language like the everyday use of idioms and proverbs.

The contemporary interactive English being taught at schools pays attention to grammar syntax and phrasal usage but sequences of words that add colour to language or keys that help appropriate pronunciation of words is oft neglected.

Idioms and proverbs are useful tools of communicating and add a great deal of meaning in just a few words. They help us to emphasise the meaning and make observations and judgments. The explanation becomes lively and interesting.

For instance how succinct these word placements are: be on the same page or go banana or fly off the handle. What these few words convey would take a couple of lines to explain. Or take a few proverbs; like there is no smoke without fire or better a bare foot than none, these few words are so loaded with meaning.

Grammar syntax refers to the nouns, pronouns, verbs, conjunctions, prepositions, punctuations, tenses that are useful for learning language and schools concentrate quite a bit on this aspect. Gone are the days when Wren & Martin was considered a bible of sorts for learning English grammar, syallbi has been replaced with easy usages of language for the communicative world. 

However, there are many other aspects of learning language that can liven up conversation or written communication and add many dimensions to the way we speak or write.

Phrasal usages help expressing words; this is mostly theapplication part of the language. The word 'happy' can be used in many different contexts - am feeling happy - a happy feeling - make some feel happy. Or can be used in its synonyms as pleased, glad, delighted or satisfied.

Idioms can be used in a variety of contexts and situations. They are often spoken in language, from friendly conversations to business meetings. In journalism idioms are much used by journalists to bring their stories to life.

A golden handshake refers to money given while someone leaves a job; put a spoke in somebody's wheel refers to make the situation difficult for someone; or vent your spleen refers to write all the things that have made you angry for a long time.

Proverbs are short popular sayings which represent practical aspects of life. They are set phrases that may express an idea (out of sight, out of mind), advice (if you wish good advice, consult an old man), caution (hasty climbers have sudden falls!), judgment (power corrupts), predication (never answer a letter when you are angry). Proverbs make language colourful and significant. Most proverbs have been handed word of mouth from generation to generation. They do not necessarily belong to English by origin but to all nations and ages.

Pronunciation keys are indicated through transcriptions and are written within slanting lines ex. /gli:m/ (gleam) or /rek/ (wreck) or /res.l/(wrestle).  The pronunciation table has its set of vowels, consonants, diphthong and triphthongs. Pronunciation keys help in distinguishing the sound of the word, so as to indicate the exact phonetic pronunciation of the word.

Language can be used merely as a communicative tool to get by day to day or for the sake of its richness and beauty. Why should the wealth of any language be restricted only to linguistic study?