TAMIU Offers English Polishing Course This Fall

If you're feeling frustrated because your English isn't clear to others, Texas A&M International University's International Language Institute (ILI) can help you polish and sharpen your English skills. Registration is ongoing for Pronunciation/Accent Reduction classes at the University through Aug. 30.

For the first time, ILI is offering a course intended for students who want to improve their English verbal communication skills. Classes will be held at TAMIU starting Tuesday, Aug. 23 and will run through Friday, Dec. 16. Spaces are limited, so students are encouraged to register as soon as possible. TAMIU admission is not required.

Crissy Miller, ILI instructor, emphasized that this is not a grammar course, but rather a communicative approach in which participants will be able to polish and hone their English skills through drills and repetition, oral presentations, large and small group discussions, role playing, dialogues and skits, poetry, tongue-twisters, songs and games.

"A wide array of people can benefit from improving their English pronunciation," Miller said. "Students can become more proficient class participants and professionals can enhance their presentation skills. What everyone gains is added confidence."

Miller said the course content includes the use of a dictionary for pronunciation, pronunciation of vowels and consonants, sentence rhythm, word stress, intonation and focus patterns, linking of sounds and thought groups plus phrasing and pausing.

Pronunciation/Accent Reduction classes take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 - 2:15 p.m. in the Anthony J. and Georgia A. Pellegrino Hall, room 116 and also Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 - 7:15 p.m. in Dr. Billy F. Cowart Hall, room 212.

Miller holds a Master's degree in Linguistics with an emphasis in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) from the University of Iowa and has been part of the ILI staff at TAMIU since Aug. 2003.

For more information on the ILI Pronunciation/Accent Reduction classes, please contact ILI at 326.2136, e-mail ili@tamiu.edu or visit offices in Pellegrino Hall, room 302.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu