Learning English
Introduction
Have you ever wondered why seeing someone yawn also makes you yawn? According to researchers, it makes a difference if you think of yourself as similar to the person who started the yawning. Georgina and Rob discuss yawning and teach you related vocabulary.
This week's question
What biological function does yawning have?
a: To take in more oxygen
b: To get rid of carbon dioxide from our body
c: No one really knows
Listen to the programme to find out the answer.
Vocabulary
a yawn / to yawnbreathe in and out with our mouth stretched open
contagiouscan be spread from one person to another
a behaviouran action, often automatic, in response to a particular situation
cognitiveconnected to mental processes and the way our minds work
to identify with (a group)to feel close to and have a sense of belonging to (a group)
exhibit (a behaviour)do, show (a behaviour)
Transcript
Note: This is not a word-for-word transcript
GeorginaHello. This is 6 Minute English, I'm Georgina.
RobAnd I'm Rob.
GeorginaWhat do you do when you’re tired, Rob?
RobMm, I go to bed.
GeorginaBefore that?
RobErm, I clean my teeth?
GeorginaBut what does your body do to tell you you’re tired?
RobRight, well these days I just kind of fall asleep in front of the TV.
GeorginaYes, but, OK – what am I doing now?
RobOh yes, hang on – yes, you’ve set me off - yawning, yes yawning is a sign that we are tired! Or bored!
GeorginaAre you tired or bored now?
RobNo, not particularly.
GeorginaSo, why did you just yawn?
RobWell, because you did! That’s the thing about yawns. They are contagious – they can spread from one person to another.
GeorginaAnd that’s what we’re looking at in this programme. But first, today’s question. What biological function does yawning have? Essentially, why do we yawn? Is it:
A: To take in more oxygenB: To get rid of carbon dioxide from our bodyC: No one really knows
What do you think, Rob?
RobAh – I know this. We yawn to take in more oxygen. I’m pretty sure that’s it.
GeorginaOK. We’ll see if you’re correct at the end of the programme. John Drury is a researcher from Sussex University. On the BBC Radio 4 series All in The Mind he spoke about yawning and why it is contagious. Which animal does he mention will also catch a yawn from its owner?
John DruryYawning is actually a difficult case when it comes to these contagious behaviours. It is the most contagious behaviour – it’s meant to be automatic, it’s something that you can’t stop. Dogs yawn when their owners yawn, animals yawn to each other. It happens whether you want to or not. These kind of effects have been found for other kinds of behaviour, so really, we were trying to push it as far as we could and see if there is a cognitive element to this influence behaviour.
GeorginaWhich animal might yawn when its owner does?
RobDogs! Dogs can catch a yawn from their owners.
GeorginaYes, yawning is a very contagious behaviour. The use of the word behaviour here is interesting. Normally it is an uncountable noun to describe the way we act – either in a good or a bad way. We talk about, for example, dogs' or children’s behaviour being good or bad.
RobBut it’s also used as an uncountable noun when we are talking about a particular action that, for example, an animal makes in particular situations. These behaviours are often not conscious, but are an automatic response to a situation.
GeorginaAnd the researchers were looking to see if there was a cognitive side to the behaviour. Which means they are looking at the mental process – what is happening in the mind to make us yawn, particularly when someone else yawns. Let’s listen again
John DruryYawning is actually a difficult case when it comes to these contagious behaviours. It is the most contagious behaviour – it’s meant to be auto matic, it’s something that you can’t stop. Dogs yawn when their owners yawn, animals yawn to each other. It happens whether you want to or not. These kinds of effects have been found for other kinds of behaviour, so really, we were trying to push it as far as we could and see if there is a cognitive element to this influence behaviour.
GeorginaThe research discovered that contagious yawning is connected with our social group and how close we feel to the people in it. Here’s John Drury again.
John DrurySo, the more that you identify with the in-group target, the more likely you are to copy their behaviour. What we do when we see a behaviour is that at some level, we are making a judgement about whether the person exhibiting that behaviour, whether it’s an emotion, or a scratching behaviour, or anything, is relevant. Does their behaviour indicate to us how we should behave?
GeorginaSo, essentially, yawning is more contagious if we identify with the person who yawns first. If we feel close to, and belong in, the same group as the person who exhibits the behaviour – the person who does the yawning – we are likely to yawn too.
RobSo, you are less likely to yawn if a stranger yawns than if someone in your close family or circle of friends yawns.
GeorginaLet’s listen again.
John DrurySo, the more that you identify with the in-group target, the more likely you are to copy their behaviour. What we do when we see a behaviour is that at some level, we are making a judgement about whether the person exhibiting that behaviour, whether it’s an emotion, or a scratching behaviour, or anything, is relevant. Does their behaviour indicate to us how we should behave?
GeorginaRight, before we review the vocabulary, let’s have the answer to our quiz. Why do we yawn? Is it:
A: To take in more oxygenB: To get rid of carbon dioxide from our bodyC: No one really knows
Rob, what did you say?
RobWell, I was pretty sure it’s A - to take in more oxygen.
GeorginaThere is, in fact, no clear biological reason for yawning that is agreed upon. So no one really knows.
RobWe’ve been talking about yawning. The action of opening our mouths wide open and stretching our eardrums when tired or bored.
GeorginaYawning can also be contagious. This means it can pass from one person to another.
RobAnd a yawn can be described as a behaviour – a particular kind of automatic action in response to a particular situation.
GeorginaThe word cognitive is related to our mental processes - the way our minds work.
RobIf you identify with a particular group – you feel close to that group and feel that you belong in that group.
GeorginaAnd finally, to exhibit a behaviour is to actually do that particular behaviour. And before we all start yawning, it’s time for us to go. Do join us again soon and you can always find us online, on social media and on the BBC Learning English app. Bye for now.
RobBye!
How quickly can you learn English?
How long should it take to learn English?
The answer depends on many things, such as your motivation and your age. But you’re never too old to pick up some tips to speed up your learning.
Learn some techniques with Rob and Finn in this edition of 6 Minute English, and find out about our brand new BBC Learning English course.
Vocabulary
expertisehigh level of skill or knowledge
a helping handassistance; help
fluent(related to speaking) clear, accurate, wide-ranging and confident
face-to-facecommunication with another person directly, in the same place
pathwayset of actions to follow in order to reach a particular goal
resources(here) things such as activities, information or videos that can be used to help someone study
graspunderstand something so that you can use or do it properly
native(here) a person who was born in a particular country
motivationenthusiasm and interest in doing something
immersedbusy spending a lot of your time doing one thing
Transcript
Note: This is not a word for word transcript
RobHello I'm Rob. Welcome to 6 Minute English. I'm joined today by Finn. Hi Finn.
FinnHello Rob.
RobToday we're talking about something we have some expertise in or knowledge about. That's teaching English.
FinnThat's right Rob. We work on the BBC's Learning English website - hopefully giving people around the world a helping hand in learning a language that isn't the one they usually use.
RobWell hopefully we're about to make that learning journey a bit easier as we launch a brand new online course. But how long does it take someone to become a fluent speaker of English?
FinnA good question Rob and one we'll try to answer today. We'll also be discussing some general ways to make learning English easier and explaining some learning-related vocabulary along the way. So let's get started Rob.
RobHold your horses Finn – not so fast! I have a question to ask you first. According the last UK census taken in 2011, what percentage of the British population speaks a first language that is not English?
a) 1.7%
b) 7.7%
c) 14.7%
FinnThat's an interesting one. My first guess is c) 14.7%.
RobWe'll find out if you are right or wrong later. So now we can discuss how learning English is getting easier. Of course there are a huge number of publications – books, leaflets and magazines – that can help teach you but there are those people who say that you can't beat the real thing – a teacher. Someone who can explain a language to you face-to-face.
FinnYes but that comes at a cost and isn't always practical – you might not have a school nearby. That's why in the 21st Century, online seems to be the main method of learning. Technology is allowing the English language to come to you!
RobThat's true and that's why we've launched a brand new English course that's available on a computer, tablet or mobile phone. It's aimed at intermediate learners and charts a pathway through the various aspects of the language.
FinnWe hope that by committing around 15 minutes a day to using it, a learner will see a real improvement in their English knowledge and skill. But as well as using the resources available online, how else can someone help themselves to get a better grasp – a better understanding - of English?
RobWell if someone wants to become a confident speaker of English, trainer Richard Hallows has some tips. Have a listen and see if you can hear what are the two main aspects of English that you need.
INSERTRichard Hallows – trainer in speaking English Most importantly, you've got to have a a good range of vocabulary and grammar. You need to know lots of words, the more words you know the better, obviously. And similarly with grammar, the more grammar you have the better you can explain yourself. We also need to think about pronunciation - learners of English often worry about speaking like a native speaker… it's not necessary to have a native accent.
RobOK, so Richard says you need a good range – or a wide variety - of vocabulary and grammar. The more words you know the more you can say – and the more grammar you know, the better you can say it…
FinnOr even write it! One other tip is don't try to sound like a native – so someone who speaks English as a first language. All these are things we aim to cover in our new course.
RobOur new course might be a big help to you if you need English for your work, or if you're studying in English, or if you're planning to visit or even live in the UK. The British government expects immigrants to reach ESOL Entry 3 or B1 level, before they can be granted citizenship. It's equivalent to being able to hold a reasonably confident basic conversation.
FinnWell in the UK it's estimated that you need around 360 hours of study to get to that stage from not knowing any English at all. But this depends on a number of factors such as motivation – how much you want to learn.
RobAnd age can be a factor. Some experts say it's common for children under the age of 11 to be very immersed and be fluent in English in about six months. But why should someone choose to learn English? This is something we've been asking you on our Facebook page.
Finn Oussama says: "It's like my passport. You need it wherever you go."
Rob Suzuki says: "It is an international communication tool."
Finn Ha thinks it's: "The key to getting a good job with a high salary."
Rob And Denis says: "It's the language that opens doors overseas." Thanks for all of your messages.
FinnBut now Rob, I need to know if I got today's question right.
RobYes. I asked you, according the last UK census taken in 2011, what percentage of the British population speaks a first language that is not English?
Finn I said 14.7%.
RobYou were wrong. The census found 7.7% per cent of people in the UK have a first language that is not English. That's 4.2 million people.
Well, that's it for today. Don't forget to check our new website at bbclearningenglish.com. Happy learning!
BothBye.
Journaling for Mental Health
When you were a teenager, you might have kept a diary hidden under your mattress. It was a place to confess your struggles and fears without judgment or punishment. It likely felt good to get all of those thoughts and feelings out of your head and down on paper. The world seemed clearer.
You may have stopped using a diary once you reached adulthood. But the concept and its benefits still apply. Now it’s called journaling. It's simply writing down your thoughts and feelings to understand them more clearly. And if you struggle with stress, depression, or anxiety, keeping a journal is a great idea. It can help you gain control of your emotions and improve your mental health.
Journaling benefits 
One of the ways to deal with any overwhelming emotion is to find a healthy way to express yourself. This makes a journal a helpful tool in managing your mental health. Journaling can help you:
Manage anxiety
Reduce stress
Cope with depression
Journaling helps control your symptoms and improve your mood by:
Helping you prioritize problems, fears, and concerns
Tracking any symptoms day-to-day so that you can recognize triggers and learn ways to better control them
Providing an opportunity for positive self-talk and identifying negative thoughts and behaviors
When you have a problem and you're stressed, keeping a journal can help you identify what’s causing that stress or anxiety. Once you’ve identified your stressors, you can work on a plan to resolve the problems and reduce your stress.
Keep in mind that journaling is just one aspect of a healthy lifestyle for better managing stress, anxiety, and mental health conditions. To get the most benefits, be sure you also:
Relax and meditate each day.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Exercise regularly—get in some activity every day.
Treat yourself to plenty of sleep each night.
Stay away from alcohol and drugs.
Use your journal to make sure you follow these guidelines daily.
How to journal
Try these tips to help you get started with journaling:
Try to write every day. Set aside a few minutes every day to write. This will help you to write in your journal regularly.
Make it easy. Keep a pen and paper handy at all times. Then when you want to write down your thoughts, you can. You can also keep a journal in a computer file.
Write whatever feels right. Your journal doesn't need to follow any certain structure. It's your own private place to discuss whatever you want. Let the words flow freely. Don't worry about spelling mistakes or what other people might think.
Use your journal as you see fit. You don't have to share your journal with anyone. If you do want to share some of your thoughts with trusted friends and loved ones, you could show them parts of your journal.
Keeping a journal helps you create order when your world feels like it’s in chaos. You get to know yourself by revealing your most private fears, thoughts, and feelings. Look at your writing time as personal relaxation time. It's a time when you can de-stress and wind down. Write in a place that's relaxing and soothing, maybe with a cup of tea. Look forward to your journaling time. And know that you're doing something good for your mind and body.
Comments
Post a Comment