Lexical chunks and negative backwash

"A DOS is just a backward sod". A lexically sound, though some might argue, factually incorrect statement. Whatever the truth of the matter I found myself at the beginning of this month surrounded by a delegation of Dos's who came from the four corners of the globe (do globes have corners?) to gather at the International House Conference at IH London's plush headquarters in fashionable Piccadilly. I must confess I felt a little out of place in such prestigious company, being myself only a humble ADOS. As a newcomer to such events, my inquisitive eyes and ears were drawn to the seemingly insignificant things, which more seasoned conference goers would not have deigned to dwell on. It was fascinating for me just to be able to stroll around a small room and exchange experiences with people working in places such as Sydney, Saigon, San Francisco and Newcastle. Although all basically doing the same job, there are more subtle differences than whether the view from your office is Sydney Opera House or the Tyne Bridge. It struck me immediately that as people move up in their chosen field that field becomes less distinguishable from the rest. A fully-fledged DOS is basically a manger like any other, who happens to manage a company involved in teaching. The actual world of teaching and the classroom moves further and further away as the transformation from teacher to educational manager is completed. I mean no criticism by this, but it does make you think if that is how you would like to see yourself in the future.

No gathering of mangers is complete without jargon of course and I wasn't disappointed on this score. The current buzzword seems to be "negative backwash". I always thought 'backwash' was what you did (or if lucky had done to you) in the bath. Apparently not. There was also plenty of mention of the IH "network", which was understandable. Call me a sexist dinosaur if you wish, but I also found it hard to accept the word "personpower" being used regularly with a straight face and no trace of irony.

The highlight of the presentations for me (and there were many of varying quality over the four-day jamboree) was the opportunity to listen to, and see in the flesh one of the true luminaries of the ELT world-a man whose latest offerings provoke extremes of praise and criticism, and who is an immensely charismatic and entertaining speaker. Anyway I'll talk more about Wayne Rimmer later, but first let me mention Michael "lexical chunk" Lewis. Many of you will be familiar with Lewis's books such as "The English Verb" and "The Lexical Approach". In his talk he gave very persuasive arguments for a lexical rather than a grammatical approach to teaching. Some may argue that he takes this slightly too far but there is a lot of evidence to suggest that the most effective way to take students from the Intermediate Plateau (more Jargon here!) is by increasing their lexical use of English in other words by focusing on commonly occurring groups of words and expressions rather than individual words and grammar. I don't have the space here to give the talk full justice, but anyone interested can find it on the LTP website at www.ltpwebsite.com, the title of the talk being "But now we know".

A final word on Wayne's offering. Of course he is too shy and retiring to say it, so I will add that (without wishing to sound biased or sycophantic) his talk on complaints, which looked at the way in which we use the language of complaining to make us think about its nature, was very clever interesting and well presented (See Wayne for more details!).

All in all a worthwhile and enjoyable trip. As a new boy, I attended every session, and in among the blatant adverts for Software and tub-thumping there was some quality food for thought.

Martin Ogilvy - ADOS Zelenograd