Sharjah:
Did you know that no word in English rhymes with “month”? Or that the most mispronounced word is, ironically, “pronunciation”?
Interesting facts and stories about what is perhaps the world’s most popular language were on Sunday showcased by students of Sharjah American International School (Sharjah campus) during their first-ever English Fair.
Pupils said they wanted to demonstrate the “beauty of the language” and raise interest in reading and literature.
“But we didn’t want to do that in the usual way, so we made creative booths and activities to draw the younger students in,” said Sara Al Ahmad, a grade 12 student.
Her booth was dedicated to the “mysterious” early 19th century American poet Edgar Allen Poe, whose cause of death remains inconclusive.
Anoud Al Ameeri, another grade 12 student, said: “English has changed since the times of Edgar. You have to learn how new things came to be. If you don’t learn, you won’t understand the world around you. And that’s no way to live.”
Eman Al Ali, a grade 12 student who also coordinated the event, said children today must be engaged visually and in an interactive, fun way. She said research shows students learn well from other students, which inspired them to organise the fair.
“With this in mind, we have introduced the annual English Fair, an event in which we introduce the beauty of the English language to our students through various activities and by inviting companies and learning centres that promote the love of the English language,” Eman added.
Parents and teachers also toured the fair and interacted with the students, commending them for their initiative.
Part of the activities was focused on etymology, or the study of the origin of words, including the names of the seven UAE emirates. There was also a booth presenting the evolution of handwriting, a story lab, quizzes, games and other activities. Some students impersonated characters from famous stories while others designed museum-like galleries of their favourite writers.
