There’s no doubt about it. In today’s school and workplace, a good grasp of the English language can give you a great grade boost or better job opportunities. This has been shared by experts in the fields of Human Resource and English Language instructors. 

Sadly, they have observed that the proper use of the English language have deteriorated, partly due to the use of Filipino as the main medium of instruction in most school curriculum, and mostly due to the popularity of Tagalog telenovelas and even Tagalized cartoons. This is not to say that we should lose pride in our own language, but, if we are to use English, then we should at least use it correctly. 

But grammar lapses are normal, even for expert speakers, assures Hayley McCarthy, Director for Communications of FuturePerfect Business English Specialists. She adds, though, “One aspect of grammar that is even more important than correctness (and often not concentrated enough upon in education!) is range! I would far rather talk to someone who is able to rephrase and explain using a wide vocabulary but makes constant mistakes, than someone who speaks correctly but only has 50 words under their belt.”

This is where the Franklin Merriam-Webster’s Intermediate Dictionary may come in handy. It is a pocket-sized battery-powered gadget that allows the user to look up more than 200,000 words, with up to 500,000 synonyms and antonyms. The phonetic spell check program also assures that you find the right word every time.

The gizmo also has two brain exercises that can help sharpen your skills and kill time at the pedia’s office while you are waiting for your turn. If you like playing Hangman (a game where you fill in the right letters and guess the correct word before your character croaks), then this is definitely a very addicting tool to have on hand. 

The review

My kids speak English at home. This is one thing that I am very conscious and careful of. It has come to a point that while my eldest, Ino, has a wide English vocabulary, he has had to struggle with his Pilipino and Sibika classes. But I firmly believe that good English is still the way to go, because it has helped him academically and, yes, even professionally (he writes for the Manila Bulletin’s Funpage section). I also have to constantly upgrade my own skills in the language, because writing is my bread and butter.

In composing this piece, I was reminded of how I was blown away by a younger colleague, who in a moment of exasperation, blurted out how perplexed she was with how the administrative office schedules vehicle trips for employees. Perplexed is not a word that we encounter in everyday spoken English.

Ino has also benefitted from the gadget. He is now able to do his Language assignment without having to go to me to ask what a particular word means. It has also helped him read a particularly challenging and engaging novel (39 Clues) that was meant for older kids. Again, without him having to ask me what a word means.       

The Hangman game is great fun, I love the rush of relief whenever my character gets down before he gets “hanged”.  Ino tried his hand at the game too, but the words are still a little too big for him.

There is an SAT mode, probably for kids in the US who have to take the equivalent of our NSATs in fourth year high school. If I were to gauge the skill level based on our local education system, kids from grade 6 can greatly benefit from this device. This will really make them more interested to build their vocabulary, and subsequently tackle more tricky books. It will also make it easier for the kids and grown-ups alike to stick to the suggestion of learning -and using- a new word each day.

The LCD is very easy to read, and the keypad is as easy to navigate as an ordinary cell phone. So it is definitely very user-friendly. 

The only difficulty I have encountered with the dictionary is that it runs on a CR2032 battery, which can cost more than those ordinary alkaline batteries and is not available at your neighborhood sari-sari store.

Franklin Merriam-Webster’s Intermediate Dictionary is available in National Bookstore outlets. You can also call Infomax at 721-1446 or text 0922-8955002.

Find the Right Word

Even stay-at-home moms could use a little vocabulary upgrade. Here are some situations where a little English savvy can do you good.

• Helping your child with his homework. You’ll come up tops with your child if you seem to know the meaning of every word that he asks.

• Talking to the teacher. It is easier to find a non-threatening, yet non-negotiable, way of telling your child’s adviser that you are not keen on bringing enough hotdogs for 90 people at your son’s school food-sharing session.

• Social status. Come out wittier by brandishing your writing flair on your blog, Twitter, and Facebook posts!

• Consumer complaints. Big bosses are more likely to act on a well-written complaint letter, which clearly states how you feel about the shabby product or service that was given to you.