I'm George Streeton. With many years of experience teaching English to Finnish professionals we are able to identify a body of common language errors that Finnish people tend to make in speaking English. Here are just a few examples: Finns tend to mention having "discussed about" unemployment figures in Finland (for example) when the verb discuss cannot be followed by the preposition "about". One can say that we need to discuss X or Y but never discuss ABOUT X or Y. We could give many more examples but in teaching English to Finns (or other non-native speakers of English) it makes a good deal of sense to start by correcting common errors that can be easily remedied and which give the student a feeling of satisfaction that his/her English is about to be dealt with by professional, competent native English speakers who can help perfect their English step-by-step until they attain the self-confidence they need in order to speak effective and persuasive English in a global forum.

Finnish, it must be agreed, is about as different as one language can be from English (and, naturally, vice versa. Most Finns of working age and over have spent up to 9,10 years studying Finnish in school. As I understand it, English teaching in those days meant working one's way through a much despised grammar book. Little time was spent on conversation, discussions etc. in English. It was thus almost 100% grammar based and this accounts for the loathing many Finns have of English studies. Today, as I witness, as the father of two school-going daughters, things are somewhat better. The English study material is presented in a colorful contemporary manner and more time is spent in actually speaking, reading and discussion than was the case 10-15 years ago. Of course the advent of the Internet, MTV, computer games and movies has contributed perhaps more than anything else to the fact that Finnish kids actually enjoy speaking English (it's cool, right?) and it's the language of McDonalds and rock stars. English teaching in Finland today is thus bound to be approached in a completely different way than it was in previous generations. This places a greater burden on both teachers and students. Both expect to benefit from dealing with a language that is the "lingua franca" of all things Cool and NOW!

Language courses in Finland today need be based on the development of linguistic skills that are understood to be essential if the speaker wants to succeed in almost any field you care to mention - movies, games, mobile phones, politics, even clothing! If you want to read the slogans on T-shirts you need to understand the philosophies that are expounded on these mobile bill-boards! Fortunately, teaching English can really be good fun and I personally try to introduce an element of verbal humour in all of my classes (when this approach is appreciated). If I don't get a few chuckles out of a class I feel I need to find better material. At one point my aim was to be the "Conan O'Brian" of English teachers. I have never had any complaints but I am made aware by the students if my gags are not up to scratch.

But teaching English (basic or advanced) to Finns or any other non-native is no laughing matter. The student expects, as he/she should, the very best teaching that the teacher can provide along with the most effective and stimulating materials. GS Communications delivers what it promises. GS Communications offers English language training to Finns who  wish to "brush up" their English for social or occupational reasons in an effective and relaxed way.  They need to learn to speak the language of Business. Our courses offer quality material that helps Finnish professionals to develop business language skills in the global language. consider it important to be capable of using idiomatic phrases and colloquialisms in their speech in order to "lighten up" their business conversations with such colloquial phrases as "How much did my new car cost? An arm and a leg!" "How did your meeting with the GM go?" "It was a piece of cake!" Many Finns need (and want) to speak fluent - or near-fluent English which ( I need hardly remind you ) is virtually essential in today's world. Our courses deal with every aspect of the English language from social English, Politeness, Small Talk, written English - for reports, general correspondence, presentations, brochures and advertising material - to "Power English" for those who want to be equipped to meet any form of linguistic challenge. The time to start brushing up or perfecting your spoken and written English language skills is right now. Our prices are not only reasonable but highly competitive. Our methods have been tested over many years. If you are interested in learning English in a relaxed atmosphere with an experienced native speaker using first class written and other study tools please don't hesitate to contact us. We offer private one-to-one lessons or group lessons for 4-6 students. Other arrangements can be made to suit any requirements.

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CONTACT US for further information: GS Communications, Hauenkalliontie 12-14 H 110
02170, ESPOO, FINLAND
Tel: (09) 420 9878
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