Education 1 - English as a Second Language

I started this blog writing about aerospace as the first subject of my profile’s list of interests.  Unfortunately, for me, I listed linguistics as the second subject, because although linguistics in its basic form has long been an interest of mine, I quickly discovered that it does not have a basic form and greatly exceeded my academic abilities.  I recently added Tom McArthur’s ‘The Oxford Companion to the English Language’ to my bookshelf and, if I dare to open it, I am lost within its wealth of knowledge for hours, just as I was with a earlier copy of Eric Partridge’s ‘Usage and Abusage’ (abusus non tollit usum) and numerous such works.

To find a topical language subject outside of academia, I decided to say something about English as a Second Language (ESL), without any attempt at prescriptivism ... and using less than 300 words.

Recently, I returned to Canada following many years teaching Business Studies to postgraduates in China, who were, hopefully, to be awarded scholarships to foreign universities.  Not surprisingly, it was necessary to include a heavy dose of ESL within each course.  I was presented with excellent students, and there was never any thought of using a stick, due to the attractive sight of the scholarship carrot.

Interestingly, the Chinese-produced exams were of English as a Foreign Language (EFL), and my protests were always met with the pervasive, “This is how we always do it” response.  I am sure that many expat teachers in China recognize this behaviour and often wonder why they had been presented with a little red book entitled ‘Foreign Experts Certificate’.

Equally, back in Canada, I had cause to visit some LINK ESL classes, and was astonished to discover that a major percentage of the teachers were immigrants from non-English speaking countries.  According to the authorities, they had all passed a TESL teaching exam ... the oral part being undertaken by their foreign peers, it seemed.  It was not surprising that many students could not understand the teachers.


I would welcome your views on this subject.

Aerospace 1 - Postscript

The show in Paris is over and the controversy that was created, relative to the Bombardier CSeries, advises me that it would have been prudent to wait for the final day.

The usual battle between the Big Two companies (Boeing and Airbus) dominated the media and, in my opinion, benefited Bombardier by highlighting their need to reconsider emerging technologies.  The success of the A320neo with its new engine, juxtaposed with no response from Boeing for a B737 replacement was interesting.

Bombardier’s large customer, Republic, caused a stir by ordering 40 A320neo’s, which caused a negative reaction to Bombardier's stock price, and much debate amongst aviation pundits.  Nevertheless, the consensus indicates that the CSeries will prove, overwhelmingly, that its cost savings will save airlines millions annually, compared to both the A320neo and the B737 compromise models.

The negative reviews regarding delivery delays related to new airframe construction technologies were given out of context — the technologies would be new for Boeing and Airbus, but Bombardier already applies these technologies throughout its present fleet of 4-abreast seating — the CSeries has simply expanded to a 5-abreast mode.

At the show, Bombardier came away with 56 total orders (including options) for the CSeries, from eight different customers, and many more for their other, existing aircraft, such as the Global series of business jets.  With more than 200 orders (including options) for the CSeries, its future is secured, especially considering that the first flight is not scheduled until the end of 2012.

Personally, my curiosity is, now, directed to the ‘fly on the wall’ in WestJet’s boardroom as they discuss their future fleet of B737’s.  Would it not be a proud moment for Canada if our best domestic airline used the CSeries aircraft.

Photo - Bombardier CSeries

Illustration by Bombardier Inc.

Aerospace 1 - Bombardier CSeries

My profile indicates that aerospace is a favorite subject of mine and, therefore, during this week of the Paris Air Show, it seems quite natural to write on this subject.

As we struggle to emerge from the recent recession, the aircraft industry is very cautious about predictions that attempt to balance future airline quantity requirements with related research into improving usage costs. Analysts predict that airlines will need $4 trillion worth of new aircraft during the next 20 years and, although there is an emphasis on eco-friendly aircraft, airlines focus on the financial bottom line. Thus, the two giants of the aircraft industry, Airbus and Boeing, should be concerned about the quiet ascendance of Bombardier into third place.

I have always been impressed by Bombardier’s innovation since visiting their early manufacturing facility at Cartierville in Montreal in the 1980’s (Originally, a small airfield used by Canadair). Their use of giant milling machines to produce fuselage side panels for the Challenger which did not require the conventional ribs and framing and, thus, reducing weight, together with laminar-flow wing surfaces for improved aerodynamics, was something that, being a sailplane pilot, impressed me quite a lot.

Thirty years of quiet innovation has brought Bombardier into serious competition with Airbus and Boeing, and the new CSeries aircraft is, in my opinion, bound to be a success. Not only is its composite airframe more advanced in design, but the new geared turbofan engine designed by Pratt & Whitney is causing the competition to swiftly play ‘catch up’. Airbus developing the new-engined A320neo compromise, and Boeing considering a whole new B-737 replacement (The new engine seems too large for the existing wing-to-ground clearance). Thus, it will be difficult for both companies to deliver ahead of the CSeries.

Finally, it is delightful to read that, on the first day, Bombardier has disclosed firm orders for ten of the CSeries at the Paris Air Show, with options for a further six. It is also noteworthy that Qatar Airlines CEO Akbar Al Baker, said, when asked whether he was considering another jet of similar size “The CSeries is a class above others in that category”.

It will be inspiring to dream of the industry’s ‘Big Three’.

Photo - Du Fu's Garden

Du Fu (712 - 770) is considered to be one of China's most respected poets.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Du_Fu  
This photo was taken a few years ago, 
during a visit to his cottage garden in Chengdu, Sichuan province.

Welcome

It is my well-meaning intention to develop this blog to facilitate communication within a network of friends and other netizens, and discuss almost any subject, topical or otherwise, away from the rants and sarcastic remarks seen on most media Websites. Please feel free to either comment or suggest subject matter.