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impression. As a young person, it is probably quite important for you to learn a certain amount of slang and taboo language if you are going to mix with home students. Young people typically use this kind of language. You may not wish to use it yourself but you should have some understanding of it. However, you should avoid using very informal language with your teachers or in your university work.
KNOWING IF IT IS COMMON OR UNUSUAL You may sound strange if you use unusual words unnecessarily, and the way of speaking that is appropriate to speaking in a seminar on your subject will not be suitable for a conversation in the student bar. As one international student pointed out: I know formal and academic phrases quite well due to the fact I studied them for a year. However, I don’t know general English and I can’t speak naturally. For example, I can’t say ‘It is my personal opinion’ instead of ‘I think’ when I am speaking to my friends, can I? (Japanese student) You have to learn to know how to adapt your style to different occasions and situations and knowing the right vocabulary will help you do that. If you are speaking with friends, it is best to use simple, neutral or informal language. If someone uses unnecessarily complex language in an informal situation, he or she will make a negative impression. If you are in a seminar it is very good if you can use the language of your subject appropriately. However, do not look for difficult or unusual words in order to make an impression. The best essay or presentation is not the one with most unusual vocabulary; it is the one that communicates ideas most clearly. So, there are many different aspects to learning a word properly. While this means you have to do more work, if you do this work, it will help you greatly, in the long term, because you will have a good vocabulary that you can use to learn effectively.
Ways of building your vocabulary CHOOSING A DICTIONARY A good dictionary can be a great help in building your vocabulary – if you use it well.