Hello š
Thank you for visiting the The Botanical Linguist – I’m very glad you have.
Iām Angela Boothroyd, a teacher and linguist who specializes in helping non-native English speakers like you to become independent and active English language learners.
I show you how to become responsible for your own language learning so you can spend less money on English lessons, and I help you to grow your English to the best it can be.
Some formal stuff…
ā¦ I’m a qualified teacher and qualified ESOL specialist. I have an MA in Online and Distance Education, and an MEd in Applied Linguistics.
ā¦ Iāve been teaching English face-to-face for approximately 11 years, and I’ve been combining that with teaching online for about seven years.
ā¦ I teach adult students from many different backgrounds and cultures and Iāve taught people from all over the world.
You might be wondering āwhy āThe Botanical Linguistā?ā Well, hereās my story and how I can help youā¦
The Botanical LinguistĀ is the joining of three things:
- my interest in everything related to language and linguistics;
- my love of learning, and my desire to teach and pass on the things Iāve learnt to those who need and can use that knowledge;
- my love of plants and gardens and all things botanical.
Many years ago (nearly thirty!), I started working as a volunteer tutor helping adult native-English speakers learn to read and write.
I saw just how important literacy is and what a massive difference being able to read and write makes to peopleās lives.
From this work I went on to help non-native English speakers learn English.
I know from experience that there are many different types of learners, with unique goals, who will take different paths through education.
My daughters went to school and college, but my teenage son is currently home-educated and that suits him very well.
After college, my eldest daughter chose to successfully build her career via employment, and my youngest daughter chose to go on to study for a degree, a Masterās degree, and now a PhD.
As for me, well I left school and home aged 16 and with very few academic qualifications. It wasnāt until many years later, when I had two small daughters, that I started studying for my degree with the UK Open University.
And when I passed my degree I went on to take two Masterās degrees and my teaching qualifications ā by that time I had three children and a job to juggle too š
So you see, I understand how difficult it can be to learn something new when you have other commitments such a family and work.
I understand that we all have our own learning path to follow, and our unique path in life, and that very often all we need to achieve the best that we can be is the knowledge and support to build that path and achieve our goals.
And I also know itās neverĀ too late to learn something new. And that there’s nearly always time in the day for a little learning.
The Botanical Linguist
After teaching English face-to-face for a few years, about seven years ago I set up my own business (formerly Studying Online) as an online English teacher.
I love old botany books, especially the beautiful drawings and paintings of plants from around the world. And when I researched my family history I discovered all sorts of information linking my family to botany ā including the fact that in 1920 my grandfatherās brother was treasurer of the Liverpool Botanical Society, and some of his field work contributed to a published botany book.
It seemed to me that I inherited my love of plants and flowers from various family members š
Botanical and gardening metaphors for learning English
The seeds you plant are the basic elements of English you learn when you first start learning English.
You nurture and grow these seeds to become sturdy shoots, and then strong healthy plants: the basic elements of English grow from phonemes and morphemes, to words, phrases and clauses; from basic to complex sentences; and from elementary to accomplished and confident language skills.
As the Botanical Linguist, I show you how to become an English language gardener so that you can grow your accuracy and fluency in English.
I show you how to use the resources that are already available to you, and I provide you with a helping hand and the lessons and knowledge you need to learn English.
My business values and mission
I believe that everyone who wants to learn English should have access to professional and affordable learning materials and teaching and, just as importantly, should have the knowledge and skills to be able to be an active learner ā to be someone who understands their best ways to learn, who has good study skills, and who knows how to find, organize and use good-quality resources for their language learning.
Ā
If you’d like to know more about the person behind the website, here are a few random and miscellaneous things about me/about the Botanical Linguist
Iād really love to get to know you better so please get in touch and contact or connect with me.
And subscribe to my newsletter to receive new posts from Botanical Linguist straight to your inbox, as well as useful tips, resources, worksheets and special offers just for my subscribers.Ā
