The Mathematics

of Language
Calvin A. Trilles
Student Journalist / Ghostwriter /
Materials Science & Engineering Student

(+63) 936 112 721

calvintrilles@gmail.com
Vito Cruz, Manila
 This is not your
typical Languages
class.
 Do engineers and
engineering students need
to have an appreciation
for the English
language?
Language Courses
8.2%

Basis:
220 Units for
Undergraduate
Degrees

Total Courses in Engineering

91.8%
Times we use Language Skills
100%
Stating the Obvious
1. Our courses in Mapua aren't enough to support
the demand for language proficiency

2. To that end, we should not depend on what's in

the curriculum to better our skills.
Equation 1:
Reading (r) + Writing (w) + Listening (l) +
Speaking (s)
=
Language (L)
Equation 2:
(r + w + l + s) x [frequency (f)]
=
Language Proficiency (LP)
 Frequency hertz.
Too much reading hertz your EYES
Too much writing hertz your HANDS
Too much listening hertz your EARS
Too much speaking hertz your THROAT
But the higher the frequency, the closer
we are to deeper understanding, to our
light.
Equation 3 & 4:
rf - comprehension (c) = 0
lf - understanding (u) = 0

"Reading without comprehension is nothing."

"Listening without understanding is nothing"
Comprehension
Noun.

The action or capability

of understanding
something. Getting
meaning from written
text.
How do you improve your comprehension?
1) Eliminate distractions from your environment.
2) Read and listen with someone.
3) Read aloud. Listen silently.
4) Re-read text as necessary to improve your
comprehension. For listening, backtrack to
words or sentences you didn't hear well.
Facts about Listening
1) Hearing is a physical ability, while
listening is a skill.

2.) Our generation has a very short

attention span.

3) This makes improvement in

listening more important. 

4) Not everyone intuitively knows how

to listen well.
Attention Spans:

Humans in 2000's

Humans in 2018

Goldfish

0mins 5mins 10mins 15mins

Source:
Time magazine & Microsoft
My tricks to improve listening skills
1) Watch shows/movies which
use English as the primary
language.

2) Listen to English music,

podcasts and documentaries
.
3) Try to play videos of people
who have varying accents
(British, American, French,
Australian, candian etc..)
Equation 5:
wf + purpose (p) = effective writing

"Writing with a purpose leads to effective

writing"
 Writing can be:
PURPOSES 1) to express oneself
2) to provide or
OF WRITING disseminate
information
There are a lot of reasons why we write. 3) to persuade
Establishing the aim of writing is central 4) to create a literary
in achieving a piece that communicates
what the author wants to impart. This is work or entertain
one of the first steps in the writing process.
What is effective writing

Effective Writing

Logical flow
Cohesive
of ideas
What is effective writing
Logical Flow of Cohesive
Ideas Writing which is a
This means it holds unified whole and is
together well because easy to follow
there are links because it uses
between sentences and language effectively to
paragraphs maintain a focus and
to keep the reader 'on
track'.
Improve writing:
1) By persistent reading.
2) By finding out meaning
of unfamiliar words and
using them.
3) By noting how an
author writes and
imitating it.
4) By moving the muscle.
Write when you can.
Equation 6:
grammar (g) + knowledge (k) + vocal delivery
(v)
=
effective speaking

"Grammar, knowledge and vocal delivery are

prerequisites of effective speaking"
Grammar is Greatly needed

Word usage, punctuation and sentence

construction are very important matters to
consider in speaking.
 Knowledge is Key
Your ability to speak is also based on the
knowledge you have about the subject
matter. This is why research, and background
of the subject are important aspects in
speaking.
 Vocal Delivery is vital
Vocal delivery includes intonation, pace,
volume of voice and pronunciation. No matter
how great your grammar is in your speech,
or how deep your understanding is of the
matter, if you cannot deliver it, you will fail
as a speaker.
50%
of the things I've shared with
you about today, you will
forget in about an hour.
70%
of that information, you will
lose in a day as statistics have
sown.
What's in it for you if
you're proficient in
languages?
 It is easier to
establish relationships.
Good communicators understand
their partners better.

A person who reads and listens is

much more aware of the world.
Thus, that person is much more
interesting.

People who speak and write well are

attractive because they are
confident and bold.
Exciting and
well-paying
jobs
LANGUAGE PROFICIENT PEOPLE
ARE IN DEMAND BECAUSE THEY
ARE ASSETS FOR THE COMPANY..
 And finally,

PROFICIENCY
MAKES YOU
UNDERSTAND
THE WORLD
AROUND YOU 
BETTER.
Thank you for

listening!