Introduction

Relevance of the Topic

Learning vocabulary in English is the foundation for effective communication in the language. Among the first skills to be developed are the identification, use, and understanding of names and greetings in English. These basic terms are essential for interpersonal interactions and for understanding the English language in everyday situations, and therefore, they are the foundation upon which other aspects of the language are built.

Contextualization

"Vocabulary: Name and Greeting" is the starting point for all language skills in English. This topic is the foundation for future topics, such as conversations, descriptions, counting, among many others. From the knowledge of this vocabulary, we build the necessary skills to understand and be understood in various communicative contexts. This theme is situated at the beginning of the English curriculum, providing a solid base for continuous learning.

Theoretical Development

Components

• Names: Names are the first and most important type of vocabulary to be learned in any language. They are personal identifiers and capture the individuality of each human being. In English, names follow a basic structure: first name, middle name (if any), and surname. The order of presenting names varies according to the culture.

• Greeting Pronouns: Greeting pronouns are words we use to greet someone. These pronouns vary according to the formality of the situation and refer to the marital status and gender of the person we are greeting. In English, greeting pronouns include "Mr" (covering all men), "Ms" (covering all women), and "Mrs" (married or widowed women).

Key Terms

• First Name: Also known as a given name, it is the name that identifies a person individually. In English, this name is usually placed before the surname.

• Surname: The surname, also known as the last name, family name, or name, is the name shared by all members of a family. In English, the surname is commonly placed after the first name.

• Mr, Ms, Mrs (Mr, Ms, Mrs): These are greeting pronouns in English that denote respect. "Mr" is used for men, "Ms" is a neutral term that can be used for single or married women, and "Mrs" is used for married or widowed women.

Examples and Cases

• Example of Names: A simple example of a name in English would be "John Smith." "John" is the first name, "Smith" is the surname. Depending on the culture, the name can be presented as "Smith, John."

• Example of Greeting Pronouns: To greet the "John Smith" from our example, we can say "Hello, Mr. Smith." Here, "Mr" is the greeting pronoun used to greet a man politely.

• Use Case: Introducing People: In the context of a classroom, students can practice introducing each other using the vocabulary of names and greetings. Each student would be encouraged to say their full name, including the surname, and greet other students according to their gender and marital status.

Detailed Summary

Key Points:

• Importance of Vocabulary: Vocabulary is the fundamental component of any language, as it allows us to express our thoughts and feelings. Learning and mastering vocabulary in English, even at the most basic level, is a crucial skill for effective communication.

• First Steps in English: Names and greetings are some of the first concepts taught in the English curriculum. They provide the foundation for other language skills, such as asking questions, making introductions, sentence construction, and more.

• English Names: Names in English are structured differently from many other languages. Following the structure "first name - middle name - surname," with the order varying according to culture and context.

• Greeting Pronouns: Greeting pronouns are an important part of the name vocabulary. They not only help us greet people but also allow us to show respect and courtesy.

• Cultural Diversity: Learning about names and greetings in English is not just about the language itself; it is about engaging with different cultures and ways of communicating.

Conclusions:

• Connecting Cultures: Greetings and ways of referring to someone in English reflect the rich variety of cultures and traditions that make up the Anglophone world. By learning and using names and greetings in English, we open a window to the diversity and richness of the world we live in.

• Building Identity: Names are an essential part of a person's identity, and learning to use them correctly is a way to show respect for the individuality and diversity of the people around us.

• Practice Makes Perfect: Mastering the vocabulary of names and greetings in English requires practice and continuous exposure to real speaking situations. Practicing introductions and simple conversations in English is an effective way to consolidate this knowledge.

Exercises:

1. Name Exercise: Create a list of English names mixing first names and surnames. Give the list to a classmate and ask them to identify which is which.

2. Greeting Exercise: Imagine you are welcoming a foreign guest into your classroom. Write a brief welcome greeting to them, taking into account the marital status and gender of the guest.

3. Introduction Exercise: Role play time! Divide the classroom into pairs. Each partner should introduce themselves to the other, using full names (first names and surnames) and the appropriate greeting pronoun for the situation. Classmates should observe and provide feedback if necessary.