Borrow and Take

The problem with explaining the difference between "Borrow" and "Lend" occurs when it has to be done in an EFL class full of Ecuadorian students. For some odd reason Ecuadorians, and in particular, Guayaquileans make no difference between Dar en préstamo (Lend) and Tomar prestado (Borrow); so instead of saying Dar prestado and Tomar prestado we only say Prestar which is confusing but old habits die hard.
The easy way out for a EFL teacher is to translate also explaining the difference between one and the other. Still if you are determined to teach by using English only, it's better if you model the situation. For that have a student to help you. Tell "your assistant" you´re going to ask him/her  to give you something with the question "Can you lend me your pencil please?". When that happens say "Lend". 
Have the same student pretend he doesn't know you need something of him/her, in this case an eraser. 
Approach the student, and ask him/her if you can take his/her eraser. He will say YES, you take the eraser and say "Borrow".
In other words, Borrow is Take and Lend is Give. Explain and offer examples and that will be that.

Comments

Einsen said…
well, i had my own problems with this when i was younger, it just would not fit in my head !
July 26, 2012 at 8:46 PM
Luis Bermudes said…
I understand. It's not easy for everyone.
September 25, 2012 at 6:48 AM
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