Advisor's Angle: Describing Emotions in English Part 2

Editor's Note: This is the second half of our Describing Emotions in English articles. Read the first part here. 

By Janel Cook, Student & Host Family Advisor

Learning a second (or third, fourth, fifth) language is an exciting prospect. Nacel Open Door participants arrive to the USA ready to study and interact in English. This can seem daunting at first and yet, because all social interactions are in English at school, in the host family home, and elsewhere, English skills quickly become better and more “normal.” After some months, students mention that they are comfortable with English slang, colloquialisms, and begin to “forget” their native language a little.

In aid of expanding English vocabulary when it comes to describing the variety of emotions that are experienced throughout time on program, please read the list of vocabulary words below. Maybe these words can help describe what one is feeling while adjusting to the exchange experience. (Adapted from Dynamic Emotional Integration)

CONFIDENCE
Soft confidence: nerve, pluck, spunk
Medium confidence: courage, boldness, heart
Strong confidence: determination, fortitude, assurance

NERVOUSNESS
Soft nervousness: shy, timid, shaky
Medium nervousness: edgy, tense, uptight
Strong nervousness: hysterical, skittish, volatile

KINDNESS
Soft kindness: heart, grace, tact
Medium kindness: good will, sweetness, goodness
Strong kindness: benevolence, humanity, unselfishness

JEALOUSY
Soft jealousy: distrustful, insecure, vulnerable
Medium jealousy: demanding, envious, threatened
Strong jealousy: gluttonous, greedy, possessive

TRUST
Soft trust: credit, certainty, hope
Medium trust: assurance, conviction, faith
Strong trust: confidence, expectation, assurance

DISGUST
Soft disgust: dislike, sickness, distaste
Medium disgust: hatred, loathing, objection
Strong disgust: revulsion, abhorrence, detestation