ENGLISH VOCABULARY FOR MOBILE PHONES / CELL PHONES

Mobile phones (cell phones in the US) are an important part of

our lives nowadays. There is a lot of specialist vocabulary
related to mobile phones and it can be useful to know if you
want to get a mobile phone number in an English-speaking
country. I recently got a new mobile phone, so let me tell you
about it. All the new vocabulary is in black. Try and guess what
it means (the answers are at the bottom).
Because I’ve been away from the UK for so long, I didn’t have an active mobile phone number in
this country so I decided to go out and get one this weekend. I went to the phone shop and the
assistant showed me a range of handsets. Some of them were free when you signed up to
certain service plans. Others you needed to pay for.
I already have a handset and I’m not sure which service provider has good coverage in my area so I
chose apre-paid service so I could see how well it worked before I signed up. A monthly contract is
a waste of money is there is poor reception at my house.
I put the SIM card in my phone and turned it on. The assistant helped me add some credit and I
was able to call and send text messages right away. Later in the day, I set up mobile Internet so I
could check my e-mails and tweets.
I am quite happy with the service so far, so next month I might sign up for a monthly contract. It’s
very convenient to pay the bill by direct debit and I won’t need to keep getting top-up vouchers.
Many service providers give away really good phones when you use their service so I might get
myself an iPhone. A smartphone would be really useful for me and I could even blog using it!
 handset – mobile phone hardware
 service plan – a monthly contract that charges calls at a set rate and sometimes gives you
a certain amount of free calls.
 service provider – a company that provides the connection for your mobile phone
 coverage – the area where your mobile phone can be used
 pre-paid – a service you pay for before you use it
 reception – signal strength
 text message – a message of up to 160 characters sent from a mobile phone (also called
SMS)
 SIM card – the small plastic card that enables your phone to connect to the service
provider
 credit – money to make calls on a pre-paid phone service
 mobile Internet – Internet on a mobile phone
 monthly contract – the contract you sign when you use a service plan
 direct debit – when money is automatically taken out of your bank account
 a top-up voucher – a ticket to add credit to your mobile phone
 smartphone – a mobile phone with many extra functions

 CELL PHONE VOCABULARY EXERCISE

If several answers are acceptable, underline the best one:

1. A ________ is a phone that you have to open in order to talk.

flip phone cell phone bendable phone

2. I knew it was her because her number ________ on my phone.

Came came up came to

3. ________ refers to the amount of time one uses (talks on) a cellphone.

Texting Dialing Airtime

4. I was supposed to meet Bill at the library, but he ________ me that he would be late.

Texted text text message

5. How much was your cell phone ________ this month?

Account charges bill

6. Every time I write a text message, everything shows up in ________ letters.

Capitol capital major

7. Using "u" instead of "you" in a text message is an example of ________.

an abbreviation a short a short word

8. Americans say "cell phone", but people in the United Kingdom say ________.

Mobility mobile handy

9. ________ hours are the times when a cell phone user pays a discounted rate for calls.

Off-color Off-peak Offset

10. Most cell phone companies limit the number of ________ you can send in a text message.

Messages words characters

 Negotiate in English

1. alternatives - any other choices a person or group has, rather than agreeing with the other
person or group
Example: "We can ask them to do A if we do B, but they have many alternatives."

2. arbitration - when a neutral person or group comes in to settle a disagreement

Example: "If we can't agree by midnight tomorrow, this case will go to arbitration."

3. commitment - an obligation to do something or deliver something

Example: "We've made a commitment on this point. If we don't do it, the agreement will fall
apart."

4. compromise - an agreement where you get less than you want but also give less than the other
person wants
Example: "If we don't compromise, this deal will never get done."

5. concession - accepting less on one specific point in order to get something from the other
person on a different point
Example: "Okay, you've made a concession on price, so we can make a concession on the delivery
date."

6. confidentiality - an agreement that prevents either side from talking about the agreement in
public
Example: "I'm sorry but our confidentiality agreement prevents me from answering your questions
in detail."

7. equivalent - a proprosed agreement that is different from, but equal in value to, a previous
proposal
Example: "We can't agree to that proposal, but here we would like to suggest an equivalent
package for you to consider."

8. facilitation - a process where people, called facilitators, try to make it easier for two people to
reach an agreement
Example: "You may not reach a better agreement with facilitation, but you will reach an
agreement faster."

9. final agreement - the results of the negotation that everyone agrees to put into action
Example: "After six long months, we now have a final agreement."

10. good faith - being honest about your intentions

Example: "If we negotiate in good faith, we are sure to reach an agreement eventually."
11. impasse - when two sides hold different positions that they are unwilling to change
Example: "We were close to an agreement but we suddenly hit an impasse over payment terms."

12. intermediary - a person who communicates between the two sides of a negotiation
Example: "They've been negotiating through an intermediary after that big argument last week."

13. issue - a topic that needs to be discussed in a negotiation

Example: "Money is the biggest issue in this negotiation, but resources and responsibilities are
important issues too."

14. mediation - when a neutral person or group comes in to identify the issues, explore options
and clarify goals
Example: "If we use mediation, it may help to move the negotiations forward."

15. offer - one or more options that is sent by one negotiator to the other
Example: "Let's offer them a one-year service contract and see how they respond."

16. package - a combination of options that has been offered as a solution

Example: "John put this package together last night. Let's look at each option and see if we really
want to offer this."

17. party - either side in a negotiation is called a party, whether one individual or a whole group
Example: "If party A accepts party B's proposal, then the negotiation is finished."

18. proposal - any suggestion or idea given to one party from the other
Example: "We'll look at your proposal during the coming week and give you our response the
following Monday."

19. tentative solution - an agreement that depends on some conditions, so that it might not be a
final agreement
Example: "At last we've reached a tentative agreement. Perhaps these long negotiations will be
over soon."

20. trade-off - an exchange process in which one side gives up partly on some issues in order to
gain on other issues
Example: "There are always trade-offs when negotiating. You can't win them all!"
 Business English Expressions

1. 800 pound gorilla - the biggest, most powerful group or company

Example: "If we follow our plan to make this new software, we're going to have a lot of
competition, including from the 800 pound gorilla, Microsoft."

2. (a rising tide that) lifts all boats - something that helps all people or all groups
Example: "We're only number three, but the current economic growth will lift all boats, so we're
sure to make a profit this year."

3. an old hand - a person who has long experience, especially in one place
Example: "He can help us set up a new company. He's been working in this industry for many years
and knows the language of business - he's really an old hand at this."

4. at the 11th hour - very late, at the very last minute

Example: "The negotiated until late at night and it seemed they would never agree. Finally, at the
11th hour, they came to an agreement."

5. on a shoestring - with limited money

Example: "They started their company on a shoestring and built it up to one of the largest
companies in the world!"

6. bring to the table - whatever you can possibly offer

Example: "I will meet with Teacher Joe's new company to show him what we can bring to the
table."

7. carve out a niche - find a special market that you can control
Example: "To succeed in this competitive world, you have to focus on part of it. Try to carve out a
niche and be number one in that are."

8. deep pockets - have a lot of money

Example: "If there is a price war, we won't win because we don't have deep enough pockets."

9. down time - when equipment of facilities are not available, so you cannot work
Example: "There will probably be a lot of down time at the conference, so I'm bringing a lot of
paperwork."

10. (draw) a line in the sand - make final conditions that cannot be changed
Example: "We have to draw a line in the sand so they will see that this is really our final offer."
11. free ride - get benefit at no cost
Example: "Of course we should make them pay for our travel expenses. WHy should we give them
a free ride?"

12. from day one - from the beginning

Example: "Teacher Joe has been providing the best English-learning web site from day one!"

13. get your foot in the door - have a small opportunity that can become a big opportunity in the
future, if you do good work
Example: "Right now, I just want to get my foot in the door, so they can see what I can do. Next
year I hope to start moving up in the company."

14. I need it yesterday - an informal way to say it is needed immediately

Example: "Can I send that report to you later this afternoon?"
"No! I need that report yesterday!"

15. a two-way street - both people or both groups can contribute or benefit from the situation
Example: "We want to help you, but we need your help too. It should be a two-way street."

16. it will never fly - it won't be successful

Example: "We don't have to worry about their idea competing with ours. It will never fly."

17. it's a jungle out there - it's a difficult market with many, tough competitors
Example: "Do you think a new company can survise without a unique product? It's a real jungle out
there!"

18. jump through hoops - trying very hard (like a dog doing tricks!)
Example: "He's a tough boss. All of his subordinates have to jump through hoops to prove their
loyalty to the company."

19. put your cards on the table - be completely honest

Example: "I think it's time to put all of our cards on the table. Here's what we need..."

20. learning curve - how much time needed to learn something new
Example: "This new software has a long learning curve, so we have to give our staff enough time to
learn how to use it well."
 Are Cell Phones Dangerous?
Is talking on a mobile phone hazardous to your health? It is difficult to know for sure. Some
research suggests that heavy users of mobile phones are at a greater risk of developing brain
tumors. However, many other studies suggest there are no links between cancer and mobile
phone use.

The main problem with the current research is that mobile phones have only been popular since
the 1990s. As a result, it is impossible to study the long term exposure of mobile phone use. This
concerns many health professionals who point out that many cancers take at least 10 years to
develop. Another concern about these studies is that many have been funded by those who
benefit financially from the mobile phone industry.

Many cancers take ten years to develop.

Over three billion people use mobile phones on a daily basis, and many talk for more than an hour
a day. Mobile phone antennas are similar to microwave ovens. While both rely on electromagnetic
radiation, the radio waves in mobile phones are lower in radio frequency (RF). Microwave ovens
have enough RF to cook food and are therefore known to be dangerous to human tissues.
However, the concern is that the lower frequency radio waves that mobile phones rely on may
also be dangerous. It seems logical that holding a heat source near your brain for a long period of
time is a potential health hazard.

Mobile phones get hot when they are used for a long period of time.

Some researchers believe that other types of wireless technology may also be dangerous to
human health, including laptops, cordless phones, and gaming consoles. Organizations that are
concerned about the effects of Electromagnetic Radiation suggest replacing all cordless devices
with wired ones. They say that many cordless phones emit dangerous levels of EMR even when
they are not in use. They even suggest keeping electronic devices, such as computers and alarm
clocks out of bedrooms, or at least six feet from your pillow.

Other wireless technology may also be hazardous to our health.

A growing number of health professionals worldwide are recommending that mobile phone users
err on the side of caution until more definitive studies can be conducted. They recommend that
adults use headsets or speaker phones and that children and teens, whose brain tissue are still
developing, use mobile phones only for emergencies. Concerned medical experts use the example
of tobacco to illustrate the potential risks. Many years ago, people smoked freely and were not
concerned about the effects of cigarettes on their health. Today, people know that cigarettes
cause lung cancer, though it is still unknown exactly how or why. Some doctors fear that the same
thing will happen with devices such as mobile phones.
 Watch out: Cell phones can be addictive
Too much dependence on your Smartphone isn’t smart.
 
What’s on your Smartphone? The apps young men and women spend the most time on give clues
about why cell phones might be addictive.

The average college student uses a Smartphone for about nine hours each day.
That’s longer than many of those students spend sleeping. In fact, such extended cell phone use
shows that the technology could become an addiction, according to a new study. An addiction is a
type of uncontrolled and unhealthy habit.
It’s well known that people can become addicted to drugs, such as alcohol, narcotics and the
nicotine in cigarettes. What’s not so well known: “People can be addicted to behaviors,” says
James Roberts. He’s a marketing professor at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Roberts also was
the lead author of the new study. It appears in the August Journal of Behavioral Addictions.  
Some cell phone users show the same symptoms that a drug addict might have, Roberts explains.
Certain people use smart phones to lift their moods. And it may take more and more time on
those phones to provide the same level of enjoyment.
For such people, losing a phone or having its battery die could cause anxiety or panic. That’s
withdrawal, says Roberts.

Too much phone use can interfere with normal activities or cause conflicts with family and other
people, he adds. Yet despite these social costs, people may not cut back on their heavy phone use.
Indeed, he says, people might be unable to stop on their own.
The new study asked college students how much time they spent on different phone activities. It
also asked them how much they agreed or disagreed with statements suggesting possible
addiction. “I spend more time than I should on my cell phone,” said one such statement. “I get
agitated when my cell phone is not in sight,” said another. (Agitated means nervous or troubled.)
The more calls someone made, the more likely they were to show signs of addiction.
The data also differed a bit for men and women.
Among men, for instance, signs of a possible addiction showed a positive link, or correlation, with
time spent on a Bible app and apps for reading books. As use of either app increased, so did the
risk of addiction. Men’s use of social media apps, such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, also
correlated with risk of addiction.

Women were more likely to show signs of addiction if they often used Pinterest, Instagram,
Amazon or apps that let them use their phones like an iPod. Apps for the Bible, Twitter, Pandora
and Spotify showed an inverse correlation. That is, heavy use of those apps was linked to a lower
risk of phone addiction. 

A correlation does not prove that one factor causes another. But those links can provide helpful
clues. Roberts says the study’s results point to the types of rewards each gender might seek from
cell phone use. For instance, “men use technology — cell phones in particular — more for
entertainment and information,” Roberts notes.
“Women use the phone more for maintaining and nurturing social relationships,” he says. Those
types of activities often take more time. And, on average, women did use phones longer each day
than men did.
But simply because people used their phones a lot does not mean they were addicted.
Tracii Ryan is a psychologist at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. She’s also the lead author
of a report on Facebook addiction in the same issue of the Journal of Behavioral Addictions.
“Withdrawal and excessive use are certainly two legitimate symptoms of addiction,” she notes.
But, she adds, “They are not the only two that would be required for a diagnosis.”
Roberts agrees. However, he points out, there isn’t a good scale yet for measuring all of the
factors behind cell phone addiction.
Ryan makes a similar point about studies on Facebook addiction. “Researchers have not always
measured Facebook addiction using all of the accepted symptoms of addiction,” she says. “More
consistent research is needed.”
Yet Ryan’s report offers insight into the main reasons why people use Facebook. Some want to
interact with friends. Some want to pass time. Some want entertainment. And some people seek
companionship.
“Any one of these motivations might cause a lift in mood, which then leads to Facebook
addiction,” Ryan says. Someone might turn to Facebook to relieve loneliness, for example. But that
person might use the site so much that it causes problems.
“The important point to take away from both studies is that technology use can become addictive
for some people,” says Ryan.
As researchers keep asking questions, ask yourself some, too: How much time do you spend with
your phone or other technologies? What activities do you use them for —and why? Do you use
the technology when you should be paying attention in class or to other things? And how easily
can you go a day — or even a week — without a phone or logging onto a social media or
networking site?
Remember, the researchers say: Technology helps when it’s a tool — not when it is an unhealthy
addiction.

Power Words

addiction  The uncontrolled use of a habit-forming drug or uncontrolled and unhealthy behavior

(such as video-game playing or phone texting). It results from an illness triggered by brain changes
that occur after using some drugs or after engaging in some extremely pleasurable activities.
Persons with an addiction may feel a compelling need to use a drug (which can be alcohol, the
nicotine in tobacco, a prescription drug or an illegal chemical such as cocaine or heroin), even
when the user knows that doing so risks severe health or legal consequences. (For instance, even
though 35 million Americans try to quit smoking each year, fewer than 15 out of 100 succeed.
Most begin smoking again within a week, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.)

app  Short for application, or a computer program designed for a specific task.

correlation   A mutual relationship or connection between two variables. When there is

a positivecorrelation, an increase in one variable is associated with an increase in the other. (For
instance, scientists might correlate an increase in time spent watching TV with an increase in risk
of obesity.) Where there is aninverse correlation, an increase in one value is associated with a
decrease in the other. (Scientists might correlate an increase in TV watching with a decrease in
time spent exercising each week.) A correlation between two variables does not necessarily mean
one is causing the other. 

diagnosis  Identification of a causal problem or disease. 

marketing  The strategy for getting people to adopt a new policy or to buy new products or
services. In many cases, the marketing may rely on advertising or getting celebrities and other
trendsetters to endorse a policy or product.

media      (in the social sciences) A term for the ways information is delivered and shared within a
society. It encompasses not only the traditional media — newspapers, magazines, radio and
television — but also Internet- and smartphone-based outlets, such as blogs, Twitter, Facebook
and more. The newer, digital media are sometimes referred to as social media.

nicotine  A colorless, oily chemical produced in tobacco and certain other plants. It creates the
‘buzz’ effect associated with smoking. It also is highly addictive, making it hard for smokers to give
us their use of cigarettes. The chemical also is a poison, sometimes used as a pesticide to kill
insects and even some invasive snakes or frogs.

psychology  The study of the human mind, especially in relation to actions and behavior. Scientists
and mental-health professionals who work in this field are known as psychologists.

smartphone  A cell (or mobile) phone that can perform a host of functions, including search for
information on the Internet.

social media     Internet-based media, such as Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr that allow people to
connect with each other, often anonymously, and share information.

social network    Communities of people that are interrelated owing to the way they relate to each
other, such as sharing details of their life and interests on Twitter or Facebook, or perhaps
belonging to the same sports team, religious group or school.

symptom  Sign that suggests or indicates a possible disease or condition.

technology  The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry —

or the devices, processes and systems that result from those efforts.

withdrawal  (in medicine) An almost disease-like syndrome that can develop after animals
(including people) attempt to stop using a drug (including alcohol) to which they have become
addicted. Shaking, sweating, trouble sleeping, anxiety, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramping,
muscle aches and flu-like symptoms can occur and last for days.