[Beatrix]

Today I have come across it in one internet biography:

Since 2000, he teaches as Visiting Professor at the Central European University (course: The Law of Internet and E-Commerce), and since 2001 he teaches Private International Law at the Faculty of Law at the University of Belgrade

Is it possible to say that, since it has obviously become his permanent occupation, or is it just the case of incorrect translation?

Thanks

[clivehawkins]

I think you're right - it does sound a bit odd.

I'd say He has been the Visiting Professor . . since 2000 or Since 2000 he has been teaching as Visiting Professor.

In the first example the verb is BE, and so I'd use the simple form. In the second example the verb is TEACH and I use the continuous form to focus on the duration of the verb.

It's a bit of a complicated area - very often I just use my ear, as you have done. If it sounds wrong, it probably is

Anyone else have any ideas?

[susan53]

Really interesting. All the textbooks will tell you it's wrong and that would be my gut reaction too. If I saw it in a student's work I'd certainly correct it to He's taught ... or possibly He's been teaching ...

But - I've found the following on Google ...

From Canadian sites : Since 2004 he holds the same position .... / Since 2000, he teaches in the Faculty of Communication and Design ...

From an Australian site : Since 2000 he teaches physics of the oceans ...

And from a British site : Since 2000 he teaches "Visual "Communication" at SUPSI in Lugano

However, in each case the description is of a non-native speaker and although written in the 3rd person, was probably contributed by the person themself.

So - I'm going for incorrect. But I have to say that it sounds almost right, and clearly slipped through the net on these native-speaker university sites.

Langauge changes constantly, and the importance of English as a Lingua Franca means that a new variety is fast developing. Apart from not needing idioms, phrasal verbs and so on, proficient ELF learners are also pushing this variety of the language towards a grammatically simpler form. I've suggested for a while now that in International English the present perfect will be one of the first things to go and to be accepted as correct by native speakers - looks like I might be right.

[clivehawkins]

Quote susan53

I've suggested for a while now that in International English the present perfect will be one of the first things to go

I think you're right too, Susan. But it'd be a pity though, don't you think?

[Beatrix]

thanks, you've been helpful, as always