Easy Pronunciation

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 Regan McAllister TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas The Value of Perfecting Pronunciation Learning another language has many different components. There is vocabulary, grammar, new sounds and sometimes a new alphabet. There are the receptive (passive) skills of reading and listening and the productive (active) skills of writing and speaking. Ideally, all components are learned at a similar pace to achieve a well rounded grasp on the target language. Unfortunately, this often isn't how language learning transpires. Instead, it is common for learners to excel in certain areas while others will require more time and effort. As a teacher, it can be easy to lean into students' strengths and focus less on their weaknesses. Generally, the receptive skills...  [Read more]

Fri, 09 Aug 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Several Pronunciations Troubles Faced by The Japanese Native Speakers The differences between many Asiatic languages' pronunciation and that of English form the basis for a multitude of miscommunications between international interlocutors. My experience living in Japan provides plentiful evidence to support this assertion. When my Japanese associates and I communicate in English, I notice three significant pronunciation struggles for my conversation partners. For the Japanese who are learning English, the clear enunciation of the /th/ sound, the fricative quality of the /v/ consonant, and the distinction of /l/ versus /r/ formation of the tongue. Table of Contents Language Structure Difficult sounds Do you want to teach English...  [Read more]

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Native Language Experience in Second Language Acquisition A language is a tool for people to communicate, so there must be some connections among different languages, include similarities and differences. If we can use their similarities properly and pay attention to differences, different languages can be interlinked. Therefore, the first language not only has a positive impact but also hurts second language acquisition. We call these effects 'language transfer'. There are two kinds of language transfer, positive transfer, and negative transfer. Table of Contents Benefits and Drawbacks Research in the Field Anticipated Problems Results Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was...  [Read more]

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Challenges Faced by English Learners in Russia The ability to speak more than one language broadens a person's worldview, from job opportunities to the ability to relate with people from different cultures. It is no secret that learning English as a foreign language has become popular across many non-English speaking countries and Russia is no different. The English language has slowly been incorporated into the Russian educational system and many English language learning centers have been established all over the country. As much as most Russians are motivated enough to learn English, it is not as easy as one would hope due to dissimilarities between the two language systems especially the lettering systems, cases,...  [Read more]

Wed, 24 Apr 2019 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences The Most Common Problems Students in Nigeria Face When Learning English In recent times, it is safe to say that the English language is one of the most spoken languages and widely preferred L2s according to the Oxford dictionary. For communication to be successful, however, certain criteria need to be met. For instance, one must not only study the forms or shape of things but must also adhere to the formation of words and phrases alike in order to craft well-formed sentences, along with understanding the meaning of each word, phrase or the relationship between two words. Whether they differ or are similar in terms of phonetics and spelling before actually making use of it, it is important to note that anything contrary to this will...  [Read more]

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Common Speaking Challenges in China I came to China 4 years ago to teach English. I have not managed to learn Mandarin in that time frame but I did learn quite a bit about the differences in pronunciation between Mandarin and American English. The most common errors made by Chinese students generally come from the habit of translating to their native language. English and Mandarin share some similarities such as word order and sentence structure which also complicate the issue. In this essay, I will discuss teaching pronunciation, the problems that can occur when teaching pronunciations, and the issues that occur with Mandarin speakers learning English. Table of Contents Pronunciation Intonation Phonics Do you want to teach...  [Read more]

Tue, 14 May 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences What You Need to Know About Japanese Students' Challenges Before Teaching in Japan Japan is a country with a long history, deep tradition, and vibrant culture. Within this culture sits the Japanese language. At first, being a spoken language and then adopting the Chinese Writing System, Japanese has grown and changed into what it is today. If you look at all languages, most Western languages originate from a set family, such as Romance Languages (which became today's Spanish, French, Italian, etc). But Japanese (as most Asian languages) was formed from entirely different roots. These fundamental differences mean that the method of learning these languages has a lot to do with memorization and repetitive practice of the Chinese...  [Read more]

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences How Japanese as a Native Language Causes Problems for Students Learning English in Japan This essay seeks to explain how the Japanese 'Katakana' and 'Romaji' alphabets cause barriers to the introduction of English education in Japanese elementary schools. It will look at how these alphabets affect the pronunciation, writing, and reading abilities of Japanese students. Table of Contents The Japanese language arguably has four different alphabets. Chart 1: Examples of Katakana and Romaji English word(s)/ English pronunciation/ Katakana/ Katakana pronunciation/ Romaji Engage: Study: Activate: Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Ethan M....  [Read more]

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The Challenge of Learning English as a Second Language The process of learning a foreign language is not an easy one because they are expected to cover various aspects, and the challenges faced could cause a learner to take a longer time to learn the new language. Table of Contents Students' Feelings Language Aspects Cultural Specifics Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Payton P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Students' Feelings One of the difficulties that learners face is their attitude towards learning the language. An individuals' attitude relates to how they feel...  [Read more]

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Challenges of the French Native Speakers in English Learning Several surveys, such as EF (Education First), have shown that France has the worst English level in the European Union. We shall explain, firstly, why French students have problems in learning English and what these problems are. Then, secondly, we shall share solutions to these problems. Table of Contents Origin of Typical Difficulties Global Status of French Lack of Exposure to English Academical Importance Common Vocabulary Tenses Pronunciation Lesson Ideas Ways to Engage Grammar and Vocabulary Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Mohamed S. Please note that this blog post...  [Read more]

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Common Struggles of the Chinese Native Speakers Learning English Most researchers agree that the learner's first language influences the pronunciation of the target language and is a significant factor in accounting for foreign accents. So-called interference or interference from the first language is likely to cause errors in aspiration, stress, and intonation in the target language. Table of Contents Phonetics Unusual Sounds Language Structure Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Vesna A. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Phonetics Some Chinese students tend to have...  [Read more]

Centre Easy TEFL Check out tefl tesol about Centre Easy TEFL and apply today to be certified to teach English abroad. You could also be interested in: This is how our TEFL graduates feel they have gained from their course, and how they plan to put into action what they learned: Check out ITTT's Blog Posts V.H - France said: PronunciationAccording to the dictionary definition, pronunciation is defined as ?the act of enunciating or articulating sounds, words and sentences; to utter or articulate in the accepted and correct manner.? It is indeed one of the most important concepts to teach an ESL student. The importance of proper pronunciation and accept elimination for a non native speaker will not only impact their ability to truly communicate in the English language, assure the proper...  [Read more]

Wed, 08 May 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Pronunciation Problems of Students in the Philippines English has its place as the most frequently required subject of mostly Philippines' school and universities. This is because of the belief of most Filipinos that the mastery of the English language is the most important demands globally. We grew up believing that learning a second language is not an easy task, although other nationalities find that it is easy for us to imitate and practice the language. However, that is not the case. The problems of teaching and learning a foreign language, specifically English, have suggested some studies of the errors made by most Filipino students. In spite of the knowledge of English of the Filipino, there are times that most students...  [Read more]

Mon, 17 Jun 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Common Pronunciation Challenges for Learners in Azerbaijan Pronunciation is an essential part of the English language. Clear and cohesive speech can create meaningful conversations, meanwhile incorrect pronunciation can lead to misunderstandings. Every, non-native English-speaking country has pronunciation problems. One of the countries which come across with pronunciation errors is my homeland Azerbaijan. It is a lovely country, with nice traditions and people. Table of Contents Multilingual Country Historical Reasons Modern Situation Digital Age Teacher Training Do you want to teach English abroad? You are one step from it! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Narmina M. Please note that this...  [Read more]

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The Most Common Problems of Turkish Students While Learning English In the last years, English has become more and more popular worldwide. In most countries, children start learning a second language at an early age. Also in Turkey, the number of schools, universities and language centers where it is possible to learn English has increased significantly. Nevertheless, despite all the efforts and a considerable presence of foreign teachers, it seems that Turkish students find the English language extremely difficult to learn. Turkish students consider the education system the major cause of their school failure because it is too obsolete. I had the opportunity to work as a language teacher in Turkey for several years. This...  [Read more]

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Why is Pronunciation Important in Teaching Business English? Nowadays, English is becoming popular due to advanced technology and more people receiving higher education. That Goods, capital, services, people and even knowledge travels around the world make a common and standard language necessary. English is an ideal one. However, when people do business, they still talk most. A standard or conceivable accent is the first step towards a successful deal. This passage aims at emphasizing the importance of pronunciation in teaching business English. Generally speaking, teaching pronunciation specifically is good for students learning and career development. It is also good for teachers to earn more popularity as well as the...  [Read more]

Is teaching English easy? While mastering the English language is one thing, imparting that knowledge is another. English, with its intricate grammar rules, unique pronunciations, and varied spellings, can be challenging to teach. However, teaching English as a foreign language can be a rewarding experience, offering travel opportunities and immense job satisfaction. Proper preparation and understanding of the language's nuances are crucial before embarking on this teaching journey. Table of Contents Where are TEFL qualified teachers in demand? Asia Latin America The Middle East Europe What skills and qualifications do you need? Where are TEFL qualified teachers in demand? If you want to start your teaching career in a positive fashion it is important to understand the TEFL job market...  [Read more]

Thu, 26 Dec 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Problems for Indian Learners in ESL Unlike many other countries, India does not have a national language. There are over 30 official languages spoken in India. English has been adopted by the government for judicial and administrative proceedings, and most Indians have a functional understanding of English. However, many Indians struggle to learn and use English effectively. Table of Contents Pronunciation Exposure to English Differences in Language Structure Translation Approach Vocabulary Challenge Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Tejaswini K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions...  [Read more]

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 Regan McAllister TEFL Information Teaching Ideas The Challenges of Teaching Behind a Mask (and Some Possible Solutions) The pandemic has caused many changes in our daily lives. While I'm lucky to still have the opportunity to teach ESL in person, doing so with face masks has proved to be slightly more challenging. Table of Contents Challenge #1 - Delayed Comprehension Challenge #2 - Mis-Pronunciation Challenge #3 - Lack of Emotional Cues Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Face masks. A year ago, the thought of society operating with face masks seemed like some sort of ominous movie plot. Apocalyptic almost. Yet now they are on the same level as our phone or...  [Read more]

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Commonly Mispronounced Sounds by Chinese Native Speakers Throughout the world, different countries have difficulty pronouncing other sounds from different languages. For many native English speakers learning Mandarin, pronouncing the "x", "sh", "q", "ch", and "z" sounds are not easy obstacles to overcome. Based on my own experience it takes plenty of repetition to master how to pronounce each of these sounds. Chinese students have a similar problem when trying to pronounce certain sounds in English. The three sounds that come to mind are "th", "v" and the difference between "r" and "l". Table of Contents Difficult Sounds Replacing the /v/ sound with the /w/ sound Replacing the /l/ sound with the /r/ sound Do you want to teach...  [Read more]

Wed, 20 May 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Group Teaching as Opposed to Individual Teaching Teaching English as a foreign language can be done one of two ways: teaching a group of students or by teaching on a one-to-one basis. Table of Contents Teaching students in groups are very common in most classrooms. There are some advantages to teaching one-to-one courses. For teaching large groups, it can be made easy if you adopt the right teaching activities. In the case of one-to-one teaching, classes can be physically and mentally exhausting for learners and teachers. Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Xiaobing W. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent...  [Read more]

Regan McAllister Regan is an American teaching English in northern Japan. A nature enthusiast, she spends her free time hiking up (or skiing down) mountains, playing in the sea, and learning about the different flora around her. Read my articles Teaching English Abroad: The Good, the Bad and Why it’ll Make You a Better Teacher | ITTT | TEFL Blog Regan McAllister TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Living and immersing yourself in a new country can be beautifully exhilarating and full of self-discovery. It can also come with adjustments and challenges. When it comes to teaching English, fully immersing yourself in the country you are in will certainly improve your influence and success as an English teacher. How to Keep English Fun By Diversifying Your Lessons | ITTT | TEFL Blog...  [Read more]

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How to Help Chinese Native Speaking Students in Their ESL Practice China is one of the leading countries in the world that has been in the search and quest to learn the English language. In recent years the demand to learn English has been on a rise. Every school tries to have a teacher who can teach the language to the learners. However, in this process of learning, many learners encounter a series of problems which make the language learning process not an easy task both for teachers and students. However, we are going to be looking at very common problems students learning English as a foreign language face in China. Table of Contents First Language Lack of Interest Pronunciation Difficulties Ways to Solve The Abovementioned...  [Read more]

Easy TEFL Lessons Check out tefl tesol about Easy TEFL Lessons and apply today to be certified to teach English abroad. You could also be interested in: This is how our TEFL graduates feel they have gained from their course, and how they plan to put into action what they learned: Check out ITTT's Blog Posts C. P. - U.S.A. said: Problems for Learners in ChinaTeaching English in china presents a unique set of difficulties to an expatriate teacher from a western country, as there are numerous difficulties facing learners of English in china. Some of these problems are cultural, while others are caused by lack of exposure to English and English speakers, or the enormous differences between English and Mandarin chinese (for the purpose of this article, it should be assumed that references...  [Read more]

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Teaching English as a Second Language in Small Communities in America There is currently a need for more people willing to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) across America. Several small communities have accepted immigrants from other countries. Although children of school age will learn English in school, the parents and grandparents struggle to learn English as they continue their daily lives and earn a living. This is a challenge as most Americans do not know any other languages as they do in Europe, so the immigrant needs to communicate in English to accomplish anything. This leaves the older generation feeling isolated and causes problems in everyday life, such as going to the bank. In...  [Read more]

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Phonetics and Phonology in the ESL Classroom What is phonology? Most students have not even heard about it. Whenever I ask my students whether they know or have ever learned about phonetics, the same answers come out, "No, we don't know about it at all". It is no wonder they reply like this because there is no phonetic teaching lesson in English classes from KG to high school here in my country. As for me, I got to study about this only when I attended college. Even then, it wasn't taught comprehensively and I only learned very little. So I couldn't read nor write phonetic symbols very well. Thus I thought it was the most difficult part of studying English. Table of Contents Reasons to pay attention to phonetics Phonetics in the...  [Read more]

Mon, 04 May 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Why is Music in the Classroom Very Important? Music plays an important role in our life. Music is also considered a form of international language. Everybody can enjoy and understand music. For children, the music brings back a lot of useful things. Therefore, songs are a great way for children to learn English. Singing, Playing, and Listening to music/songs every day is extremely important especially when you are teaching young learners. As we all know that repetition is the key to learning, so songs are the best way to help them learn English while having fun at the same time. Music helps children to remember things better and predictable, repetitive activities make them feel secure. Table of Contents Playing some nice songs will...  [Read more]

TEFL Job in London Date posted:2009-01-21 | Writer: Linghouse | Email: [email protected] Linghouse is a London based language training company, offering private tuition, corporate language training, courses for children and English courses in groups in South East London.We are currently looking for enthusiastic TEFL qualified English language teachers to start in February.The shifts available are morning and afternoon. We are also looking for evening and weekend teachers available to work from February on our General English Courses and Conversation and Pronunciation Courses.Candidates should be qualified preferably with pronunciation teaching experience and ideally live locally.The work is on a freelance basisOnly successful applicants will be contacted.Requirements:Candidates must:- Be...  [Read more]

Qualifications TEFL Weekend Check out tefl tesol about Qualifications TEFL Weekend and apply today to be certified to teach English abroad. You could also be interested in: This is how our TEFL graduates feel they have gained from their course, and how they plan to put into action what they learned: Check out ITTT's Blog Posts H. H. - Egypt said: Pronunciation Problems in EgyptI have been teaching English for almost eight years for Egyptian university students at the English Department. Out of my experience of teaching Phonetics and Phonology for those students, I can conclude that the Egyptian learners of English encounter many pronunciation problems because of two main reasons: the English spelling as a poor reflection of the English pronunciation as well as the differences between...  [Read more]

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences There Is No L (And Other Differences Between Japanese and English) Throughout high school and college, I mainly focused on learning how to speak Japanese as my second language. Unlike English, Japanese is a fairly phonetic language. Two of its three writing systems, hiragana and katakana, are phonetic. This makes it easy for foreigners to learn because each syllable, also known as sound clusters in some circles, is almost always said exactly how it is spelled. The third writing system, kanji, is not and, as such, is much more difficult for foreigners to learn because kanji are essentially pictures that describe their meaning. They are much more difficult to learn and use in everyday speech. Table of Contents Differences in...  [Read more]