Japanese Speaking Countries

Mon, 13 May 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Common Challenges in English for Japanese Native Speakers If you ever find yourself driving in French Canada, you will be stopped by stop signs that say 'arrêt', which is stopped in French. Almost all drivers in North America would know that this means stop because it's the same octagon red stop sign. In Japan it's very different, stop signs are triangular with Japanese script on them but, beneath the Japanese, you can find English subtitles which read 'stop'. In fact, if you travel anywhere in Japan, the majority of signs and announcements related to travel are offered in Japanese and English. English has been taught in Japanese schools since the American occupation after World War Two. However, according to an EF English...  [Read more]

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The Most Common Obstacles for Japanese Learners of English Formal English education first took root in Japan with the creation of the first English schools in 1865 and has since steamrolled into an aggressive effort by the government to produce an English-proficient population. The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET) was established to introduce native speakers into English classrooms, and English instruction continues to become mandatory for increasingly younger students in primary schools. Despite these efforts, an English Proficiency Index conducted by the organization English First gave Japan a "low proficiency" score, with the island country lagging not just the multicultural countries of Singapore and Malaysia but...  [Read more]

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The Most Problematic Challenges for English Learning in Japan Japan is a Pacific Island nation whose history is marked by periods of nationalism and seclusion, as the Japanese government closed the borders to international trade. The lack of foreign influence in Japan has enabled a unique culture to flourish and the population to remain nearly 98% homogenous, meaning nearly everyone that lives in Japan is Japanese. Table of Contents English in Japan Speaking Difficulties Classroom Atmosphere International Programs Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Andrew C. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs...  [Read more]

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The Most Common Issues Faced by English Learners in Japan Given the increase in globalization during the late 20th and early 21st centuries and the growing inter-dependencies of domestic economies within the international marketplace, English, as a primary language medium for conducting international business arrangements, has become an increased priority both socially and within the business environment. However, notwithstanding the importance of English fluency within contemporary society, Japan and Japanese English learners face difficulties when trying to achieve competency. These difficulties and issues can be shown by the 2018 EF English Proficiency Index which ranked the English level of Japanese learners as rank 49 out of 88...  [Read more]

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Typical Challenges for Japanese Native Speakers in ESL This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Daisy C. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Table of Contents Grammar Pronunciation Japanese schools Japanese culture Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Grammar One problem facing many Japanese students learning English is differentiating between countable and uncountable nouns. In the Japanese language, the same word is often used for 'much' and 'many'. In English, 'much' is used to describe countable nouns, and 'many' is used to describe uncountable nouns. A problem facing many EFL learners, especially Japanese learners,...  [Read more]

Mon, 17 Jun 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Reasons Why Learning American English is More Common in Japan British English (BrE) and American English (AmE) are two of the main varieties of the English language. There are other different varieties of English that exist such as Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, South Asian and African English. Table of Contents Language Structure 1. Vocabulary and Spelling 2. Grammar Historical Prerequisits Diplomatic Relationships Globalization Do you want to teach English in Japan? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: Although English was introduced to America through the colonization period by the British, the two varieties of English have evolved to be quite different from each other in certain areas. This...  [Read more]

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Why do Japanese Learners Face Difficulties when Studying English? English is causing many problems in Asian countries which can be seen just by the high demand for English teachers - including ESL teachers. One of the countries is Japan, a country with a good economy and a society well known for their kindness and politeness, but unfortunately also for the low number of English speakers. There are many reasons why English is likely to pose problems in Japan but there are many possibilities to improve the English lessons to offer lessons that help Japanese students to achieve a higher English level. Table of Contents 1. English is only written during lessons (Student Talk time is too low) 2. Students are not asked to express their...  [Read more]

Fri, 01 May 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The Usual Problems of Japanese Students in English A large number of obstacles can arise for the students when learning a foreign language. Some of these problems are related to the contrast between the mother language and the learned language. About the differences between L1 and L2, there is plenty of research in the field of contrastive linguistics. Moreover, regarding that topic, many papers can be found comparing English to Japanese with the aim to address the problems of Japanese learners of English. However, other predicaments with the apprehension of the L2 can develop when teachers underestimate the importance of the cultural dimension of the language taught. Concerning that particular impediment, less scientific literature...  [Read more]

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Problems That the Japanese Might Face When Learning English Learners from Japan have to face cultural issues as well as phonetic problems when learning English. Table of Contents Social Pressure Motivation Challenges Sound Awareness Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Susanne W. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Social Pressure Like in many other Asian countries, Japanese students are used to ex-cathedra teaching, rather than actively participating and contributing to the lessons. One of their biggest fears is to 'lose face' in front of others, which not only means losing...  [Read more]

Mon, 04 May 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences An Overview of Common Challenges of ESL Students from Japan Japan is a nation that has tried to increase its citizens' English ability, especially with the upcoming 2020 Olympic Games being held in their country. However, progress has been slow and not fruitful. There are various reasons for this slow stagnation of the nation's English abilities such as the larger academic system and access to proper education in rural areas. However, I will focus on three main hurdles that Japanese learners of English must face that can impede their English education. Table of Contents Japanese vs. English Phonetics Alphabet Japanese English Class Style Problems Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This...  [Read more]

Sat, 03 Nov 2018 Linda Dunsmore Destinations Teaching Ideas The Most Common Problems Students in Japan Face When Learning English Japan is a country facing rapid change. Due to an aging population and a scarcity of workers, Japan is opening its borders to foreigners, many of whom speak English. This, along with the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, has led to an increase in demand for English teachers. I currently work in Japan, and have had the experience of teaching English to high school Japanese students for the past year. Over the course of this year, I've learned of many problems that students in Japan face when learning English. Of those, the top three problems for students in Japan are pronunciation, shyness, and large class sizes. Table of Contents Listen to this blog post:...  [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]

Wed, 09 Oct 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Common Problems Japanese Learners of English Experience Japan is an island nation and is a recognized homogenous society with a very small percentage of foreign permanent residence and more than half of the adult population lacks the necessary skills to speak English proficiently. Because of this, English as a Second Language is in high demand with young learners being a focus group in Japan. English is taught in the school environment during nearly all of a child's primary education years, but this, unfortunately, doesn't translate to a proficient English-speaking Japanese population. Table of Contents Global Opportunities Differences in Language Structure Cultural Challenges Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!...  [Read more]

Teach TEFL in Japan Date posted:2006-06-23 | Writer: Westgate Corporation | Email: [email protected] Teach in Japan - More Than 100 EFL Instructors Needed For University Program's Fall 2006 Term and Academy Program's Year 2006!! ==WESTGATE CORPORATION EMPLOYS APPROXIMATELY 380 ENGLISH INSTRUCTORS PER YEAR!== ==We are pleased to announce that our survey in the past 3 years shows more than 70% of our instructors wish to renew the contract with us, and we actually have many returning instructors!== WESTGATE is looking for highly motivated EFL/ESL instructors to teach conversational English to Japanese university students at universities for approx. 3 to 4 months (UNIVERSITY PROGRAM), to Japanese elementary school children at elementary/primary schools for approx. 3 months...  [Read more]

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Problems for the English Language Learner in Japan Japan is well known for its unique culture, and history. As an island nation, it was isolated from the rest of the world until the mid-19th century when the country had to open itself to trade with western powers of the time. It was then when the English language made its way into the Japanese educational system. English spread quite rapidly, as the government saw the new language a way to catch up with the west. And, in 1873 English became the language of instruction in universities. However, due to various political reasons including the establishment of a standardized Japanese language system the urge to learn English had declined. Today in modern Japan, English is widely...  [Read more]

Agency Online TEFL Check out tefl tesol about Agency Online 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 T.R. - Japan said: English as a global languageIn November 2010, Mr. Hiroshi Mikitani, President of the japanese company Rakuten®, announced that by the year 2012, all operations at their headquarters in Tokyo will be done in English¹. To some, this news was a welcoming change, while to many others it spelled heartache. According to Mr. Mikitani, in order to survive in the global market place, English was ?essential?, as the company expands into more regions . This move by Mr....  [Read more]

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Challenges of EFL Teaching in Barbados and Japan This essay will be a comparison of my personal experience teaching English in Barbados, a country whose main language is English versus teaching English in a rural area in Japan, a country whose main language is Japanese (not English). Firstly, I will briefly discuss the definitions of teaching. Secondly, I will summarize English education for young learners in each country. Finally, I will compare and contrasts my personal experience in both countries and the valuable lessons I have learned. To protect the anonymity of the schools, the specific areas and any other identifying information will be excluded from this essay. Table of Contents What is Teaching? My International...  [Read more]

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The Cultural and Institutional Obstacles that Japanese Students of English Need to Overcome Many challenges come with teaching English in Japan that is unique and not innately obvious to some people. In addition to the more universal challenges of learning a new language, there are inherent cultural obstacles that English learners must overcome in Japan as well as several problems with the current course of study that is being taught. However, English teachers should do their best to work within the limits of the system to foster an interest and passion for language that lives on outside the classroom and beyond the school years of learners. Table of Contents Vastly different language system The history of Japanese isolation...  [Read more]

Wed, 25 Dec 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences My Foreign Language Experience and Why I Want to be TEFL/TESOL Certified As someone of mixed heritage, I have always had an interest in learning about cultures other than the one I live in America. My father is Colombian and my mother is American, so growing up I felt obliged to learn more about the Colombian background I was fairly unfamiliar with. Table of Contents First-Language Background Interest in Foreign Cultures Work Abroad English Teaching Plan Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Catherine P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. First-Language Background I never...  [Read more]

Sat, 25 May 2019 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Teaching ESL vs. EFL - What’s the difference? ESL is English which is usually taught to students in an English speaking country. EFL is English which is taught to students in a foreign, non-English speaking country. As it is true of many European countries, where is common to learn to speak more than one foreign language. For these reasons ESL is typically the term used in the United States, an English-speaking nation, whereas EFL is more often the term of choice in countries where English is not the native language. Table of Contents What's ESL? What's EFL? Teaching ESL versus teaching EFL ESL Students Need... 1. Hands-on English lessons suitable for their immediate needs. 2. Explicit cultural instruction. 3....  [Read more]

Agency Inexpensive TEFL Check out tefl tesol about Agency Inexpensive 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 T.P. - Japan said: Pronunciation problems in JapanJapan has cultivated a reputation for being a country that is rich in history, culture and resources. Within the global sphere Japan has also seen the impact of English language in transforming the way in which countries relate. In an effort to avoid being on the periphery of the development enabled by globalization, the Ministry of Education, Sports, Culture and technology (also referred to as MEXT) has made providing...  [Read more]

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Teaching English to Beginners in Japan Japanese is certainly one of the most interesting languages in the world thanks to its three types of writing (hiragana, katakana and kanji). Table of Contents International Links Main Challenges: Phonetic System Main Challenges: Exposure to English Main Challenges: Grammar Main Challenges: Beginners Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Desiree I. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. International Links After the outbreak of intercontinental travel (therefore with the appearance of commercialization and missionaries around the world) many...  [Read more]

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 Maddy Payne Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences An Australian Amongst American Textbooks in Japan: ✅ Teaching in a Country that Values American English Assistant Language Teachers in Japan come from different countries worldwide, bringing different kinds of English with them. In my experience, American English is often the most sought-after version of English. Some countries highly value Language Teachers from the USA, which often matches their American-style textbooks and resources. Sometimes people are even overlooked for job opportunities due to their Australian accent and British English background. Well, Japan is no different in this regard. Many Japanese schools hold American English in high regard, so what is it like being an Australian-English...  [Read more]

Institute Professional TEFL Check out tefl tesol about Institute Professional 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 C.M. - U.S.A. said: English as a Global Language English has become a global language because of its people. Looking into the past, one finds that the British Empire had expanded across the globe into nearly every continent and had helped to expand English via trade. Also helping to motivate non-English speakers to learn English was trade from Britain to their territories during the Industrial Revolution. However, the Industrial Revolution was not confined to...  [Read more]

Where is EFL taught? EFL, standing for English as a Foreign Language, predominantly refers to the instruction of English in non-English speaking countries. This encompasses many popular countries for teaching such as Spain, Japan, Mexico, and numerous others. In these settings, learners engage with English even though it is not the dominant language of their environment. While EFL can also denote courses in English-speaking nations, its primary context is the teaching or learning of English where it isn't the native language. Table of Contents What's the difference between EFL and ESL? What's the difference between teaching EFL and teaching ESL? What's the difference between EFL and ESL? It is very common for either of these acronyms to be used when talking about any situation where a...  [Read more]

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences How Can English Influence a Student's Career English is my first language, however, I studied Spanish throughout high school growing up in the Midwest and eventually received a Master's degree in Spanish Literature. I learned to speak Spanish very well after becoming a high school Spanish teacher for eight years and then a principal for elementary and secondary schools for 26 more years speaking Spanish to new immigrant students and parents the whole time. Table of Contents Bilingualism Confidence Advantages and Perspectives Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rex P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the...  [Read more]

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Why Do You Need to Get TEFL Certified? The desire to travel is common among many adults. However, two main factors would hinder them from traveling, that would be time and money. What if I told you that you can travel to as many countries as you like without fear? The need for English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers worldwide is increasingly high. It is a revolving industry that is always in demand. An individual is qualified and eligible to get an ESL position once he/she has completed their first degree but with a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Teaching English as Second or Other Language (TESOL) certification, you are in the lead by miles. Table of Contents Japanese Experience Benefits of TEFL Do you want...  [Read more]

TEFL in Honshu Island, Japan. Date posted:2006-03-20 | Writer: BENDA | Email: [email protected] THE BRITISH ENGLISH AND NEW DANCE ACADEMY. ENGLISH CONVERSATION TEACHER REQUIRED EARLY MAY 2006. We are a small culture school located on the southern tip of Honshu Island (Japan), about 40 minutes by train from Shimonoseki - across the Kanmon straight from Kyushu island. Our city is called Sanyoonodashi and it has a population of about 30, 000 people. We teach ''New Dance'' and ''English Conversation.'' At present we have 6 English teachers on our staff and 3 dance teachers. The dance teachers also carry out the day to day running of the school. University and College graduates from English speaking countries are offered a monthly salary of from Yen250, 000 - 270, 000 for a maximum...  [Read more]

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences How Important are Phonology and Pronunciation in the English Language Classroom? As a speaker of 5 languages (French being my native one), I've been exposed to different ways of teaching how one particular language sounds and why it sounds that way, what kind of meaning is conveyed using what sounds in what order, and so on. Quite often, I've noticed that in the school system, not enough emphasis is put on studying the sounds that pertain to the language itself. Table of Contents Learning English in a French Environment The Importance of Intonation Other Common Pronunciation Mistakes in English One Innovative Way I Tried to Help My Students In Conclusion Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post...  [Read more]

TEFL in Japan - Honshu Island Date posted:2005-10-26 | Writer: The British English and New Dance Academy | Email: [email protected]   ENGLISH CONVERSATION TEACHERS REQUIRED. SANYOONODA-SHI, YAMAGUCHI-PREFECTURE. JAPAN. We are a small culture school located on the southern tip of Honshu Island (Japan), about 40 minutes by train from Shimonoseki - across the Kanmon straight from Kyushu island. Our city is called Onoda and it has a population of about 45, 000 people. We teach "New Dance" and "English Conversation." At present we have 6 English teachers on our staff and 3 dance teachers. The dance teachers also carry out the day to day running of the school. University and College graduates from English speaking countries are offered a monthly salary of from Yen250, 000 -...  [Read more]