Learn English For Chinese Speakers

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Most teachers come to China to teach English with only a general idea about Chinese culture and language which they should have to deal with as soon as they arrive in China. The reason I chose this topic is that I am fluent in Chinese and have experienced Chinese culture in all its facets for over than seven years. But let's not beat around the bush and get down to the nitty-gritty. Shyness/lack of confidence: Grammar issues: Pronunciation issues: Th: /s/ instead of /th/ V: /w/ instead of /v/ (mostly with southern Chinese) Lt: /t/ instead of /lt/ Intonation: Lack of learning structure: Do you want to teach English in China? Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Ruben M. Chinese people often seem to be shy or...  [Read more]

Yes, it is possible to learn Chinese while teaching English abroad. While the main focus of teaching English abroad is on instructing students in the English language, many programs and schools offer opportunities for their teachers to learn the local language. Here are some common ways you can learn Chinese while teaching English abroad: Language classes: Some schools provide language classes for their teachers to learn the local language, including Chinese. These classes can be formal lessons or informal language exchanges with local colleagues or students. Cultural immersion: Living in a country where Chinese is spoken allows you to immerse yourself in the language and culture. Daily interactions with locals, such as shopping, dining out, or participating in community events, can help...  [Read more]

SOURCE: www . learnmandarinnow . com/ Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The Oxford English dictionary defines Vocabulary as "the body of words used in a particular language". From this definition, it is obvious that teaching vocabulary to new students of the English language will not be an easy thing due to the complexity and nature of the language. Context is very important when teaching vocabulary. The Shakespearean language of the 16th Century has evolved from the Victorian era, or to that of the early 20th century and today's 21st century. The location also determines the use of certain vocabulary and expressions. For example, the English spoken in London is different from that of Liverpool, Glasgow, New York, Houston, Ottawa, etc. It is important for a good teacher to be well versed and open-minded about certain...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences With English being one of the most widely used languages in the world, many individuals are learning English in China. The learners include children, businessmen, etc. Although the learners have their own reasons for studying English, there are three main problems that the Chinese learners face while trying to learn English. Drilling vs. Understanding Exams vs. Communication Selfishness vs. Open-mindedness ESL students all over the world need professional teachers! Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Ning G. The first issue is that learners pay too much attention to memorizing a new vocabulary while ignoring the phonetic symbols. In China, memorizing English words is the 'standard...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences 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". Difficult Sounds Replacing the /v/ sound with the /w/ sound Replacing the /l/ sound with the /r/ sound Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas 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. 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. Some Chinese students tend to have difficulty with English sounds because they are deeply influenced by similar Chinese sounds. However, they are very...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The issue of testing and/or evaluation is an important topic in general, however, it is of personal import to me because I currently work as a full-time ESL teacher in China, over half of who are pre-school and kindergarten age. In China, children begin primary school (first grade), at age seven, plus they have three years of mandatory kindergarten, which begins at age four. English is not taught in Chinese public schools until primary school (grade three), and then, for only forty minutes, three times per week. For these reasons, the average Chinese child is not formally taught English until they are nine years old, and even then, for only three hours per week. Lack of English Environment Challenges of Testing and Evaluation Bilingualism Vocabulary...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Grammar is the rules governing the composition of clauses, phrases, and words in a natural language. Simply put, grammar is the general rule of a language. Language is logical; grammar tells us in which order we say words. It's about how words become phrases; how words and phrases become sentences and how sentences become language. The Essence of Grammar Different languages have different grammar rules How to teach grammar (EFL: how to teach Chinese students English) Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Yang S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Some of these rules are acquired naturally in...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Sheneil J. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Problems with Consonants Problems with Vowels Problems with Rhythm and Stress Problems with intonation Minimal Pairs Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Chinese does not have either of the "th" sounds (like "that" and "this"). Most other languages do not have these sounds and they are problematic for most learners of English. The difficulty is the point of articulation- the tongue has to be between the teeth, not behind them. Many people say that English speakers look like they're sticking their tongues out all the time because of the "th" sounds. It...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Language has always played an important role in communication between people. Today, in the globalization, the importance of mastering a foreign language has become increasingly prominent. English is the most widely used language in the world. English Status in China Reasons for Low Results in English Economical Challenges Differences in Two Languages Cultural Background Lack of Proper Study Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Xiao W. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. In the 21st century, English is not unfamiliar to us Chinese. In our life, we can find English everywhere with little...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Over the past three years, I've had the privilege of teaching English as a foreign language online for a company called Education First. The format would normally be an internationally diverse group in an audio-only platform. During these sessions, I found that my students from China would have specific challenges in pronunciation that many of my European and Brazilian students would not. I recognized their tendency to add an "a" at the end of words that clearly ended in a consonant. Unfortunately, I was not educated enough in the specific challenges that Mandarin speakers faced in their attempt to learn English. I'm scheduled to begin teaching in China later this year, and it has become clear to me that I need to drill into the specific challenges faced...  [Read more]

Jon ITTT Alumni Experiences As English becomes the de facto global language, people all over the world are learning English for schoolwork, career advancement, or the ability to visit English-speaking countries. Even though the content they are learning is about the same, the problems they most frequently encounter are not. In this essay I will focus on the problems commonly encountered by English learners in Hong Kong. The reasons for this choice are twofold—one is that I am a Chinese American and thus familiar with Chinese culture and potential problems in English learning resulting from this culture, the other is that I want to teach English in Hong Kong in the foreseeable future and thus it makes sense for me to focus on the potential problems my future students may have....  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences This essay answers the question for number 10 "what are the main problems for learners in the country of China?" I am a professor at Jiangnan University in Wuxi, China and share my observations. Our students are in the North American College (NAC), with partners in Canada at Lambton College and Northwood University, USA. Three areas are most interesting to their learning challenges: college preparation, listening and writing. Exam System Lexical Units Digital Autism Writing Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Annette P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Students enter NAC with a low score on...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Over the decades, the English language has reached the status of a global language and is commonly known as the lingua franca around the world. It has become one of the most widely spoken language as a mother tongue, international communication as well as language taught in millions of schools around the globe. The use of the English language is widespread in many sectors in the global market as many organizations begin to adopt the language as an official language. In the economic world, the language plays a significant role in international trade/business between two of the most powerful global economic powerhouse mainly the United States of America and China. English as a necessity Demand in extracurricular activities Common challenges...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences 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. Pronunciation Intonation Phonics Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas I am a lifelong ESL student myself. Every day I am learning something new from the books, from the things around me, and my students. For the last few years, I've been teaching the English language here in China, which is why I chose this topic. China is a great country with beautiful sceneries and very hard-working, enthusiastic, and friendly people. Learning any language is not an easy job. It requires patience, practice, and of course, a desire. Chinese Students' Strongest vs. Weakest Abilities Pronunciation Motivation Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Buned...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Learning a second language can be difficult, and this is especially true when the learners L1 and their target language are completely different in structure, sound, and tones. An English as a second language student who speaks French, German, or any other European language will have an easier task than one who speaks a language that is not of European origins. One such language is Mandarin Chinese. State of The Problem The Chinese Language Structure Tenses Sentence Structure Do you want to teach English in China? Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Ashley L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. The areas that native Mandarin speakers most often run...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Teachers of Foreign Language classes, in which students are not very successful at learning the language, usually find themselves in situations, in which their teaching abilities are placed under scrutiny and they are required to provide viable explanations for their student's failure. As no one likes to be placed under a microscope, the teachers often find a culprit and it is usually the students' level of motivation. The students themselves, however, are almost always said to be bursting with talent and ability (Chambers, G.N, 1999). What is Motivation? Examples What are Teachers' Responsibilities? Are you ready to teach English to ESL students? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas 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. First Language Lack of Interest Pronunciation Difficulties Ways to Solve The Abovementioned Problems 1. Speak English to Students Only 2. Work on Building Students' Confidence Do you want to teach...  [Read more]

Unlocking Opportunities for Chinese Students Through English Proficiency 1. The Importance of English Proficiency 2. Academic Advantages 3. Career Opportunities 4. Cultural Enrichment English proficiency plays a crucial role in the academic and professional success of Chinese students. In today's globalized world, being fluent in English opens up a world of opportunities and advantages. As the leading provider of TEFL and TESOL training, ITTT is dedicated to helping Chinese students enhance their English skills and achieve their goals. English is widely recognized as the international language of business, science, and diplomacy. For Chinese students, mastering English not only improves their communication skills but also gives them a competitive edge in the global job market. With English...  [Read more]

1. The Importance of English Language Skills 2. Advantages of Learning English for Chinese Students 3. Opportunities for Chinese Students with English Proficiency 4. Conclusion English has become the global language of communication, business, and technology. For Chinese students, mastering the English language opens up a world of opportunities and possibilities. With English proficiency, Chinese students can access a wider range of resources, connect with people from diverse cultures, and enhance their academic and professional prospects. Learning English offers numerous benefits for Chinese students. Firstly, it provides them with a competitive edge in the job market. Many multinational companies require employees to have a good command of English, and possessing this skill can...  [Read more]

Minh Huy Hoang TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Learning English during break time at the office can be an effective and enjoyable way to improve your language skills. Ready to teach English as a Foreign Language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Here are 10 hacks to make the most of your time: Utilize Language Learning Apps:Use language learning apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Rosetta Stone. These apps offer quick lessons that you can complete during short breaks. Listen to English Podcasts:Podcasts are a great way to improve your listening skills. Find podcasts that match your interests, and listen to them during breaks. This will expose you to natural, conversational English. Flashcards for Vocabulary:Create...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas I have been working as an English teacher for almost five years and I have a lot of experience in teaching children and adults. Therefore, after learning these units, I can gain a better understanding of class management. Reasons for Management in Class Rapport Young Learners Adults Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Wenyi L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. When it comes to teaching children, class management is essential. Children have an innate curiosity, which is a big motivation. They like looking for something new and learning it. Studying when you were a child has many advantages....  [Read more]

Unlocking the World: Advantages of Bilingualism for Chinese Students 1. The Cognitive Benefits of Bilingualism 2. Enhanced Career Opportunities 3. Cultural Understanding and Global Perspective 4. Conclusion As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the ability to speak more than one language is a valuable asset. For Chinese students, bilingualism offers a wide range of benefits that can positively impact their personal, academic, and professional lives. In this article, we will explore the advantages of bilingualism for Chinese students and how it can open doors to new opportunities and experiences. Research has shown that being bilingual can have a positive impact on cognitive functions such as problem-solving, multitasking, and decision-making. For Chinese students who are...  [Read more]

Navigating the nuances of teaching English to Chinese students requires a tailored approach that considers their unique language background, cultural context, and learning preferences. As a teacher, it is crucial to adapt proven teaching techniques, such as those used in the CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) program, to effectively engage and support Chinese learners in their language acquisition journey. Understanding the key differences between the English language and Chinese language structures is essential for creating targeted lesson plans that cater to the specific needs of Chinese students. For instance, the absence of verb conjugation in Chinese may result in challenges for learners when mastering English grammar rules. By incorporating interactive...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences In this blog post, I plan to examine why English may be such a challenging language for Chinese speakers to master, namely in comparison to their European peers. For the purpose of this examination, I will focus on four main aspects, from quite glaring differences to other aspects that some may not initially consider: written language, grammar, vocabulary, and language exposure. Chinese does not use an alphabet for written language Grammatically, Chinese and English stand worlds apart Challenges with vocabulary Exposure to English is very limited in China Are you ready to teach English in China? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post These points are drawn from my own experience of living and teaching English in China, from learning Chinese myself...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The following essay is a summative task for my TEFL certification course. I have chosen the topic "Problems for learners in a country of your choice" and the country of focus is China. In the essay, I would like to answer the question "How to help Chinese learners improve their conversation skills?" Listen to this blog post: State of the problem Phonetic System Chinese Censorship Culture Ways to Teach Speaking Intonation and Stress Speaking Activities Motivation Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Nastja S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. The reason for choosing this topic and this title...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences There is little doubt that students who are interested, involved and motivated are easier to teach. Motivated students are forthcoming and attentive, the class flows easily, and there is more response and creativity during activities. So, with a class full of motivated kids, we find our English class is more fun. But does that mean the students can learn as much? The level of motivation is tied to the teacher's response. Motivated students are more eager to learn. How to motivate your students Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Melanie S. In many countries, in fact, in many traditional schools across the world, grammar drilling,...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Today studying English is one of the most important and prospective goals of the modern world. The age of students has changed and parents are trying to start their children learning a foreign language as early as possible. Preschool-aged children are the most favorable for this activity. Most important purposes in teaching preschoolers are: Basic principles in teaching English in a kindergarten: Strategies for teaching children in a kindergarten: Phase Engage (5-10 min) Phase Activate (15-20 min) So why should young children learn English? Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Olga O. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the...  [Read more]