Phonetic Letters Pronunciation

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Phonemics according to the Merriam Webster dictionary is a branch of linguistic analysis that consists of the study of phonemes. In other words, it could be explained as the study of the sound system of a given language and the analysis and classification of its phonemes. Phonemics awareness, on the other hand, is the ability to examine language independently to its meaning and to manipulate its component sound[1]. Difference between phonemes and phonics Universal way of acquiring a language Why phonemes are important? Correlation between phonemic awareness and spelling ability Teachers' Role Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Lystra H. Please note that...  [Read more]

  A better way to go about imparting how to make sounds or what sounds are utilized in a word, is this international phonemic alphabet. Now we have as mentioned one symbol being used in all the words which share that same sound. Now once we get a little bit more familiar with our phonemic alphabet we can also show how different our different sounds can be as in this symbol for ?ooh?, this symbol for ?ow? and this symbol for ?uh?. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the...  [Read more]

  There are two issues that need to be stressed when working with the international phonemic alphabet. First is the fact that we are no longer concerned with how a word is traditionally spelled. Additionally we need to stress that we are only concerned with the sounds needed to correctly produce a word. So rather than numerous spellings, which can often be pronounced in different ways, we have one symbol representing one sound. Once we can isolate a sound, rather than juggling various spellings, we can work with our students on how to say that sound. Doing that successfully is related to manner and place of articulation, which will be covered shortly. To get a better understanding of the phonemic alphabet, let's take a look at our chart. In the bottom half of our chart we have our...  [Read more]

  "As mentioned before our four words here all are similar in using the ?b? and ?t? sounds at the end. So we know that those phonemes will be used in spelling each one of those words phonetically. Now what we're left to do is assign a phoneme for our vowel sounds. So if we analyze the word, it's ?e? as in bet. We look at our chart, we see the phoneme which corresponds to that sound and that happens to be the standard ?e? that we all recognize. Here, bet phonetically looks very similar to bet in the Roman script. Now let's take a look at ?i? bit. Now we look at our chart and we see that this symbol represents the ?i? sound and that resembles a capital I not a lowercase I but a capital I and so we've arrived at bit. Now with ?but? we have to find the sound and that corresponds to this...  [Read more]

  Now let's take a look at how we go from traditional spellings into the phonemic spellings. The first step in this process is identifying each unit of sound or each phoneme within a word. Let's look at bet, bit, but, and bought. The only difference in each one of these words is in the vowel sound. We have bet, bit, but and bought. Each word simply uses three sounds. Now we have photo. That's four phonemes. Wow we have taxi. That's five phonemes. We have unite with a hidden phoneme in there being the ?y? sound before anything else. Those are five phonemes as well and now we have a longer word: chemistry. Let's give that a shot. That's eight phonemes used in the word chemistry. Now once we've isolated each sound we want to assign a phoneme for each one of those sounds let's do that...  [Read more]

Teaching English pronunciation and phonetics to non-native speakers is crucial for effective communication. Clear pronunciation helps students convey their ideas accurately and be understood by others. Without proper pronunciation and phonetic skills, students may struggle to communicate effectively in English, leading to misunderstandings and barriers to language acquisition. By focusing on pronunciation and phonetics, teachers can help learners improve their speaking skills and develop confidence in using English in real-life situations. There are several strategies that teachers can use to help students improve their English pronunciation. One effective approach is to focus on individual sounds and phonemes, helping students understand the specific mouth and tongue positions needed to...  [Read more]

Teaching English pronunciation and phonetics to non-native speakers is crucial for effective communication and comprehension. Clear pronunciation helps students convey their ideas accurately and be understood by others. It also enhances listening skills, enabling students to comprehend spoken English more easily. Moreover, mastering phonetics aids in improving overall language fluency and confidence in using English in various contexts. When teaching pronunciation and phonetics, it is essential to focus on both segmental (individual sounds) and suprasegmental features (stress, intonation, rhythm). Incorporating activities such as minimal pairs exercises, word stress drills, and intonation practice can help students differentiate between similar sounds and understand the nuances of stress...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! When practicing speaking English it can be confusing for language learners to find that certain words have a silent letter that shouldn’t be used. Here we look at some of the most common examples.   When teaching English to non-native speakers the presence of silent letters can be a cause of great confusion among students and teachers alike. For the learner it can be frustrating to find that the written form of the word they have just mastered is actually spoken without using all the letters. There are a few basic rules when it comes to silent letters, but as is usually the case with English, there are often exceptions. Silent (B) Rule 1: The letter B is usually not pronounced after M at the end of a word e.g. comb,...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Knowing when and when not to capitalize is an important part of writing correct English. Most students quickly learn that you always capitalize the first letter of a new sentence, but what are the other rules?   Although mistakes with capitalization do not generally have a big affect on the readability of your written English, it is important to get it right when writing formally for work or study purposes. Fortunately, the most common rules above are quite clear and straightforward to learn. Below are a few more capitalization rules you should be aware of. Capitalize family relationships when used as proper nouns. Capitalize “Uncle Brian,” and “Grandma Betty”. Do not use capitals when referring to a person’s...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Like we all know, the English alphabet has 26 letters. These 26 letters can make 44 different sounds or phonemes – 20 sounds come from the vowels a, e, i, o and u; and 24 sounds come from the remaining 21 consonants. A phoneme is the smallest unit of sound that can change the meaning of a word. The Vowel Sounds The Consonant Sounds Syllable Stress Without Jumping to Conclusions Listen to this blog post Are you ready to take your TEFL course? Related Articles: If we consider sounds made simply by the letter 'a' for instance, in the word 'apple' – it's /ae/, in 'car' – it's /a:/, in amount – it's /a/, and so on. This, consequently, makes English a non-phonetic language, which means that the pronunciation of a word is not...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Here's a fun worksheet to study and practice daily routines vocabulary. Look at the pictures and write the missing letters in words.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

  The Significance of Letters of Recommendation What to Include in a Letter of Recommendation How Letters of Recommendation Impact TESOL Applications Building Strong Relationships for Strong Recommendations Tailoring Letters of Recommendation for TESOL Programs The Dos and Don'ts of Requesting Letters of Recommendation The Role of Letters of Recommendation in the Selection Process Showcasing Your Teaching Skills Through Recommendations Using Letters of Recommendation to Stand Out in TESOL Applications Ensuring Authenticity and Professionalism in Recommendation Letters Letters of recommendation play a crucial role in TESOL applications, providing insights into an applicant's character, work ethic, and teaching abilities. These letters offer a comprehensive view of the candidate beyond...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! This super cute worksheet is ideal to practice letters, counting, shapes, colors, and more!   Put the letters on the elephant in alphabetical order.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences During nine years of teaching English as a Second language, I have discovered how important phonetics is in learning the correct pronunciation of the English language, and in fact, in any language. Derwing and Munro (2005) emphasize, "It is essential to have an accurate understanding of the target language phonological system to enhance the quality of pronunciation". We should look at some of the problems that L2 learners have when trying to produce accurate L1 language patterns. We also have to take into account the students. Chinese students are very reluctant to speak in a classroom setting. So what pronunciation mistakes are most common? Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences One of the most important problems encountered while learning a foreign language is undoubtedly pronunciation. Knowing a language fluently may not always be enough. Fluency level may be open to discussion if an accurate pronunciation is not used. Therefore as teachers, we must teach our students how to use the correct pronunciation. However, pronunciation can be a nightmare for some students, especially for young learners. Common Errors in Pronunciation /h/ Sound Ways to Fix Errors Articulation Simple Way to Overcome the Problem Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Selin K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas This will be a discussion aimed at presenting both the advantages and disadvantages of teaching phonetics. We will show how teaching phonetics help create approachability and reinforce language similarities. Inversely we will look at how English suffers from inconsistent phonetic rules and the conflict between words as written and words as said. We will also look at methods to mitigate these issues. Self-awareness Noticing language similarities English rules Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Mitchell D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Teaching phonetics help create an approachability towards...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Have your preschool or Kindergarten students trace and write the uppercase letters on the hearts for Valentine's Day.   Trace and write the uppercase letters.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

  Highlighting Your Qualifications Emphasizing Your Teaching Experience Demonstrating Cultural Awareness Personalizing Your Approach Showcasing Your Passion for Education Aligning with the School's Values Addressing Potential Challenges Including a Strong Closing Statement Proofreading for Errors Seeking Feedback from Peers When concluding your TEFL cover letter, it's crucial to recap your qualifications succinctly. Mention your TEFL certification from a reputable provider like ITTT, highlighting any specialized training or endorsements. Briefly touch on relevant degrees, language proficiency, and any additional certifications that enhance your teaching abilities. This paragraph should reinforce your suitability for the role. When concluding your TEFL cover letter, it's crucial to...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! This is a great worksheet to practice writing. Students write a letter to their future self to read at the end of the school year. During the last year of school, you will look back to see how much the students have grown throughout the school year.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

  Understanding the Purpose of a TEFL Cover Letter Researching the School or Organization Highlighting Your TEFL Certification Showcasing Your Teaching Experience Tailoring Your Skills to the Job Requirements Demonstrating Cultural Awareness and Adaptability Emphasizing Your Passion for Teaching English Incorporating Language Skills and Proficiency Addressing Any Potential Gaps in Experience Concluding Your TEFL Cover Letter A TEFL cover letter serves as your introduction to potential employers in the field of teaching English as a foreign language. It provides a glimpse into your qualifications, experience, and passion for teaching. This letter is your opportunity to make a strong first impression and stand out among other candidates applying for the same position. It should...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Speech has been used to communicate and express many things since the dawn of man. When we look at wildlife, we can see a pattern in a speech similar to human communication. To truly understand science speech, we must look deeper at the concept of communication. Why Speech is Important? Word Stress Speech and Communication Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Dan S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. World leaders, actors, entertainers, successful businessmen and other professionals all have one major thing in common, their speech. We look at presidential talks and product release conferences...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas 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. Reasons to pay attention to phonetics Phonetics in the early years Benefits Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences For the longest time, people have separated teaching English from linguistics, which tends to include all their subcategories. However, phonetics, in particular, plays an incredibly integral part of the teaching of the English language. Why is an understanding of phonetics important in aiding the teaching pronunciation, articulation, and intonation? Being able to demonstrate how one changes the shape of their mouth, or the placement of their tongue can be the difference between someone speaking correct English and sounding as close as possible to a native speaker. Without at least a basic knowledge of this concept, how can we as teachers properly explain and display the way our language sounds in comparison with students' native languages, despite...  [Read more]

  Crafting a Targeted Resume Highlighting Relevant Experience Showcasing Your Skills Incorporating TEFL and TESOL Training Emphasizing Cultural Sensitivity Demonstrating Flexibility and Adaptability Utilizing Action Words Formatting and Design Tips Tailoring Your Cover Letter Proofreading and Final Checks When applying to teach English abroad, it's crucial to tailor your resume to the specific requirements of the job. Highlight your relevant experience, education, and certifications, including your TEFL or TESOL training from ITTT. When applying to teach English abroad, it's crucial to tailor your resume to the specific requirements of the job. Highlight your relevant experience, education, and certifications, including your TEFL or TESOL training from ITTT. Focus on showcasing any...  [Read more]

  Understanding the Importance of a Strong Resume and Cover Letter Tailoring Your Resume to the TEFL and TESOL Industry Highlighting Your TEFL and TESOL Qualifications Showcasing Relevant Teaching Experience Incorporating Key Skills and Abilities Emphasizing Cultural Awareness and Adaptability Writing a Compelling Cover Letter Personalizing Your Cover Letter for Different Job Applications Tips for Standing Out in a Competitive Job Market Finalizing Your Application with Professionalism In the competitive field of teaching English abroad, a well-crafted resume and cover letter are essential tools for landing your dream job. These documents serve as your first impression to potential employers, highlighting your qualifications, experience, and passion for teaching. ITTT, as one of the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas In my experience tutoring students in English as a foreign language, the most overlooked learning points were undoubtedly phonetics, phonology, and their connection to pronunciation. Occasionally, there would be a few students who specifically asked for materials that would allow them to perfect or improve their English accent. Some students even requested to receive tutoring in different accents such as the Australian accent. No matter what the request was, it became clear to me over time that the missing link when teaching pronunciation was its connection to phonology and phonetics. From this point on, I became incredibly interested in this topic. My Course Research Accent vs. Low Level of Education Solving Anticipated Problems in the Beginning Do you...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Contractions are commonly used in written and spoken English to shorten a group of words by omitting certain letters or sounds. In most cases, a contraction uses an apostrophe to represent the missing letters.   The list of contractions above represents some of the most common examples used in written English. Using contractions is also very common in spoken English; however, native speakers don’t always take the time to pronounce them precisely. Because of this, English learners can easily fall into the trap of writing contractions incorrectly. When speaking, we might pronounce could’ve, should’ve, and would’ve in such a way that they actually sound like “could of,” “should of,” and “would of.”...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences It is not a secret that pronouncing English sounds easily and correctly is a big challenge for non-native speakers. Of course, the complexity of English pronunciation consists not only of particular sounds but also of several other aspects such as intonation, stress, rhythm, and timing. I would like to analyze one of the biggest and most obvious pronunciation problems for Ukrainian speakers of English which, in my opinion, is sound differences and the way of pronouncing sounds. Sound System Articulation Aspiration Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Hanna H. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. There are a number...  [Read more]

Crafting a compelling TEFL cover letter is essential when applying for English teaching jobs. This letter complements your CV/resume and serves as an opportunity to highlight your passion for teaching and your suitability for the role. Essential elements of a TEFL cover letter include: Remember, your TEFL cover letter is an essential tool in conveying your commitment and expertise in the field. Make it unique to the position on offer Focus on your personal qualities and not just qualifications Keep it brief, neat, and professional Be yourself and include all the necessary contact details How to layout your cover letter Although it might be quicker and easier to use the same cover letter for every job you apply for, tailoring each letter to each specific job will generally reap better...  [Read more]

  In this video we'll be looking at the international phonemic alphabet and how it's used in the classroom. There are other phonemic alphabets but this is the most popular and the system, which is most widely used. You may have seen some of these symbols before as any good dictionary will supplement standard English spellings with the phonemic spellings to aid in pronunciation practice. Here we have a situation where we have what are called phonemes and each phoneme represents a sound within the English language. How is this helpful? Well, what it does is help students understand how to say words rather than simply relying on the often archaic English spellings. To illustrate this point let's for a moment put ourselves in the shoes of our students when trying to understand how to say...  [Read more]