Speak English In Japanese

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences During my stay in Japan, Japanese people often told me how they can't communicate in English despite studying the language for six or more years in school. In Japan, students in junior and senior high learn English grammar and vocabulary in compulsory formal English classes. English is also taught in elementary school as foreign language activities. Yet despite spending several hours in English classes, many Japanese people graduate high school with poor English communication skills. Education system Class culture Learning goals Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rachel M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences 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 Proficiency Index in 2017, Japanese English proficiency is 35th out of 72...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas 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 exists. In this essay, the discussion will focus on several issues of...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Having been an English teacher of high school students in Japan for the past 2 years, I have noticed that motivation in the classroom is as much dependent on the students as it is on me as the teacher. There are three aspects that I have identified and used in my environment to get the student motivated and engaged. The Japanese culture is largely conservative and group orientated and those are crucial to take into account if one is to succeed in their teaching career in Japan. The following plays a big role in setting a tone whereby students are motivated and engaged. Those aspects are culture, societal pressure, and peer pressure. Culture Societal perception Peer pressure Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: ...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas In the four skills, speaking is usually the poorest for the students learning English as L2. This results from lack of speaking practice, thus, students tend to be reluctantly speaking English in class as well as after class. It is important for teachers to encourage and motivate them to speak English, especially in class. Based on some knowledge gained through this course and my experience as a teacher, I have tried to build a language speaking environment, adopt many ways and encourage students to open their mouths to speak and they made a lot of progress in speaking English. The ideas below are mostly for pre-intermediate students and as for young learners, one can adopt different methods to make them speak. Environment is essential Encouragement is...  [Read more]

Date posted:2022-12-04 | Writer: Active English School | Email: [email protected] Active English School in Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan is looking for an energetic, versatile and professional native English teacher to begin working in the beginning of February or April, 2023. Position available:- Conversation Teachers at the private English schoolOur school is small, friendly and family-owned.Students range from 2 to 70 years of age.  Working with us is a great opportunity to get to know students on a personal level and participate in cultural exchange.Nagano prefecture is centrally located with great access to hiking, skiing or snowboarding, and hot springs.  Shiojiri is a small, quiet city about 20 minutes from Matsumoto and 2.5 hours from Tokyo...  [Read more]

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Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences What's the most difficult part of learning a new language? Is it writing? Perhaps it's the reading or memorizing new vocabulary? Well for some it's speaking the new language, specifically when it comes to pronunciation. Every language has its unique ways or pronouncing their vowels and constants as well as how they form their sentence structure. Especially this write up will focus on Japanese English as a Second Language (ESL) students and the difficulties they face while learning English and its pronunciation. Japanese Writing Teaching Approach Pronunciation Differences Further Steps Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Zachary B. Please note that this...  [Read more]

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Hoàng Minh Huy Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In recent years, the number of people learning English has significantly increased due to its importance. It offers various benefits, such as career opportunities, financial stability, and studying abroad. English comprises four essential skills, with speaking being a crucial step in mastering any language. This article outlines strategies to speak English fluently like a native. Leveraging Technological Advancements Engaging with Native Speakers Immersing in an English-Speaking Environment Conclusion: Diverse Paths to English Mastery Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! First and foremost, technology's rapid advancement aids English...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas 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. Grammar Pronunciation Japanese schools Japanese culture Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: 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, is idioms. The English language has thousands of idioms, which are used in everyday life. These are...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas 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. Global Opportunities Differences in Language Structure Cultural Challenges 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...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Japan is a country continuously changing at a rapid pace largely due to globalization and marketing. With its growing popularity and necessity, difficulties are sure to arise for people learning English and specifically, in Japan. To fully understand all the problems learners face in Japan, it is important to realize why English is so widely being studied in the first place. Firstly, students must study English for 6 years throughout primary and high school. As well as being part of the Japanese schooling system, the advantages of being able to speak English are endless. The benefits of finding a job or being able to communicate whilst abroad are common motives. However in Japan specifically, more so than western countries, the education and pressure put...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Expressing ourselves in a language that it is not our native language could be for most students frustrating and intimidating, especially when they are in a room full of people and there is a fear to be judged by peers and their teacher who is carefully listening to them; these feelings are the ones that stress out and hold down students, preventing them from participating in class, and as a consequence they do not practice and learn English efficiently. There could be many reasons for students to stress in the classroom, some students may simply be shy, some may be afraid to make mistakes and others may just lack English knowledge and vocabulary to express their ideas. Ways to relief stressful situations 1. Motivate 2. Build self-esteem 3. Create the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences I have been living in Japan for the past one and a half years. Needless to say, the experience has been enthralling. This country would have never been my first choice for a country to relocate to, from my home country, India. But if my stay has taught me anything, it is that never judge a book by its cover. When we think of Japan, the first thing that pops up is that it is a country of workaholics; it has zero English presence, and the people are highly prejudiced against foreigners and foreign culture. I was proven wrong. Japan is a beautiful country. It is culturally so rich, it makes me want to live here forever. The people, though tend to be a little distant initially, a warm-up to you eventually, and once they do, they could move mountains for...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas I have been teaching in Japan for over 12 years in three different locations ranging from the southernmost part of Hokkaido to the southern island of Kyushu, where I presently reside. The youngest students I have had were children not even two years of age, whereas my older students were in their seventies. This is a very common situation for those who teach here in Japan; a country where the English boom occurred not too long after they rebuilt their nation following the Second World War. Interest Popular Culture Influence Pronunciation Difficulties Language Systems Confidence Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Andrew W. Please note that this blog post...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences I work in two schools. I am an assistant language teacher at one commercial (low-level English) high school, and an integrated (high-level English) academic junior high and high school. I have had experiences with different kinds of students, Japanese-English teachers, and classroom atmospheres. In Japan, students take an entrance exam to get into high school. If they scored low on the entrance exam, then they are placed in the lowest ranking class. Each school has a certain number of classrooms for each grade. Both of my high schools have six classes total for each grade. There are usually around forty to forty-two students in each class as well. Teaching forty plus students in a crowded classroom is difficult. And unlike many stereotypes of...  [Read more]

1. Understanding the Japanese Classroom Environment 2. Effective Teaching Strategies for English Language Learners 3. Cultural Sensitivity and Adaptability in Teaching 4. Building Strong Relationships with Students and Colleagues Teaching English in a Japanese classroom can be a rewarding and enriching experience for educators looking to make a positive impact on students' lives. By understanding the unique cultural context and educational practices in Japan, teachers can create a supportive and engaging learning environment for English language learners. In this guide, we will explore the best practices for teaching English in a Japanese classroom, including effective teaching strategies, cultural sensitivity, and tips for building strong relationships with students and colleagues. Before...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In the wake of the upcoming 2020 Olympics in Japan, there has been an increase in elementary school level English classes. As an assistant language teacher half into my fourth year, I have had the rare chance to work the entirety of my time in one elementary school where I have had many great memories. However, being present every day I began to notice that some students were struggling or in some cases, not even trying when it came to English class. Talking with my peers and colleagues from other elementary schools as well as my own, there are some common problems that many students seem to experience in an English class. These problems include learning in a counter-productive environment, inconsistent exposure to the language, and a lack of...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences 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 also its East Asian neighbors China and South Korea. To explain this disparity...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Japan is a First-World, Asian country, well-known for its clean vehicular designs, its production of famed animations, its ability to wow the Western world with hygienic efforts even at leisurely events (World Cup 2018), and overall its impeccable attention to detail in most areas of life. Yet, even with these accolades behind the name, there remains a sore spot, which any foreigner who has experienced Japan in the flesh, can verify exists. That is, the surprising lack of ability of the general public to understand and/or produce comprehensible English, an established global language. Failures Teaching techniques Social challenges Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification...  [Read more]

One of the most effective ways to encourage students to speak confidently in English is by creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment. This can be achieved by fostering a sense of community where students feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment. Encourage open communication, active listening, and mutual respect among students. Additionally, use positive reinforcement to acknowledge and praise students' efforts in speaking English, regardless of their proficiency level. By creating a safe space for language practice, students will feel more confident to engage in conversations and express their thoughts. Engaging activities play a crucial role in boosting students' confidence in speaking English. Incorporate interactive and communicative tasks that...  [Read more]

Absolutely, teaching English in Thailand doesn't necessitate fluency in Thai. In fact, most language schools in Thailand prefer that ESL instructors use only English in the classroom to promote full immersion, regardless of their Thai language proficiency. Is there a need for English teachers in Thailand? What are the requirements for teaching English in Thailand? Thailand has seen a surge in demand for English teachers, driven by its expanding economy and an increasing eagerness among its population to master the language. As English education gains prominence, those with TEFL certifications generally find more lucrative opportunities. The shift towards long-term contracts has led schools to prioritize instructors willing to commit for extended periods, rather than brief stints. With...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences 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. 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. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. The main two, 'Hiragana' (the...  [Read more]

1. Benefits of Teaching English in Countries Where You Don't Speak the Local Language 2. Challenges of Teaching English in Countries Where You Don't Speak the Local Language 3. Strategies for Teaching English in Countries Where You Don't Speak the Local Language 4. Conclusion: Teaching English Successfully in Countries Where You Don't Speak the Local Language Benefits of Teaching English in Countries Where You Don't Speak the Local Language Teaching English in a country where you don't speak the local language can be a rewarding experience. It forces you to immerse yourself in the language you are teaching and helps you understand the challenges your students face when learning a new language. This can make you a more empathetic and effective teacher. Additionally, being in an environment...  [Read more]

Enhancing vocabulary skills is essential for Japanese students who are learning English as a second language. By expanding their vocabulary, students can improve their communication skills, comprehension, and overall language proficiency. In this article, we will explore effective strategies and techniques to help Japanese learners build their English vocabulary. We will discuss the importance of vocabulary acquisition, provide practical tips for expanding vocabulary, and recommend resources to support vocabulary development. Additionally, we will highlight the role of teachers in facilitating vocabulary growth and offer suggestions for creating a conducive learning environment for students. 1. Importance of Vocabulary Acquisition 2. Practical Tips for Expanding Vocabulary 3. Resources...  [Read more]

Are you considering teaching English in Japan? With its unique culture, advanced technology, and high demand for English teachers, Japan is a popular destination for those looking to teach English as a foreign language. In this article, we will explore the best Japanese cities for English teaching jobs, providing valuable insights into the top locations for ESL teachers in Japan. As the bustling capital city of Japan, Tokyo offers a wide range of opportunities for English teachers. With a vibrant expat community, numerous language schools, and international companies, Tokyo is a hub for English language education. From prestigious universities to private language institutes, there are plenty of options for ESL teachers in Tokyo. Additionally, the city's efficient public transportation...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In Crystal (2003) the statement "English Rules" is said to present a scenario wherein the English language spreads continuously and becomes universal. This is a real possibility in the next century, as the technological and socio-economic developments are improving the quality of life and are enhancing the way we live and learn. The English language is well on its way to become the world's first "lingua franca" if it has not already. It is said that a language achieves a genuinely global status once it has developed a special role that is recognized in every country across the planet. However, caution should be taken, as according to Crystal (2003) the special role has more than one meaning. Listen to this blog post: Spread of English Technology and...  [Read more]