TEFL Slana

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences When it comes to learning a new language, the way that we make it comfortable for us is to try and relate it to our language. How many times have you met someone from another country and you ask them how to use swear words or how to say something is cool in their native language. Since English is very commonly spoken all over the world, for students to learn idioms and slang is for them to not only learn how to say certain things but get a deeper cultural understanding. With that deeper understanding comes relativity to their own lives, which means they see the ways that we are more similar instead of different. Learning Goals When to Start Teaching Slang and Idioms? Learning Cultural Context Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!...  [Read more]

Sarah Jennings Teaching Ideas Learning English as a foreign language is already a challenging task, and British slang words and phrases can make it even trickier. The words and meanings you've worked hard to learn can suddenly take on new forms. But that's part of the charm of the English language. As you move from country to country, city to city, and even within the same region, you'll notice that not only do accents change, but so do the meanings of words, thanks to regional slang! What is British slang? British slang words British slang phrases Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? British slang, in particular, stands out as some of the most popular and recognizable slang in the world. Let's take a stroll down the streets of Britain to explore what British slang is all...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How important is it for EFL learners to learn slang and idioms? Let's clarify what is slang? What is an idiom? Informal Language The History of Slang Confusion Breeds Confusion Cultural Boundaries Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Laura B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Slang is an informal language and should be used only with people one knows very well. Slang can change constantly, appear today, disappear within month or year and some words have been used by English speakers since medieval times. Also Read: "How Can We as Teachers Motivate Our Students?" The earliest use of the word...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas English is a unique and fluid language, its usage changing rapidly throughout surprisingly short periods, throughout different socioeconomic groups, and across different regions. Therefore, it is widely understood that proper English and spoken English have different rules, importantly including the use of popular slang terms and idioms. This means that when someone is learning to communicate with native English speakers, they must learn expressions that will provide a certain context. Casual Occasions Possible Pitfalls The Flexibility of the Language Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Remington T. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Imagine going back in time to the late nineteenth or early twentieth century in Great Britain. If the question of whether it is proper to teach slang and idioms to students were posed to a teacher in that period, I do not doubt in my mind that any proper English teacher would frown upon the notion of it. If you were to ask an English teacher today, you would receive a much different answer. The gradual globalization of the English language has been driven by various factors, one of which is business. Modern Situation Reasons Grammar Rules Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Allison S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Slang and idioms are an important part of every language and should be taught to ESL students. Colloquialisms are used in daily conversational English, and teaching them to students increases the efficiency of communication and fluency. They also are used in cultural items as well, such as movies, books, and music. Teaching slang and idioms may also prevent misunderstandings between people. Listen to this blog post: 1. Better Communication 2. Cultural Peculiarities 3. Better Understanding Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Vania J. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. While slang and idioms...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Stepping onto my flight from Miami to Santiago, Chile, I was confident in my Spanish skills. After all, I had taken nearly seven years of Spanish classes in middle and high school. However, when I landed I found, not only did I not understand 80% of what my host family said to me, they couldn't understand me either. Listen to this blog post: "Learning slang words is immensely helpful." "I was more motivated to retain these pieces of vocabulary and try them out in an attempt to sound more natural." "Learning slang can also open up the conversation for cultural exchange." "There are many activities that could be used to teach slang words." Are you ready to teach English slang? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas In January, I stood in front of a class of breakthrough English students at a university in Bogotá, Colombia. I'd never taught students in an ESL classroom before, but I was pretty confident having seven years of experience under my belt and a degree in literature. I was naive. I began the lesson with the class that my co-teacher had lent me for the first time. The objective of the lesson was to practice using past tense through storytelling; five minutes into it, I called on a student with his hand in the air. " What up, My Nigga!" He said it and I almost lost all of my composure on the first day while I should have been thinking about building rapport. Tool for communication Pronunciation peculiarities Advanced level of vocabulary Do you want to...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences With a flash of exasperation my Colombian friend, José, inquired, "Why do you always say it like that?" I paused unsure to what he was referring. José continued, "We're the same age and you've lived here for months but you still greet me like I'm a long-lost grandfather." As I prepare to teach English abroad, this interaction forced me to confront the question of slang and idioms (SI) in the classroom. Is it appropriate to teach slang and idioms to learners of English as a foreign language (LEFL)? Reasons to Teach SI Definition of Slang Slang in Everyday Life Problem Faced by Teachers How to Teach Slang Do you want to teach English abroad? You are one step from it! Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Intelligence has been defined in many ways, including the capacity for logic, understanding, self-awareness, learning, emotional knowledge, reasoning, planning, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. More generally, it can be described as the ability to perceive or infer information and to retain it as knowledge to be applied towards adaptive behaviors within an environment or context (Wikipedia, 2019). Considering Language Habits Iconic Approach to Teaching Why Slang? Verb First Clauses Usually Play one of Three Roles: Teaching Slang and Idioms Incorporating Idioms and Slang into English language Teaching Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Slang and idioms are often omitted from the formal education curriculum. According to the Cambridge dictionary, slang is defined as a "very informal language that is usually spoken rather than written, used especially by particular groups of people" and an idiom is defined as "a group of words in a fixed order that have a particular meaning that is different from the meanings of each word on its own". This essay will suggest possible reasons why slang and idioms are often excluded from formal English lessons, and posit that it is important to teach them to certain groups of ESL students namely, students who have moved to an English-speaking country with little or no prior knowledge of the language and students with high English language ability. English...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas For a native English speaker, it is easy to understand as they are commonly used every day in casual conversation. But for ESL students, this type of informal English might as well sound like Mumbo Jumbo! (Make no sense).That's because most students are taught proper, textbook English like: Consider the same sentence in slang Business students generally need correct textbook English as, However, certain types of Idioms are used in business every day, Regional Generational Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: "[name of person], are you going anywhere today?""No. I'm just relaxing at home." This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Mark L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences ESL students will receive many formal grammar lessons that will give them a good grounding in proper English sentence structures, when to use who and whom, various verb tenses, the importance of noun-verb agreement and proper punctuation—and much more. Proper grammar will give them a thorough understanding of the elements of grammar and equip them to navigate through formal English-language communication, such as business letters and reports, meetings, emails to clients, and formal assignments in English classes. Real vocabulary Real-life situations Colloquialisms Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Brenda Q. Please note that this blog post...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Language is an organism that changes as the people using it changes. No living language sounds as it did 1,000 years ago, nor does any use all the same words that were used within it 100 years ago. Just as it is a very different experience to live in a body than it is to study one, so is it powerful for students of a foreign language to be invited to live in a language rather than only learn about it. The endless auditory phenomena of English, such as the "hootin' and tootin'" interjections of Appalachian people or the booming discourse of an African-American preacher, cannot be understood by other peoples unless they are exposed to the context these phenomena were nurtured in. Students of English must, therefore, be given the opportunity to enjoy...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas A critical part of learning a language is being able to understand and use slang and idioms. However, spoken language by native speakers, or language used in authentic material, often does not follow the strict rules and formulas that are taught in textbooks. Also, by their very nature of already being published, textbooks are unable to keep up with the changes in the language as they slowly evolve to incorporate new concepts and ideas. Thus, to be able to effectively teach slang and idioms, the teacher may have to expend some additional preparatory time to select the idioms to be taught and develop appropriate course materials. Why teaching Slang and Idioms? Lesson Stages Methodology Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas As with all living languages, English is constantly evolving, slangs and idioms is an example of that. Slang and idioms are an integral part of written and spoken English; often it is employed by native speakers and has a deeper meaning than the literal phrase. Some might argue that slang and idioms are not 'proper' English and should not be part of the syllabus but people around the world are increasingly getting exposed to Western media. Students might encounter slangs and idioms when consuming authentic materials such as English films and books, where the characters would interact using normal lay speech. Perhaps the students are interested in all these words and phrases that are nonsensical when taken literally and would like to learn about it. The...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas When studying a new language, a student needs to learn more than what vocabulary can be found in a dictionary. To have a better grasp of the new language, a student must be exposed to other aspects of that language as well, such as the use of slang and idioms in that new language. This is because languages, especially English, are particularly fluid with regards to the use of slang and metaphorical language. Teaching students of English some common colloquialisms would thus be useful, especially in providing students a more cohesive understanding of the language. Providing students with this knowledge is especially important if the student intends to seek opportunities in countries where English is the most commonly used language or even in English...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Today was awesome! He's a couch potato. I'm broke. She got ripped off. Chill out! You're so cool! State of the Problem Benefits of Teaching This Vocabulary Below are some examples of ideas to include in ESA lesson planning when teaching slang to ELS Learners: Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Slang words and phrases help simplify language and make it more effective. Learning English slang and idioms allows students to engage in a more natural way of communicating. This will help students to improve their fluency and improve their conversation skills. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Shaelagh M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT....  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Understanding the use of slang in a different language is a benchmark for fluency. Once a speaker is able to navigate society by listening and speaking slang, they are better able to assimilate among native speakers. But whether or not colloquial speech has a place in English classrooms is debated among teachers. While formal English takes precedence in many classes, teaching slang can be important depending on students' reasons for learning English and their experience with the language. Incorporating slang can also be a motivational tool for teaching disengaged students. Get to Know Your Students Consider Their Level and Needs Do you want to teach English to ESL students? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas What do you normally hear when you walk into a convenience store? Do you hear a man tell you, "Hello, how are you doing today?" or "Good morning?". The answer is likely no. More often than not you hear someone say "Sup, dude!" or "What's happening?" or some other kind of non-conventional English that would normally not find its home in the ESL classroom. Therefore, it is vital to teaching the students slang and idioms so that when they get into a real conversation outside of the classroom, they aren't thrown off or left in the dust by a few turns of phrase. The English Language Fluidity One Example Slang in the Classroom Part of the Program Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Language textbooks are a good source for language learners and teachers, especially new language learners or teachers who may not know exactly where to begin. However, while textbooks are a valuable resource, they do not teach students everything they need to know when it comes to interacting with native speakers of the target language. This is because all native speakers use some level of slang in their everyday speech, in the classroom, and even in their workplace. For this reason alone, ESL students need to begin learning common slang they may hear. Situational awareness Learning activities Do you want to teach English abroad or online? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! This post...  [Read more]

Sarah Jennings Teaching Ideas Learning English as a foreign language is already a challenging task, and British slang words and phrases can make it even trickier. Sarah Jennings Teaching Ideas Embarking on a career in international teaching is an exciting opportunity to expand your horizons, experience new cultures, and enhance your professional skills.  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! These 16 slang words are the perfect addition to your English vocabulary! Sound just like an English native speaker.     Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Throughout this course, it was mentioned that language does not happen in isolation. It is a product of the various aspects of culture, values, and context that make up the environment in which the language is used. Language can be used in vastly diverse and varied manners, and within different contexts have unique meanings. In the same way, slang and idioms are created based on specific contexts that exist within a society or group within a culture. Cultural Awareness Creativity and Fun Motivation Aspect Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Temi O. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Proverbs,...  [Read more]

British English is an incredibly diverse and fascinating language that has evolved over centuries. From its origins in Old English to the modern-day dialects spoken across the United Kingdom, British English is a rich tapestry of accents, vocabulary, and grammar rules. Understanding the unique features of British English can provide valuable insights into the culture and history of the British Isles. In this article, we will delve into some of the key characteristics that set British English apart from other forms of the language, exploring everything from pronunciation and spelling to slang and regional variations. One of the most distinctive features of British English is its wide range of accents and dialects. From the received pronunciation (RP) of the Queen's English to the...  [Read more]

Sarah Jennings Teaching Ideas Learning English as a foreign language is already a challenging task, and British slang words and phrases can make it even trickier. Sarah Jennings Teaching Ideas Embarking on a career in international teaching is an exciting opportunity to expand your horizons, experience new cultures, and enhance your professional skills. Sarah Jennings Teaching Ideas As we approach the end of another academic year, it's an ideal time to celebrate achievements, build connections, and reflect on the shared journey. Sarah Jennings Teaching Ideas The journey of learning English as a second language is enriched by dedicated TEFL/TESOL qualified teachers who bring expertise and passion to their classrooms. Sarah Jennings Teaching Ideas Encouraging students...  [Read more]

Linda is a passionate traveler, language learner and TEFL teacher. After spending some time teaching in China, she moved to Korea in 2015. She now calls South Korea her home. Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences In this post, an ITTT course graduate gives their opinion on why teaching slang can benefit your ESL students in the long run! Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences This article was written by an ITTT TEFL course graduate who shares their thoughts on the two most common learning problems for English languages. Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences This article was written by an ITTT TEFL course graduate sharing her experience about teaching English to beginner students of all ages. Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences In this article, an ITTT TEFL course graduate shares her...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Some form of Slang language is universally used all around the world. Almost all countries have words and phrases that could be identified as 'slang and so, when is it appropriate to use this type of language? Is it a good idea to let students be exposed to slang language whilst they are studying English at a formal level and as a non-native English speaker?There are many instances where some slang form of English should and should not be used, here are a few examples with discussion. In the workplace Public services Abroad (on holiday) Family and friends What are the advantages and disadvantages of using slang as a form of language? Is it correct to allow students to learn some form of slang? Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The English language is complex, but it becomes even more so when we consider the differences informality. In most classrooms for second language learners, the 'formal' version of English is taught. This is important so that students learn the grammar and vocabulary necessary for proper speaking and writing skills. However, the use of 'informal' language with slang and idioms is just as common in everyday life and can vary depending on the region. Both offer unique benefits to the learner, but only the formal style is generally taught in class. Formal Language The Importance of Casual Language Slang and Idioms Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: More often than not, language lessons focus on the formal use and...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas When I was a university student, my roommate was from Busan, South Korea. I loved spending time with him. We became incredibly close friends, and I also became close to the other students who came through the same foreign exchange program as he did. I helped them learn English regularly, checking and proofreading essays and explaining phrases to them. They left the United States after one semester, but they had already introduced me to other Korean students who would be there for two more years. I enjoyed learning about their culture and the cultural differences that we had. I also learned a lot about the obstacles that my friends faced in learning English, and worked to help them overcome those obstacles. Perhaps the most prominent of these obstacles...  [Read more]