The International Phonetic Alphabet

  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]

  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]

  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]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! This a fun and simple game like Snakes and Ladders for students to play with young ESL students to practice upper case letters of the alphabet.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Here's the classic Chutes & Ladders game with the lowercase ABCs and phonics vocabulary for a super simple, super fun learning game.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Here's the classic Chutes & Ladders game with the uppercase ABCs and phonics vocabulary for a super simple, super fun learning game.     Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

SOURCE: koreantutor . tumblr . com/tagged/lessons 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".Table of Contents 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...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Linguistics is the scientific study of the human language and its structure, and as any other science, it is divided into different branches or areas of analysis. One of these divisions examines the articulation of sounds and has a name that corresponds to its function: phonetics. Despite the crucial character it plays in its scientific field, the one it performs in teaching is considered roughly secondary. Nonetheless, a change in role assignment could improve the learning of the English language immensely.Table of Contents Speaking as a skill What aspects should you teach? Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Keilany G. Please note that this blog post...  [Read more]

Date posted:2010-01-25 | Writer: Annie\'s English School | Email: [email protected] AES was established 22 years ago in Taipei County with a view to giving a quality English language education to learners from younger learners up to junior high school students. We now have over 2, 000 students enrolled and more than 100 instructors, most of whom have been with our organization for upwards of 5 years. As enrollment increases, full-time, part-time and short-term (winter/summer camp) positions will be opening at our Shinjuang, Taishan, and Shulin schools in Taipei County. Positions will also be opening at our newly opened AES Linkou School in Taoyuan County. We offer a competitive salary commensurate with each candidate’s experience and skill. For the successful full-time...  [Read more]

  In this ITTT TESOL review video Karen describes her experience during her TESOL/TEFL course in Hangzhou, China. ITTT has training centers in over thirty different international locations. To find training center that suits you just visit our web site or follow the above links. 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 next. Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Reported speech is often confusing for students because the grammar shifts between...  [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.Table of Contents 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...  [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.Table of Contents Reasons to pay attention to phonetics Phonetics in the early years Benefits Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL...  [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.Table of Contents 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...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas According to the Cambridge Dictionary, pronunciation is "how words are pronounced. Pronunciation can be an intimidating prospect for English language learners, especially since English phonetics and phonology hardly seem consistent. The difficulty of English pronunciation should not be underestimated as speaking is a vital component of language learning. Confidence in this skill can be closely linked to students' accuracy and fluency. Therefore, a teacher should understand the basics of phonology and phonetics to help build students' confidence in their speaking skills.Table of Contents Phonetics is useful in explaining how words are pronounced. While phonetics and phonology seem interchangeable, they are linguistically different. Do you want to teach...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences This piece will discuss the difficulties faced by Japanese learners of English regarding English pronunciation and suggest methods to help learners in different age groups overcome them. It posits that most difficulties stem from the differences in phonology between the English alphabet and the Japanese kana system.Table of Contents Differences in the Alphabetic Systems Ways to Overcome Difficulties Working with Adults How to Approach Young Students Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Niall M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. While the English alphabet is phonemic, with each letter...  [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.Table of Contents My Course Research Accent vs. Low Level of Education Solving Anticipated Problems in the...  [Read more]

If you are just starting out on your TEFL journey you are sure to have many questions about the world of teaching English as a foreign language. Here we concentrate on everything related to our courses and getting TEFL certified, whether it is advice on which course would suit you best or information on how the course actually works, you should hopefully find the answers with the help of our FAQs. So, dive in and get your teaching adventure underway with ITTT. How long does a TEFL course take?    We offer a range of TEFL courses to suit different requirements and most do not have a set timetable. The exception is our in-class TEFL course that runs for a set four-week period. All our online courses can be completed at any pace up to a maximum of six months. Can...  [Read more]

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].Table of Contents 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....  [Read more]

If you are nearing the end of your TEFL certification course or you are already certified but have yet to start teaching, you will probably have a number of questions regarding English language teaching jobs. In our FAQs below we tackle a wide range of questions, from which countries offer the best options to how to go about landing a position in your country of choice. You will also find answers about job interviews, how to prepare your documentation, and a whole host of other job related info. What questions should I ask a TEFL employer?    To decide whether a job is right for you it is essential to get as much information as possible during the interview. You should be clear on areas such as salary, working hours, class size, student's age, and the...  [Read more]

Once you have completed your TEFL certification and started looking for potential English language teaching jobs, you will need to consider what visas and work permits you might require in order to start working in your favored location. In some countries it is very straightforward, while others might require you to jump through the odd hoop or two. Take a look at our FAQs below that cover the visa and document situation in some of the most popular overseas teaching destinations. Can I get a work visa to teach English in Germany?    While there are numerous opportunities for language teachers in towns and cities across Germany, it is not always easy for non-Europeans to secure a visa that allows them to stay long-term. However, it is certainly possible if you are...  [Read more]

Although for many people money is not the main driving force behind teaching English abroad, it is still an important part of the TEFL journey as your salary will often dictate what you can afford to do during your adventures and how much you can potentially save at the end of the month. In our FAQs below we look at the average salaries in all the most popular teaching destinations, as well as any typical perks and bonuses you can expect in different locations. How much can I earn teaching English abroad?    Regions such as the Middle East and Asia offer the potential to earn salaries as high as $5,000 USD per month. Other areas such as Europe and Latin America have less in the way of high paying jobs but are still popular due to the culture and lifestyle. Can I...  [Read more]

One very popular option when looking for a job teaching English abroad is to join a national recruitment scheme that places teachers into local schools. Several countries around the world have well-established programs that actively recruit teachers before they leave their home country. Another major benefit of this route into teaching is that your visas and work permits will be organized for you and accommodation and flights are often included. Check out our FAQs covering the various options below. What is the TAPIF Program for teaching English in France?    One of the most popular and convenient ways to secure a job teaching English abroad is to apply for a government recruitment program that places teachers into public schools. The TAPIF Program offers a great...  [Read more]

Teaching English online is becoming more popular every year due to the convenience of working from home and the flexibility you often have with setting your own work hours. However, it can sometimes be hard to navigate your way towards the right job as there are so many online platforms and there are new ones popping up all the time. A quick browse through our FAQs below should help answer your questions about teaching English online and steer you towards the right path to suit your preferences. Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach English online?    Although it is possible to teach English online without any formal qualifications, it is definitely recommended that you complete a TEFL course before you get started as many online teaching platforms require...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences 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 post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Michael H. Please note that this...  [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.Table of Contents 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...  [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]

 Table of Contents The Importance of Pronunciation in Language Learning Understanding Phonetics and Phonology Common Pronunciation Challenges for English Learners Strategies for Teaching Pronunciation Effectively Incorporating Phonetics in TESOL Curriculum Using Technology to Improve Pronunciation Skills Role of Feedback in Pronunciation Development Cultural Considerations in Teaching Pronunciation Professional Development for Tackling Pronunciation Resources for Continued Learning in Phonetics and Phonology Pronunciation plays a crucial role in language learning as it affects communication clarity and comprehension. In TESOL, clear pronunciation enhances students' ability to be understood by native speakers and boosts their confidence in using English fluently. ITTT emphasizes the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In this essay, I will deal with the pronunciation difficulties of German learners of English. In particular, I will treat some issues at the segmental level.Table of Contents English German I will discuss only the final devoicing in this essay Way to pronounce Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Although both English and German are Germanic languages, the sound inventories of these two languages are quite different, especially the vowels. In the following table, the sounds are listed which exist only in one but not in the other language: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Gisella F. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Consonants...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences How many of us have had to call into customer service only to struggle to understand the employee's English? The simple process to find a solution to a problem often becomes increasingly frustrating and exhausting for both parties. While monolinguistic persons may not appreciate the struggle to learn and master a new language, as instructors to those individuals working to learning English, phonetics is key.Table of Contents English alphabet Why do students need phonetics? How to teach phonetics effectively? Practice in isolation Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Antranik D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the...  [Read more]