What Is Japanese Known For

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]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Japan is a country with a long history, deep tradition, and vibrant culture. Within this culture sits the Japanese language. At first, being a spoken language and then adopting the Chinese Writing System, Japanese has grown and changed into what it is today. If you look at all languages, most Western languages originate from a set family, such as Romance Languages (which became today's Spanish, French, Italian, etc). But Japanese (as most Asian languages) was formed from entirely different roots. These fundamental differences mean that the method of learning these languages has a lot to do with memorization and repetitive practice of the Chinese symbols and the words they represent. Which means it is difficult to find any common ground between it and...  [Read more]

Maddy Payne Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Assistant Language Teachers in Japan come from different countries worldwide, bringing different kinds of English with them. In my experience, American English is often the most sought-after version of English. Some countries highly value Language Teachers from the USA, which often matches their American-style textbooks and resources. Sometimes people are even overlooked for job opportunities due to their Australian accent and British English background. Well, Japan is no different in this regard. Many Japanese schools hold American English in high regard, so what is it like being an Australian-English teacher in Japan? The Japanese love America No Exposure to Non-American Accents Creating an Opportunity Things about...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences English language grammar has a whole lot of definitions that focus on sound rules, words, sentences, and the combination and interpretation of other elements to make complete sense. To achieve this, the International TEFL and TESOL Training Lessons outline several aspects of the English language, such as parts of speech, present tense, past tense, future tense, phrasal verbs, and passive voice. PARTS OF SPEECH Nouns Pronouns Verbs Adjectives Adverbs Prepositions Conjunctions Gerunds Articles TENSES IN SENTENCES The Present Tenses Past Tenses Future Tenses MODAL AUXILIARY VERBS METHODOLOGIES Conclusion Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences When considering General English exams there are a number of organizations or companies that offer these types of exams. Perhaps the most well-known is the Cambridge suite of examinations. Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! ### Watch the video about this topic Within the Cambridge suite there are five different examinations at five different levels. The entry level examination for the Cambridge suite is known as the Key English Test and it's often known by its acronym KET. This is actually an entry level examination and both this and the next level of test are really used to show that people are ready for the third level of the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Understanding the main purpose of any language usage as a means of exchanging, obtaining information, rendering our emotions, feelings, desires, states, or transmitting ideas inevitably involves this process, other people. In other words, we use language to communicate with other language speakers. So why not use this peculiarity in the process of language studying? Thereby using peer learning techniques in an ESA classroom becomes an essential and inherent part of it. Where implementing Peer-to-Peer learning? Benefits Ideas for outside the classroom activities Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Mariia M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily...  [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 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 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 Alumni Experiences I have been teaching for almost 5 years now. My teaching career, I should say is at the beginner level. But I rather call it the aspirational level. At this level, I am in the stage of acquiring different qualifications to have more advantages and gain a wider scope in teaching. But as I seek more qualifications, I slowly understand what is important for early-career teachers like me. My Start Setting up Goals Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Chiedizberg J. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. In my 5-year teaching career, it wasn't an easy road. In the first year of my teaching career, after...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences There are several pronunciation problems that students of English will face in Japan; however, I will focus on two. 1. Differences in the phonetic systems of two languages 2. Lack of exposure to authentic English resources Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Brandie K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. The first of these problems they face is the fact that Japanese doesn't have some of the same sounds in its' alphabet as English does. For example, Japanese does not have a hard R sound; instead, it has a sound that is a mix of R and L. So, when students from Japan go to say rice, for many...  [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]

The field of English language instruction is teeming with acronyms, and ESP is a fairly common one. ESP stands for English for Specific Purposes, a niche within TEFL that you may end up teaching in the future. But what does English for Specific Purposes entail? What is English for Specific Purposes? Who needs English for Specific Purposes? How to teach English for Specific Purposes Who can teach English for Specific Purposes? Resources for teaching English for Specific Purposes English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is an approach to English language teaching that focuses on the specific linguistic needs of learners in a particular professional or academic field. Unlike general English courses that cover everyday communication, ESP courses zero in on the specialized vocabulary and structures...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!   "For" and "since" are prepositions used when talking about time. Let’s look at the difference between the two words.   For and Since are prepositions. Let’s look at the difference between these two words.   "For" is used with a period of time. This is often a number plus a time word. "For" is used when we measure the duration of something or how long it lasts. It has a start point and an end point and can be used in different tenses.   "Since" is used with a starting point or a time or date. It refers to something that started in the past and continues until now. "Since" is mostly used with the present perfect and perfect progressive tense. For example:   Register now & get...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker TEFL Information Alumni Experiences In recent years, English has become an increasingly important means of communication that is used by people from many different backgrounds to interact with the rest of the world for a wide variety of purposes. But why has English become an international language, how is it used and applied in different situations and what are the advantages of being able to speak English? English Around the World International Use of English in Specific Fields Common Benefits of English Proficiency Are you ready to take your TEFL course? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Alexander C. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. English...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas First of all, let us define the meaning of the phrase "global language"? I suppose a "global language" is the language suitable for communication among a huge amount of people around the world. We also can say it is the language of global meaning. After the Second World War and especially since the beginning of the 90th years of the twentieth century, English became the most common international language. Artificial languages, created specifically for international communication, for example, Esperanto, are also supposed to be multinational. Common characteristics of international languages are: a lot of people are native speakers; among the non-native speakers there are a lot of people who use this language as a second one; this language is used in many...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! What are irregular past tense verbs? Here is a list of the 50 most common irregular verbs every English speaker should know.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Teaching Ideas What are ice breakers and when and where do we use them? In this blog post, we will cover these issues and give actual examples of activities you can use with your classes. Watch the video about this topic We are going to consider five different activities. Two Truths and a Lie Word Chain Positive, Negative, Crazy Would You Rather Finish the Sentence Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Icebreakers are games or activities that are designed to 'break the ice'. Typically you would use these kinds of games or activities at the beginning of a new school year, when you have a new set of students, or a new class that you don't know and they...  [Read more]

English for Specific Purposes includes courses of English taught to business people and those involved in a variety of professions that require a certain level of English proficiency in order to perform their jobs successfully. These include pilots, medical workers, engineers, scientists, lawyers and those working in the tourism and hospitality industry, among others.   The difference between teaching ESP and teaching general English is that for ESP students you only teach them what they need to know to perform their role effectively. A pilot is not going to need to know how to buy groceries at the local market but is going to need to know how to communicate with other pilots and ground staff all over the world, following international aviation guidelines.   Another...  [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]

For those aspiring to teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), especially non-native speakers, a high level of English proficiency is essential. Specifically, you should have an English language proficiency that aligns with at least the C1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). TEFL primarily involves teaching English in regions where English is not the predominant language, so instructors need a deep understanding and command of the language. Who can be a TEFL teacher? Why is TEFL certification important? Do you have to be a native English speaker to teach EFL? The profession of teaching is regulated throughout the world, although the level of regulation varies from country to country. This is also true of the EFL teaching sector, however, there...  [Read more]

We will follow a largely chronological order as we delve into the different strategies for teaching English, from time-tested methods to modern approaches. The Classical Method The Direct Method Audio-Lingual Method Task Based Learning Total Physical Response Engage Study Activate CLIL Conclusion This approach, also known as grammar translation, was originally used for teaching classical languages like Greek and Latin. It places a strong emphasis on grammar, particularly verb conjugations and language rules. Also known as the "natural approach", it strives to mimic the way we acquire our mother tongue naturally. Consequently, only the target language is employed, prioritizing speaking and listening skills. As the name suggests, this method primarily emphasizes listening ('audio') and...  [Read more]

Before applying for TEFL jobs, it's essential to understand the significance of TEFL certification. Many schools and language institutes worldwide require their English teachers to hold a TEFL certificate. This certification ensures that you have received proper training in teaching English as a foreign language. There are various types of TEFL courses available, ranging from online certifications to in-person intensive programs. It's crucial to choose a reputable course that provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in a TEFL job. When considering applying for TEFL jobs, it's important to research the different job opportunities available to you. This includes exploring various countries and regions where English teachers are in demand, as well as understanding the...  [Read more]

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 Teaching Ideas Motivation can be seen as the reason or reasons for acting or behaving in a certain way. Many people in the world today battle to find the motivation they need to achieve their goals, be it in the business sector, schools, or even in their day to day activities. Motivation is the driving force towards reaching your goal. For a class to learn effectively, the teacher must be able to ignite confidence in them. Using lots of examples during a lesson and also connecting them to real-life can spark interest in the students. Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Chéz-lynn M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) teaching has seen a significant increase in demand over the past few decades. English has become the global language of business, education, and international communication, leading to a surge in the need for proficient English teachers worldwide. This demand is especially high in non-English speaking countries where English proficiency is essential for academic and professional success. In countries like China, South Korea, Japan, and many others in Asia, there is a constant need for qualified TEFL teachers to meet the growing demand for English language education. Additionally, regions such as the Middle East, Latin America, and Eastern Europe have also seen a rise in the need for English teachers to support their economic and social development...  [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]

Attire expectations vary widely based on the school's policies: Pro Tip: To avoid confusion, inquire about the dress code during the job interview. As a rule of thumb, it is wise to err on the side of professionalism on your first day, adjusting as you gauge the school's culture. What should I wear for a TEFL job interview? What about tattoos and piercings? What about facial hair? Which countries have specific expectations when it comes to appearance? When preparing for a TEFL job interview, attire plays a pivotal role in making a strong first impression: In essence, prioritize a professional appearance throughout the TEFL job application and interview process to boost your prospects. Also read: What questions should I ask a TEFL employer? Although tattoos and piercings have become more...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Planning, planning, planning! Many things in life need to be properly planned, be it a summer holiday or a work presentation. It can be a plan that is formally written down or it can be a plan that you simply keep in your mind. Having some kind of structure in place before doing activities will help put you at ease because you know what to do next and what to expect. Planning will also make you more productive as there will be no 'guessing' time, you will know what to do and when to do it. Taking the time to plan your lessons will almost certainly save you time in the long run. What is a Lesson Plan? Constructing a Lesson Plan Added Benefits of a Lesson Plan Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post ...  [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]