Linguistics is the scientific study of language, both theoretical and applied. This also includes the study of the structure and the meaning of language. Due to the complexity of the English language, many problems can arise between an English teacher and a foreign language student in the classroom, which can negatively impact communication between the student and teacher and hinder the students’ learning process. In this paper I will focus on some of the linguistic problems teachers may encounter in the classroom when teaching foreign language students.

There is a strong connection between language and the culture within which the language is being spoken. Native English speaking teachers who have little or no knowledge of the culture of their students should become familiar with the student’s native culture and language. To effectively teach foreign language students, the teacher must become sensitive to what is acceptable verbal and non verbal communication in the students’ culture, to minimize the opportunity to offend. This knowledge will assist the teacher in translating the meanings of norms and values from the English speaking culture to that of the students, by translating the usages of vocabulary, idioms and gestures between the native culture and the English speaking context, thus ensuring the students have a sound understanding of what is being communicated. A teacher must be sensitive to the differences within the students’ culture that could impact how they interpret and understand what is being taught during the lesson, and become proactive to manage these differences. In managing these differences one could spend time with native speakers in a non teaching environment, observing the use of language and non-verbal communication skills; or speaking to other experienced Foreign Language teachers to glean understanding from some of their experiences when faced with these issues. In doing this the teacher can reduce the opportunity for misunderstandings between teacher and students, which can often lead to offences that can disrupt the teacher-student relationship and hinder the learning process.

Another problem that may arise in the classroom between the teacher and students is they may become disconnected from the teacher and information being taught in the lessons, due to a lack of student-teacher rapport, being in mixed level class setting and comprehension difficulties, which can cause the students’ progress or growth opportunity to be stunted. By connecting with the students, the teacher can become familiar with their backgrounds, social status, interests, hobbies and goals, hence enabling the teacher to set clear, attainable goals which would aid in preparing lesson plans to meet the students’ needs. In a mixed level class setting, teachers should be proficient in reaching the students at the students’ language level, by effectively adjusting the lessons to meet the needs of the students at their individual level. If the teacher’s effectiveness is lacking in an environment of such, students’ language development could be hindered; they may become frustrated or bored, and eventually become disenchanted with the teacher and learning material, which could hamper their progress within their individual learning capacity.

Students can also become disconnected when given poor comprehension text and instructions, and also by their own lack of good listening skills. The teacher must ensure the delivery of the lessons is clear and concise; so that the students will receive the information they need to assimilate in order to demonstrate their understanding of the lesson learnt. The teacher can prepare listening activities to improve their listening skills, for example; listening exercises with visuals, phonemic exercises to identify sounds, texts that are not redundant (short and simple) and by ensuring the students are familiar with the topic. Misapplication of background knowledge due to cultural differences can create major comprehension difficulties.

Since language is one medium that people use to communicate and understand each other, teachers of foreign language students must become aware of the linguistic problems they may face when teaching. It is evident that there are various strategies that can be implemented to overcome the barriers of linguistic problems, to ensure effective pedagogy, to help each student’s learning opportunity to be optimized, and achieve their fullest potential in learning and communicating effectively in the English language.

Shirley E Watson