Phonetic System

Phonetics and TESOL Phonetics, the study of the sounds of human speech, and in particular “Articulatory Phonetics”, are not commonly taught to native speakers of English, let alone learners of English as a second language. However if the learner is serious with their English and wish to progress to an advanced level, learning phonetics, in particular the International Phonetic Alphabet, would be of immense benefit. English spelling is often contradictory, devoid of relation to the pronunciation of a word, and lacking in clear patterns. Patterns that do exist are numerous, with a large number of exceptions, and all of this makes it very difficult for the learner of English as a second language to master pronunciation. The International Phonetic Alphabet puts all of the individual...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word "phreaker". This word is a noun and refers to someone who one who gains illegal access to the telephone system. The word become widely popular in the mid-1980s and is likely a combination of the words "phone" and "freak". Modern phreakers are very specialized hackers breaking into the phone system of large companies and corporations. 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. In this lesson I...  [Read more]

  In this instalment of Chantelle’s TEFL course video diary she talks about the sixth unit. Unit 6 covers the past tenses; past simple, past continuous, past perfect and past perfect continuous. As with Unit 4, this unit describes the structure and common usages of the tenses as well pointing out common mistakes and providing teaching ideas that can be used in the classroom. Although not her favourite unit, Chantelle thought it was well laid out with good test questions and support. 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...  [Read more]

  "In terms of the things that are negative about it, we've already said that it doesn't develop speaking but perhaps the biggest negative point about this particular methodology is that it's very unnatural. Ok, so despite the criticisms of this particular method, and particularly the fact that is unnatural, this particular methodology was in use all the way through the 17th, 18th and 19th century and indeed it's still in use today. However, Gouin in the 1880s and Berlitz in the early 1900s decided that this particular methodology was so unnatural that they wanted to come up with something new. The method that they came up with, they called the direct method. You will also sometimes see it as the natural method. What these two people were saying is that if we wish to learn a...  [Read more]

Pronunciation plays a crucial role in effective communication in the English language. Clear and accurate pronunciation enhances comprehension, fluency, and overall communication skills. Mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings and hinder effective communication. Moreover, pronunciation is closely linked to confidence levels in language learners. Students who struggle with pronunciation may feel less confident in speaking English, affecting their overall language proficiency. There are several strategies that teachers can use to help students improve their pronunciation skills. One effective approach is to focus on individual sounds and phonemes in English. By breaking down the language into its basic sounds, students can practice and master the pronunciation of each sound....  [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...  [Read more]

France is a country renowned for its rich culture, history, and cuisine. However, for ESL educators, teaching English in France comes with its own set of challenges. From navigating the education system to cultural differences in language learning, educators face obstacles that are unique to the French context. In this article, we will explore some of the common obstacles faced by ESL educators in France and provide insights on how to overcome them. One of the primary obstacles faced by ESL educators in France is navigating the rigid educational system and curriculum constraints. The French education system is highly centralized, with strict guidelines and regulations that dictate what and how subjects are taught. This can limit the flexibility and creativity of ESL educators in designing...  [Read more]

--- Having a degree in linguistics can be a valuable asset for teaching English abroad. Linguistics provides a strong foundation in language structure, grammar, and phonetics, which are essential for teaching English as a foreign language. In this FAQ, we will explore the benefits of having a linguistics degree, the requirements for teaching English abroad, and tips for landing a TEFL job with a linguistics degree. --- A degree in linguistics equips you with a deep understanding of language systems, which can be applied to teaching English to non-native speakers. Your knowledge of phonetics, syntax, and semantics can help you explain language concepts effectively to students. Additionally, your training in language analysis can enhance your ability to assess students' language proficiency...  [Read more]

  We are going to move on to the second of the productive skills, which is writing and, again, we'll have look at the background, too, and create a typical lesson for a writing skills session. One of the things to be aware of in a writing skills lesson is that writing tends to be more formal than spoken English. So, there will be some differences between the two, such as writing very often uses less contracted forms and so on, but having said that there are many similarities between the two particular skills. So, many of the considerations that we had for a speaking skills lesson will also apply here to a writing skills lesson. Within writing skills itself there are some sub-skills that we may want to teach and those sub-skills could include, but are not limited to, hand writing...  [Read more]

1. Understanding Thai speakers' language challenges 2. Effective teaching strategies for Thai speakers 3. Cultural considerations in teaching English to Thai speakers 4. Conclusion Teaching English to Thai speakers can be a rewarding experience for both educators and students. However, it comes with its unique set of challenges. One of the primary challenges is the stark contrast between the Thai language and English. Thai is a tonal language with a complex writing system, while English relies on word order and verb conjugation for meaning. This fundamental difference can pose difficulties for Thai speakers in mastering English pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. As a teacher, it is crucial to understand these challenges to tailor your teaching approach effectively. To help Thai...  [Read more]

Teaching English to German students presents a unique set of challenges due to the differences between the two languages. From pronunciation difficulties to grammatical complexities, educators need to employ effective strategies to help their students overcome these obstacles and achieve fluency. In this article, we will explore the specific challenges faced by German learners of English and provide practical tips for teachers to enhance the learning experience. One of the primary challenges for German students learning English lies in the linguistic variations between the two languages. German is a highly inflected language, with a complex system of noun declensions, verb conjugations, and grammatical cases. In contrast, English is more analytic, with a simpler structure and fewer...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) has become a popular career choice for individuals worldwide. While there are many benefits to becoming a certified English teacher, non-native speakers may wonder about the advantages of obtaining TESOL certification. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the benefits of getting TESOL certification as a non-native speaker. 1. **Enhanced Credibility and Job Opportunities**: TESOL certification provides non-native speakers with a recognized qualification that enhances their credibility as English teachers. Many employers prefer hiring certified teachers, and TESOL certification can open up a wide range of job opportunities both locally and internationally. 2. **Improved Teaching...  [Read more]

Embark on an exciting journey towards becoming a certified TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teacher with the convenience of e-learning through ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training). Our comprehensive online courses provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field of English language teaching. From lesson planning to classroom management, our expertly designed curriculum covers all aspects of TEFL, ensuring that you are fully prepared to teach English to non-native speakers around the world. 1. The Benefits of E-Learning for TEFL Certification 2. ITTT's Online TEFL Courses 3. Advantages of Choosing ITTT for Your TEFL Certification 4. How to Get Started with ITTT's E-Learning Platform E-learning offers a flexible and convenient way to pursue your...  [Read more]

{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ [ {"@context": "https://schema.org","@type": "SiteNavigationElement","@id": "#nameh0","name": "Beginner or Starter Level","url": "https://www.tesolcourse.com/tesol-faqs/tefl-tesol/what-are-the-five-student-levels-in-esl-teaching/#nameh0"},{"@context": "https://schema.org","@type": "SiteNavigationElement","@id": "#nameh1","name": "Elementary Level","url": "https://www.tesolcourse.com/tesol-faqs/tefl-tesol/what-are-the-five-student-levels-in-esl-teaching/#nameh1"},{"@context": "https://schema.org","@type": "SiteNavigationElement","@id": "#nameh3","name": "Pre-Intermediate Level","url": "https://www.tesolcourse.com/tesol-faqs/tefl-tesol/what-are-the-five-student-levels-in-esl-teaching/#nameh3"},{"@context":...  [Read more]

Navigating the complexities of learning English as a second language can be a challenging journey for many individuals. From mastering grammar rules to developing fluency in speaking, there are several hurdles that learners may encounter along the way. In this article, we will explore some of the common challenges faced by those who are learning English as a second language, and provide insights on how to overcome them. 1. The Importance of Pronunciation 2. Difficulties with Grammar 3. Vocabulary Acquisition 4. Overcoming Language Barriers One of the key challenges that English language learners often face is mastering pronunciation. English is known for its complex system of sounds and phonetics, which can vary greatly from one word to another. For non-native speakers, navigating the...  [Read more]

  Exploring the Benefits of TEFL Courses Career Opportunities for TEFL Graduates Enhancing Cultural Awareness Through TEFL The Importance of Practical Training in TEFL Courses TEFL Courses and Language Proficiency Support and Networking in the TEFL Community TEFL Courses and Personal Growth Overcoming Challenges in Teaching English Abroad The Role of ITTT in TEFL Education Sustainable Impact of TEFL Graduates TEFL courses provide graduates with essential skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. These courses cover a wide range of topics including lesson planning, classroom management, and language assessment. Graduates gain confidence in their teaching abilities and are better equipped to create engaging and interactive learning environments for their...  [Read more]

--- A TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate is a valuable qualification that can significantly enhance your ability to teach English to non-native adults. This certificate equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English as a second or foreign language. It provides you with a solid foundation in language teaching methodologies, classroom management techniques, lesson planning strategies, and language assessment practices. Obtaining a TESOL certificate demonstrates your commitment to professional development and indicates to potential employers that you are serious about pursuing a career in teaching English as a foreign language. It also gives you a competitive edge in the job market, as many language schools and institutions...  [Read more]

Peculiarities of the English Language The English language was created in England. Throughout history, this language has spread to many parts of the world. It is used as a link language for International business and diplomacy. According to Madhukar N. Gate, it has taken thousands of words from other languages such as French, Latin, German, Greek and so on. We can even find Sanskrit words in English. For example: Guru and Pundit are two Sanskrit words used in English. English grammar is quite simple, in many languages nouns have grammatical gender which makes some verbs and adjectives change. This doesn’t happen in English. The adjective “big” is used with all nouns such as man, woman, child, book etc, as well as applying to both singular and plural nouns. Counting large numbers in...  [Read more]

Songs in the Classroom The use of songs in the ESL classroom can be a fun and innovative way of covering a range of English language topics. Songs can be used for vocabulary, grammar, dictation, pronunciation (stress and intonation), phonetics, speaking, writing, listening, integrative skills, and many other ESL points. Furthermore, songs can invite the non-native speaker into the English speaking culture. For instance, pop music gives the learner a taste of what is trendy at the moment. Meanwhile, the lyrics to classic rock songs can give a sense of history and the attitude of the country at the time of recording (for example, “Give Peace a Chance,” John Lennon, 1969). Additionally, children’s songs are crucially important for the young learner as they are an easy way to encourage...  [Read more]

Should Students Be Allowed to Use Their Native Language in the Classroom When I first began teaching lessons during the TESOL Course I found myself almost automatically saying to the students, “English please,” after all it is an English class. However, I began to question myself about whether or not this was “correct” practice or if the students should in fact use their native language to assist them in the learning process. After doing some research I found the TESOL Law Code of Ethics. The Law of Ethics provided many vague and open-ended ideas. It suggested things along the lines of, “The foreign language teacher shall direct her whole professional effort to assist the students to develop his/her second language speaking ability.” It also mentions that TESOL teachers are to...  [Read more]