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Pronunciation Problems for Learners Speaking Chinese as their First Language - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Sheneil J. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Problems with Consonants
Problems with Vowels
Problems with Rhythm and Stress
Problems with intonation
Minimal Pairs
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Chinese does not have either of the "th" sounds (like "that" and "this"). Most other languages do not have these sounds and they are problematic for most learners of English. The difficulty is the point of articulation- the tongue has to be between the teeth, not behind them. Many people say that English speakers look like they're sticking their tongues out all the time because of the "th" sounds. It... [Read more]
How Mandarin Chinese Helps Me in Teaching English - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Foreign language experience is complexed on so many different levels, it is a window into a different culture, often a different country and even a different paradigm of thinking. There is a multitude of language experiences people can have, each with their own intricacies and uniqueness. As a native English speaker from South Africa, living in China has provided me with extraordinary foreign language experience.
The Most Difficult Language
Benefits of Mandarin Experience
Do you want to teach English in China?
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Marlan S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Mandarin, the national language of... [Read more]
How Learning Chinese Made Me A Better English Teacher In China - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences
The following blog post is about an ITTT graduate who shares his story on how learning Chinese helped him to become a better English teacher in China.
What do you call someone who speaks only one language?
"My insights into their language and culture were incredibly helpful."
"Many Chinese are anxious about speaking English with natives - more so than is to be considered normative."
"The best ESL teachers are the ones with experience with the native language of their students."
Listen to this blog post
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Joseph S.
A common saying imparted to me by one of my professors goes like this: "What do you call someone who speaks three languages?... [Read more]
The Typical Challenges for Chinese English Learners - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
This essay answers the question for number 10 "what are the main problems for learners in the country of China?" I am a professor at Jiangnan University in Wuxi, China and share my observations. Our students are in the North American College (NAC), with partners in Canada at Lambton College and Northwood University, USA. Three areas are most interesting to their learning challenges: college preparation, listening and writing.
Exam System
Lexical Units
Digital Autism
Writing
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Annette P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Students enter NAC with a low score on... [Read more]
Troubles Faced by Students from China When Learning English - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
If you think of Chinese ESL students it is safe to assume that most teachers would immediately worry about how they should teach phonics to Mandarin speakers. It is also true that the media has portrayed the Chinese accent as one of the most challenging to understand or even get rid of.
Personal Experience
Phonetical Errors
Grammar Challenges
Problems Due to Geographical Origin of Students
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Graciela G. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Usually, the first thing you will notice as an ESL teacher, speaking from experience, is the difficulty Chinese ESL students face... [Read more]
English Speaking and Writing Errors made by Chinese Primary Students - TEFL Blog
William Noble
Destinations Teaching Ideas
I have been an online ESL teacher to Chinese students for over 13 years, mostly with primary students but also with secondary and adult students. I am also a father and have homeschooled my daughter over her primary years. Like many teachers, I've enjoyed teaching at this level of education as it lays the foundation in English. As it set the foundation, my teaching helped students to overcome common errors in production skills, speaking and writing. Teaching both my daughter and Chinese students at the primary level also helped me also to understand the different expectations between first language and second language students.
Speaking Errors
Phonetics
Dark L
Aspiration
Consonant Clusters
Suprasegmentals
Intonation
Psychology
Writing Errors... [Read more]
English Learning Problems For Chinese Native Speakers and Solutions - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Most teachers come to China to teach English with only a general idea about Chinese culture and language which they should have to deal with as soon as they arrive in China. The reason I chose this topic is that I am fluent in Chinese and have experienced Chinese culture in all its facets for over than seven years. But let's not beat around the bush and get down to the nitty-gritty.
Shyness/lack of confidence:
Grammar issues:
Pronunciation issues:
Th: /s/ instead of /th/
V: /w/ instead of /v/ (mostly with southern Chinese)
Lt: /t/ instead of /lt/
Intonation:
Lack of learning structure:
Do you want to teach English in China?
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Ruben M.
Chinese people often seem to be shy or... [Read more]
How to Help Chinese Native Speakers to Follow English Grammar Rules in Speaking - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Grammar is the rules governing the composition of clauses, phrases, and words in a natural language. Simply put, grammar is the general rule of a language. Language is logical; grammar tells us in which order we say words. It's about how words become phrases; how words and phrases become sentences and how sentences become language.
The Essence of Grammar
Different languages have different grammar rules
How to teach grammar (EFL: how to teach Chinese students English)
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Yang S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Some of these rules are acquired naturally in... [Read more]
Problems for Young English Learners in Public Schools in China - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Since the opening of China to the Western world, Chinese society and economic prowess have both continued to grow at exponential rates. This has led to its status as a rising power, culturally and economically, and an international power increasingly interconnected with many parts of the globe. As Chinese educational infrastructure tries to match pace with the rapidity of the country's progress, one educational mandate that has persisted in importance over time has been that of English learning for all young learners across the country. The government sees English proficiency as a matter of national economic competitiveness, in fact requiring that English is taught as part of the public school curriculum as preparation for China's 高考 (gaokao),... [Read more]
Problems for ESL Learners in China - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
The English language has become so essential in china because the country wants to successfully promote internationalism and keep the lines of communication open for trade and business matters. As one of the global powers, it's in the country's best interest to keep afloat of shifting trends in international matters.
Governmental decision
Spelling
Pronunciation
Singular / Plural Aspect
Gender
Articles
Lack of opportunities to practice
Word order
Individual differences
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Ramy M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
The government has recognized that English is now... [Read more]
Problems for Learners in China and How to Help Teachers Overcome Them - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
After spending five years in China as an ESL teacher, corporate trainer and university lecturer I would like to share a few of the most common problems for Chinese learners and ways for teachers to overcome them. I will focus on problems regarding cultural differences, pronunciation and first language interference.
Social challenges
Pronunciation
First language influence
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Michal W. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Despite China's opening to the outside world in recent decades, it is still a very closed society with only anecdotal knowledge of Western culture (by... [Read more]
How to Build Confidence in Chinese Business Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Self-confidence has been seen as a major contributor to a person learning a language. As a teacher and a counselor, I agree with Jack Welch's quote: Giving people self-confidence is by far the most important thing that I can do because then they will act. Confidence exists of three realms: who I am, what I can learn, and what I can do. These are steps that can be taken to help Chinese Business English students improve confidence in these realms.
What is self-confidence?
Who am I?
What can I learn?
What can I do?
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today!
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate William N. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.... [Read more]
English, The Universal Language - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Over a hundred years ago, in the late 19th century, a Polish-Jewish eye doctor named Dr. Ludwig Lazarus Zamenhof wanted to bridge the gaps and misunderstandings between different ethnic groups that he grew up around. Being from a Polish city that, at the time, was a polyglot, multi-ethnic mixture of Poles, Russians, Jews, Lithuanians, and Germans, he saw there was a great deal of distrust between each group, and he believed it was due to the language barriers that each imposed. To create a common ground between every group, he created an international, universal language called Esperanto (Yaffe, 2017). While it was a great idea to create a language that did not belong to any ethnic group and could be used universally, it did not take off in the 20th... [Read more]
All Types of Verbs in the English Language - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!
Verbs are one of the most important parts of speech in English and incredibly important for learners of English. The below infographic showcases all types of verbs in the English language.
Generally speaking, a verb is a word that shows an action, state or an event. It is an essential part of a sentence and is known as the soul of language. For example:
"They study English grammar." (Action)
"We celebrate independence day." (Event)
"I sleep at night." (State)
Following are the different types of verbs:
When a verb's past tense (2nd form) and past participle (3rd form) is created by adding ‘d’ or ‘ed’, it is called a regular verb. Some examples of a regular verb include:
Walk
Walked
... [Read more]
Peculiarities of The English Language - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
I did not realize how difficult English is until I became fluent in Spanish. I am currently studying French and I am pretty good at French. I have a basic knowledge of Esperanto.
English is difficult for several reasons
English is not a phonetic language
There are exceptions to every rule
Some examples of other exceptions to English rules
Pronunciation
Are you ready to teach English all over the world?
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Listen to this blog post:
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Wayne K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
I will just touch on each of these since a book could be written about each of these.
Also Read: Teaching Young Learners vs. Adult Learners - The... [Read more]
English as a Non-Phonetic Language - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences
Like we all know, the English alphabet has 26 letters. These 26 letters can make 44 different sounds or phonemes – 20 sounds come from the vowels a, e, i, o and u; and 24 sounds come from the remaining 21 consonants. A phoneme is the smallest unit of sound that can change the meaning of a word.
The Vowel Sounds
The Consonant Sounds
Syllable Stress
Without Jumping to Conclusions
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If we consider sounds made simply by the letter 'a' for instance, in the word 'apple' – it's /ae/, in 'car' – it's /a:/, in amount – it's /a/, and so on. This, consequently, makes English a non-phonetic language, which means that the pronunciation of a word is not... [Read more]
English as a World Language - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
English is considered a universal language, mainly because it is widely spoken all over the world. English was originally the language of England. Its expansion became imperative due to the dominance in world trade, religion, technology, tourism, education and so on. UK expansion and incursion of the USA as the first world power saw the migration of the English language all over the world. About 70 countries adopt the English language as their official language and statistics have it that the English language is one of the easiest languages to learn when compared with other languages like Chinese, French, German or Spanish.
English Prevalence
English in Asia
ESL Career Difficulties
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
Related... [Read more]
What level of English is required for TEFL? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
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]
English as a Global Language: What Motivates Students to Learn English? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
As an international study major in college, I learned that the United Nations, a non-governmental organization, officially recognizes six world languages: every meeting, written document, and speech are translated into these languages. English is one of them. It is spoken and written by billions of people around the world. Having traveled in eight countries myself, I was surprised to have seen how commonplace it was for countries to translate directional signs in both the official language and in English. A student's mastery of the English language, or in any language, can be a difficult journey to venture. Therefore, this essay will explore what factors may motivate a student to learn English.
English for adults
Ways to learn
English for young... [Read more]
TEFL Other Europe - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ English Language And Literature Teacher
Date posted:2024-04-17 | Writer: CLIP - The Oporto International School | Email: [email protected]
CLIP – The Oporto International School, accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS), was established in 1990 and has approximately 1200 students, aged 3 to 18, from 50+ different countries. All students have an education that upholds the highest academic standards within a globally-minded learning culture. CLIP fosters an innovative, challenging and nurturing environment for learning, where each child is encouraged to develop their unique talents. CLIP follows the EYFS, an adapted National Curriculum for England, the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum and Cambridge AS and A2 studies.
For the academic year 2024-2025, we are recruiting for a qualified Middle and Upper School English Teacher... [Read more]
TEFL Greece - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Language School English Teacher
Date posted:2024-03-29 | Writer: CHRANIOTI LANGUAGE SCHOOLS | Email: [email protected]
Are you passionate about teaching English as a second language? We are hiring a dedicated English teacher to join our team in Néa Smýrni, Attiki, Greece.
Qualifications
Proficiency in English language teaching (TEFL/TESOL)
Experience teaching English as a second language
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to create engaging and effective lesson plans
Familiarity with technology is a definite plus
Benefits
Excellent working environment
Opportunities for growth and advancement
If you are enthusiastic about making a difference in the lives of our learners and thrive in a supportive work environment, we want to hear from you!
Apply now to join our team and be part of our... [Read more]
Problems for Learners of English in Mandarin Speaking China - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Over the past three years, I've had the privilege of teaching English as a foreign language online for a company called Education First. The format would normally be an internationally diverse group in an audio-only platform. During these sessions, I found that my students from China would have specific challenges in pronunciation that many of my European and Brazilian students would not. I recognized their tendency to add an "a" at the end of words that clearly ended in a consonant. Unfortunately, I was not educated enough in the specific challenges that Mandarin speakers faced in their attempt to learn English. I'm scheduled to begin teaching in China later this year, and it has become clear to me that I need to drill into the specific challenges faced... [Read more]
How to Help Chinese Native Speaking Students in Their ESL Practice - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
China is one of the leading countries in the world that has been in the search and quest to learn the English language. In recent years the demand to learn English has been on a rise. Every school tries to have a teacher who can teach the language to the learners. However, in this process of learning, many learners encounter a series of problems which make the language learning process not an easy task both for teachers and students. However, we are going to be looking at very common problems students learning English as a foreign language face in China.
First Language
Lack of Interest
Pronunciation Difficulties
Ways to Solve The Abovementioned Problems
1. Speak English to Students Only
2. Work on Building Students' Confidence
Do you want to teach... [Read more]
Many Shades of the English Language - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Every language has its peculiarities, more so in the English language, which is spoken in the largest number of countries in the world. And thus has attained the status of a global language. Factors attributed to this phenomenon are many. One of the major reasons is that the Britishers had a large number of colonies which enabled them to come in contact with the inhabitants of different parts of the world.
Vocabulary
Pronunciation
Spelling and Pronunciation
Meaning
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Stone S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Moreover, the colonies had the English language as the... [Read more]
English as a Foreign Language in Kindergarten - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Learning English as a foreign language in preschools have become an increasing trend in many different countries across the world. Parents are willing to invest money for the kids to start learning English at a tender age as their ability to grasp the language will be easier.
Is it necessary for children?
Fun activities
Teaching vocabulary
Consider short attention spans
Are you ready to teach EFL to kindergarten level?
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Diana N.
There are various ways of transferring knowledge based on fun EFL activities. Various techniques and numerous tools are the main methods of imparting knowledge the children. It has been scientifically proven that children at the ages of... [Read more]
The World Status of The English Language - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
A global language is a language spoken internationally, the most popular one being English. It is learned by many people as a second language.
Word Origin
Global Communication
Language Structure
Cultural Importance
Challenges For Learners
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Damian B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
A big part of the lexical units in the English language was taken from German, Latin, French, and other European countries. People think that languages have a strong relation between dominance and cultural power.
Also read: What to Watch Out for Before Signing Your TEFL Contract... [Read more]
The Benefits of a TEFL Certification for English Language Educators - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
A TEFL course, otherwise known as "Teaching English as a Foreign Language," is an essential educational component for any foreign language educator who wishes to teach English in their own country or to non-native students living abroad ("What's the Difference Between CELTA and TEFL?" 2019). To be certified to teach English as a foreign language, a language educator possess at least a TEFL or TESOL certification, with a degree of practical, in-class teaching experience. The most prestigious TEFL courses, such as CELTA (Cambridge English Teaching Language Assessment), are accredited, which means their curriculum has been reviewed and accepted by international committees to ensure that they meet local, national, or international language standards. Most... [Read more]
Can I teach English as a foreign language in Africa? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Yes, opportunities are available across the continent, from the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean in the north to the scenic landscapes around the Cape of Good Hope in the south. While it is true that teaching roles aren't as abundant or widespread as in other global regions, Africa's diverse culture and rich history provide an unparalleled teaching experience. Be prepared to stay flexible in your job search and be patient throughout the process. Ultimately, Africa offers a rewarding venture for those ready to embrace its potential.
Where can I get a paid job teaching English in Africa?
Should I consider volunteering as an English teacher in Africa?
If you are seeking rewarding, paid ESL teaching positions in Africa, North African nations like Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia are your best... [Read more]
What Are The Problems For English Language Learners In Saudi Arabia? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
I was born in Saudi Arabia and I had to finish my education from kindergarten to high school in Jeddah and other cities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The history of teaching English
English Level
Problems
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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As a student and a resident for more than 12 years there, I think that I have some experience in the education system in Saudi Arabia. I will try here to explain English learners' problems in Saudi Arabia with my personal opinion and experience.
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Hesham Z. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
It started in 1927. Then, development spanned from 1944 to the... [Read more]
TEFL Other Latin America - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ English Language Instructor 1
Date posted:2024-04-17 | Writer: TransPerfect | Email: [email protected]
TransPerfect Language & Cultural Training is part of the TransPerfect solutions, the world’s largest language service and technology solutions provider for global businesses with offices in more than 100 cities around the globe.
Position details
TransPerfect is currently looking for an English language trainer to join our pool of English trainers and take part in a face to face general ESL program . As an English language trainer with TransPerfect, you can expect to deliver language classes to our clients from a variety of sectors and cultural backgrounds.
Main Objectives
• Prepare lesson plans and deliver effective training
• Be prepared to develop complementary course materials to meet... [Read more]