Ipa Sounds American English

  Alveolar sounds get their name from the fact that the alveolar ridge is being used. Again, that ridge is just behind the front top row of teeth. Here the tongue is on or very very near the alveolar ridge. It's typically the tip of the tongue or what's just behind the tip of the tongue, called the blade of the tongue. Here, we're talking about sounds such as ?t? and ?d?. If you say them at home, you can tell the tip of your tongue is on that alveolar ridge. Again, that's ?t? and ?d?, as well as sounds such as ?s? and ?z?. Again, the blade of the tongue is just near that alveolar ridge but it is very near nonetheless. The two other sounds that make it into this category is the ?l? sound, where the tip of the tongue is very clearly touching that alveolar ridge, as well as ?r? or the...  [Read more]

  Place of articulation deals with the placement of the vocal organs when producing a sound. Before we can cover the particulars of places of articulation, we'll need to take a look at the various vocal organs and their locations. Moving from the front to the back we'd begin with our lips. We can use both lips in order to create a sound or we can use one of our lips with one of our rows of teeth, usually the top, in order to produce another sound. We also have other sounds, which use both of the rows of teeth. Further back we have what's called the alveolar ridge. That's the bit of the mouth that may get burnt when we're eating a pizza that's a bit too hot and the cheese burns just behind there our top two teeth. That again is the hard bit just behind our top teeth, called the...  [Read more]

  Now we'll have a look at the teaching ideas for the future simple tense. As we said earlier, the future simple tense can be used for threats or promises or, in this case, for predictions. Here, we'll have a pair of students working together. One has a prompt to say something and the other will begin it with a certain comment and then make a sentence using the future simple tense. Here, 'I'm taking my driving test tomorrow' 'Good luck. You'll pass for sure'. 'I lost at tennis again.' 'Cheer up. You'll do better next time,' so on and so forth. Of course, having a bit of feedback at the end. Some additional ideas for the future simple tense include things like horoscopes. Here you'll divide your class up into groups, provide them with zodiac sign, they'll create a horoscope for that...  [Read more]

  The two words "lay" and "lie" are often confused for each other, which is why we decided to break down the differences in this video. "Lay" is what is called a transitive verb. That means, it needs to be followed by one or more objects. A good example sentence would be "I lay the book on the table". As you can see, lay is followed by ""on the table"". We couldn't only say "I lay the book." as it would be incomplete. This means it is transitive. "Lie" on the other hand is an intransitive verb. That means it doesn't take an object, for example "I lie down". Most errors have to do with the past tenses of the two verbs, as the past tense of "lie" is "lay" while the past tense of "lay" is "laid". Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online...  [Read more]

Do you want to be TEFL or TESOL-certified in Russia? Are you interested in teaching English in Nizhny Tagil, Russia? Check out our opportunities in Nizhny Tagil, Become certified to Teach English as a Foreign Language and start teaching English in your community or abroad! Teflonline.net offers a wide variety of Online TESOL Courses and a great number of opportunities for English Teachers and for Teachers of English as a Second Language. Here Below you can check out the feedback (for one of our units) of one of the 16.000 students that last year took an online course with ITTT! This unit was the most difficult for me thus far. I found learning about the rules for stress and intonation to be helpful, as these types of pronunciation feel natural to me, but not...  [Read more]

If you have researched teaching English abroad, you might have found stories suggesting that it is impossible for US citizens to find ESL teaching jobs in Europe. However, this is not the case as a high demand for foreign teachers in many countries means there are plenty of great opportunities for American teachers in Europe. Language schools in many areas are always on the lookout for native English speaking Americans with a TESOL qualification to fill their vacant positions. At anytime you will find thousands of US citizens teaching in major European cities such as Rome, Madrid, Berlin, Moscow, and Prague. In many Western European countries there is a preference for British English in some schools and excessive bureaucracy can also be responsible for restrictions on US born...  [Read more]

  There are certain words that need backshifting when using reported speech. In this video we look at backshifting places in reported speech. This video is specifically aimed at teaching reported speech in an ESL setting. 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. This unit was about the pronunciation and the phonology of the English language and how to teach it to student. Pronunciation is something that most students find very difficult in the...  [Read more]

If you have a TESOL certificate and are looking to teach English in North America, there are various options available to you. One common option is to work in language schools or private tutoring centers. These institutions often hire TESOL-certified teachers to provide English instruction to non-native speakers. Cities with large immigrant populations, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto, tend to have a high demand for English teachers. Another option is to teach English as a second language (ESL) in public schools or community colleges. Many school districts and educational institutions in North America offer ESL programs for students who are learning English as a second language. Having a TESOL certificate can make you a strong candidate for these positions. You may also...  [Read more]

Teaching English in Latin America can be a rewarding experience, offering the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture while sharing your language skills with others. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to secure a job teaching English in Latin America. Firstly, it is essential to have a recognized TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. Many language schools and institutions in Latin America require teachers to have a TEFL certificate to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills to teach English effectively. There are various TEFL courses available online and in-person, ranging from 120-hour to 250-hour certifications. It is advisable to choose a course that includes practical teaching experience to enhance your job prospects. Once you have obtained...  [Read more]

If you have a TESOL certificate and are looking to teach English in Central America, there are several countries in the region where you can find opportunities to do so. Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, and Nicaragua are popular destinations for English teachers. In Costa Rica, for example, there is a high demand for English teachers in private language schools, as well as in public schools and universities. Guatemala also has a need for English teachers, particularly in language institutes and schools that cater to tourists. Panama is another country where English teachers are in demand, especially in the business sector where English is often a requirement for higher-paying jobs. In Nicaragua, there are opportunities to teach English in schools, universities, and community centers. When...  [Read more]

Latin America attracts a large number of teachers from all over the world who are looking for fun and adventure. Across the region there are a wide variety of opportunities available in a diverse range of countries. By doing your own research and following a few simple tips, most people should have no trouble finding a good teaching job that will lay the foundation for a trip of a lifetime. The Latin America region typically has less restrictions on teachers than any other part of the world. There is generally no requirement for teachers to have a degree or previous classroom experience which makes it a perfect choice for first-time teachers. One thing that most employers will expect however, is for you to have completed a reputable TESOL training course. In many cases an online...  [Read more]

To secure a teaching job in Central America, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of success. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process: First, it is essential to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. This certification demonstrates to potential employers that you have received training in teaching English to non-native speakers. Many language schools and educational institutions in Central America require teachers to have a TEFL certificate, so obtaining one will make you a more competitive candidate. Next, consider your preferences for teaching in Central America. Do some research on the countries in the region to determine which one aligns best with your interests and goals. Each country has its own unique...  [Read more]

To get a job teaching English in North America, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of success. First and foremost, it is important to have a strong grasp of the English language, as well as a recognized qualification in teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL). There are many TEFL courses available online and in-person that can provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to become a successful English teacher. Once you have completed a TEFL course and obtained your certification, the next step is to create a professional resume and cover letter that highlights your qualifications and experience. Be sure to tailor your resume to the specific requirements of the job you are applying for, and include any relevant teaching experience or volunteer work...  [Read more]

  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]

Do you want to be TEFL or TESOL-certified in India? Are you interested in teaching English in Basirhat, India? Check out our opportunities in Basirhat, Become certified to Teach English as a Foreign Language and start teaching English in your community or abroad! Teflonline.net offers a wide variety of Online TESOL Courses and a great number of opportunities for English Teachers and for Teachers of English as a Second Language. Here Below you can check out the feedback (for one of our units) of one of the 16.000 students that last year took an online course with ITTT! Pronunciation is probably the most difficulty portion of learning English. This portion is needed many trainings more than studying. I think, influency of English came from good pronunciation not only...  [Read more]

Do you want to be TEFL or TESOL-certified in Poland? Are you interested in teaching English in Walbrzych, Poland? Check out our opportunities in Walbrzych, Become certified to Teach English as a Foreign Language and start teaching English in your community or abroad! Teflonline.net offers a wide variety of Online TESOL Courses and a great number of opportunities for English Teachers and for Teachers of English as a Second Language. Here Below you can check out the feedback (for one of our units) of one of the 16.000 students that last year took an online course with ITTT! Pronunciation is important but often overlooked by teachers. As a communication disorders major, this unit was something I am very familiar with and passionate about. English sentences can vary in...  [Read more]

If you are considering Spain as a location for teaching English, you certainly won't be alone as it has long been one of the most popular destinations in Europe. However, before you buy a plane ticket why not take a look at Latin America as many teachers find that this amazing region is actually a better option for them. For many people, the opportunity to learn a new language is one of the great benefits of teaching English abroad. When it comes to learning Spanish, the assumption that Spain is the best place to do so is certainly a common one. However, in reality the type of Spanish used in Spain actually uses accents and slang terms that are vastly different to the language spoken in other Spanish speaking countries. In fact, many native Spanish speakers from outside of Spain...  [Read more]

Asia and Latin America both have a strong demand for English language teachers and you will always find a wide range of opportunities whether you are an experienced teacher or looking for your first classroom job. To help you decide which is the better option for you, you should take a look at the following points. Although you should be able to earn enough to live comfortably, most teachers in Latin America will find it hard to save much (if anything at all) of their monthly income. The average salary should take care of your rent and utilities, and leave enough to enjoy a good social life and even to cover some travel in the region. However, if you are looking to pay off debts or you want to save up for a travel fund, this might not be the region for you. Unlike much of Latin...  [Read more]

The job market for TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) teachers in Latin America varies depending on the country and the specific city within that country. Overall, there is a demand for English teachers in Latin America due to the increasing importance of English as a global language for business, travel, and education. In larger cities like Mexico City, Buenos Aires, and São Paulo, there are numerous language schools, international schools, and universities that hire TESOL teachers. These positions may be full-time or part-time, and they often require a TESOL certification such as a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults). Additionally, there are opportunities for TESOL teachers to offer private...  [Read more]

  The next thing we should look at is how our consonants are arranged for the top two rows we have P and F at the left side of our chart and G and J at the right side of our chart. They're arranged this way because if we analyze the way we speak we're using the front of our mouth to use these sounds as in ?p? and ?f? and I'm using my lips and my teeth to produce those sounds and as we move to the right on the chart slowly but surely we're making those sounds it towards the back of our mouth. We can use the examples of ?g?. The sound ?g? is produced further back in our mouth than ?p?. The next thing we'll notice about our chart is that some of our symbols are shaded. Notice that none of the symbols in the vowel sections are shaded but only a few are in the consonant section. The...  [Read more]