#83, Susan Ryan’s Tip: Three Strategies for Listening to Spoken English

Many people tell me that they sometimes have trouble understanding American English speakers.

In response to this concern I will describe three listening strategies you can use to increase your understanding of spoken American English.

But first, you need to remember that written English and spoken English are very different. English is not a phonetic language. That means that there is not always a one-on-one relationship between the letters in the English alphabet and spoken sounds.

In fact, the 26 letters in the English (Roman) alphabet make many different sounds in spoken American English. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, American English has 25 consonant sounds and up to 18 vowel sounds (the exact number of sounds may vary from region to region). (more…)

Continue Reading#83, Susan Ryan’s Tip: Three Strategies for Listening to Spoken English

#82, Research Article: ‘Types of Syllabuses in Language Teaching – ESL/EFL Context’ by Shabnum Iftikhar

The aim of this article is to present and introduce those influential types of syllabuses which are feasible in the domain of ESL/EFL and provides a rationale for the integration of these syllabuses as well.

Etymologically syllabus means a ‘label or ‘table of contents’. The American Heritage Dictionary defines syllabus as outline of a course of study. Syllabus represents the expression of educational ideas in practice. Syllabus can also be seen as a “summary of the contents to which the learners will be exposed”.

In the context of non-native countries, where English is taught as a second language, the selection of English syllabus requires a deep understanding, a comprehensive knowledge of various syllabus designs and a mature insight into the issue that which type of syllabus is indispensable to design, so that syllabus could fulfill learners’ requirements with all the paraphernalia of  pedagogical objectives. Syllabus presents the complete program of study to teach academic contents in a specific time period. To gain the maximum benefits of syllabus in a limited time, it is imperative that syllabus must be designed taking into account the learners ‘needs and objectives, essential to require. (more…)

Continue Reading#82, Research Article: ‘Types of Syllabuses in Language Teaching – ESL/EFL Context’ by Shabnum Iftikhar

#81, Susan Ryan’s Tip: ‘Linking in English Pronunciation’

English speakers use linking to join words toegether so that they flow together smoothly.  It often sounds like people are saying one long word since they are no stops between words.

Here are two of the most common types of linking-

Consonant to vowel linking

When words that end in a consonant sound are adjacent to words that begin with a vowel sound the consonant sound becomes part of the second word. Hold the consonant sound of the first word until you say the vowel sound of the second word in order to link these words together. (more…)

Continue Reading#81, Susan Ryan’s Tip: ‘Linking in English Pronunciation’
Newer Posts
Older Posts