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Why teaching slang and idioms is important? I always say that English language or any language in general reminds a human body with the skeleton and flesh. This is a very figurative statement and I will try to explain it literally. What I am trying to say is that the skeleton of the language is grammar and it is undeniably very important to study grammar and to know grammar very well. But the language won't be whole and complete without the knowledge of vocabulary just like the body won't be a really healthy body without muscles and flesh. I hope that my metaphor is clear and understandable. When we talk about teaching grammar and teaching vocabulary it becomes obvious that both things are of great importance. And the teachers shouldn't focus on one skill totally ignoring the other. The best way is to combine them, devote equal amount of time to both grammar and vocabulary and this balanced study will bring positive results. But today I would like to talk specifically about a very important part of vocabulary - idioms and slang. I honestly think that idioms and slang make the speech more beautiful and interesting. A student with the good knowledge of idioms and slang as well as the knowledge of how to use them correct can have lots of benefits. He can understand native speakers easier and can even sound like a native speaker, the huge world of songs, TV shows and movies where people use everyday English will be opened in front of him. I also think that good knowledge of idioms is a sign of a well read and intelligent person because many idioms have an interesting origin and are connected with the literature or even certain historical events or traditions. Slang is a little bit different thing. I think that teacher should be smart and careful while teaching slang because it is very important for a non-native speaker of English to read the room right and to use slang when it is really necessary and appropriate. There is an interesting statement that slang, strong language and singing is the right of the native speakers. I wouldn't say so, but on the other hand the wrong usage of slang in the wrong situation can be really awkward. That is why I think that while presenting slang and explaining the meaning of it teacher should tell to students that we mostly learn it in order to understand the native speakers when they talk to us. I think that the teacher should also comment on the connotation of the slang expressions and give examples of the right situations when to use these words. When it comes to teaching slang and idioms, the teachers are very lucky because the whole world of the Internet can serve as a great source of information. A teacher can take into account the interests of his students and take materials from podcasts, TV shows, YouTube videos and other great sources. This is a field for the teacher to show his creativity and imagination. In order to make the usage of such materials effective the teacher should prepare some worksheets with the new vocabulary in advance in order to make the process of watching the video or listening to the song more effective and understandable. As a conclusion I want to say that knowledge of slang and idioms can help the students to truly understand and see the variety and beauty of the language and make the communication process way more interesting.
