19th Century Halloween

Since the late 19th century, English has been identified as the most far reaching language in the world. In his book, English as a Global Language, linguist David Crystal defines what constitutes a global language and provides a useful categorization of English speakers around the world today. Crystal also describes the forces driving global English to grow in its current direction and argues that the role of English in the current world is unlike any other example of an international language in history. In his final assessment concerning the effects of English on communities and countries as well as in his projections about the fate of global English, Crystal presents some challenges to making this phenomenon become a force for betterment in the world but also shows how...  [Read more]

The role of a teacher has changed more dramatically in the past half century then in anytime in previous history. Schools are changing from a period where information was held by few to dispense to many, to a period where the flow of information freely exchanges between all varieties of media, most noticeably TV and the Internet. Therefore teachers are no longer needed as the supreme dispenser of knowledge but rather as a guide to learning who understands their student's unique needs and barriers to learning.Traditionally, teachers have had the responsibility to dispense historically relevant information to students sitting obediently in rows. Although this model has worked in the past it often creates a distant relationship between student and teacher and places the bulk of...  [Read more]

During the late seventeenth century while James, Duke of York, was renaming New Amsterdam. The vowel ' as in 'man' was lenghtening in certain contexts. In words like 'laugh' and 'path' and 'pass' wich end in unvoiced fricatives, in words like 'dance'and 'plant', which end in a nasal and an s or t, and in words where the ' was followed by r, that short vowel began to grow long. The older pronunciation of 'dance was d'ns, wholly acceptable today to english speakers outside the cultural area dominated by London, then it became d':ns. It was not until the nineteenth century, that this long ' decided to migrate to the back of the mout and become the α: which is charachteristic of southern speech today. It is a source of mockery, or reluctant admiration, among provincials and...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word sprachgefühl. This word refers to a person's intuitive ability to produce language in a natural way. Sprachgefühl is one of many Gernan words that found their way into the English language at the end of the 19th century. The word is a combination of sprache (language, speech) and gefühl (feeling). 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 gives detailed explanations about the...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word mugwump. This word is a noun and refers to a person who remains independent, especially from politc parties. This word comes from the Algonquian native peoples in Canada. It has been used in English since the 19th century. 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. Unit 12 , Teaching Productive skills conveyed the two productive skills which are speaking and writing; and how they are both used for...  [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]

Located on the west coast of the U.S.A, San Diego is a southern Californian city with a lot to offer. Not only does it benefit from a Mediterranean style climate but it also has some of the region’s most beautiful beaches where you can make the most of the year-round summer days. Other attractions include Balboa Park, the Mission Bay area and the many museums, galleries, amusement parks and interesting shops and restaurants that are spread around the city. Add to this the city’s proximity to the Mexican border and Los Angeles and you will see why so many people take their TEFL/TESOL course with us in San Diego, California. First settled by Europeans in 1769, San Diego is known as the ‘birthplace of California’. However, it remained a relative backwater until the railroad connection...  [Read more]

Without a doubt, New York is among the top most visited states in America. This is because of the many historic attractions, natural wonders and vibrant cities in the region. On top of that, New York is one of the most ethnically diverse states due to the mass immigration since the early 19th century. Today, New York is a melting pot of cultures, languages and also food. You will find everything you can imagine in New York. Upstate New York is the right place for you if you are searching for lush nature, such as forests and tall mountains. Many locals and those from further away come to the northern part of New York to spend some quality time outdoors. Lake George is a popular destination for those wanting to hike, bike or camp in a picturesque location. There are also a couple of...  [Read more]

The 19th century witnessed the onset of the industrial revolution, given rise through a symbiosis with advanced means of conducting intercontinental trade. For the most part, it was British explorers, pioneers and entrepreneurs who were opening the gates to the outside world in search of cheaper and more exotic resources and raw materials. Today, the colonization of these bountiful regions of the globe which formed the British Empire has not only left the imprint of our culture and civilization, but also the English language. Further promoted by the economic and cultural influence of the U.S, post WWII, English has progressively become the most widely recognized international language. In our current, globalized world, the access to recourses such as technology,...  [Read more]

The state of Arizona is blessed with abundant natural wonders and a long history. Due to the booming copper mines in the in the 19th century, Arizona is also called “The Copper State”. You can also find world-famous attractions like the mighty Grand Canyon in Arizona. This national park attracts many millions of people from across the world each year with its orange and red sandstone formations and scenic hiking routes along the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon National Park was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also among the oldest parks in America. Arizona is home to a splendid collection of parks and is, therefore, the perfect destination for those who seek to spend quality time in nature. You have the choice between 22 national parks and 30 state parks in Arizona offering...  [Read more]

In today's world the term 'global' takes on an entirely new meaning. Initially termed to mean in reference to the world as a whole, as opposed to individual countries, but today, while still holding true, it also means something more. The internet, modern media, email, and even to a lesser extend telephones, have made it possible to communicate with almost every person on the planet, a thought not even considered possible one hundred years ago. People separated by thousands of miles have never been closer and it takes nothing more than a touch of a button. The French can talk to the United States of America, the Brazilian to the United Kingdom, Africa to Asia; you could probably even speak to someone studying in the Antarctic if you tried hard enough. Or at least these people ...  [Read more]

It would seem as though everyone has their own customized method of teaching; however when these philosophies are reduced some fundamental trends emerge. Since any person's perception and interpretation would individualize these fundamental methodologies (especially once put into practice) I will attempt to focus on the more concrete objective bases of these notions. The specific methodologies I will be discussing include: The Grammar Translation Approach, The Direct Method, Community Language Learning, The Audio- Lingual Method and the Functional-Notional Approach. Grammar-Translation This approach dates back to the late 19th century and was primarily geared towards teaching dead languages- Latin and Greek. The name of the approach insinuates the method, translating...  [Read more]

The seed of a global language was planted several hundred years ago and has since rooted up in the form of English. During the 19th century, British economic predominance, which was a direct result of the Industrial Revolution, paved the way for a colonialism of monumental scope. The rapid rise and infectual spread of the English language began to permeate the globe. Some years later, the strong politicial and military predominance boasted by the United States following World War II paved the way for a substantial economic and cultural reform that displaced French from the sphere of diplomacy and has since fixed English as the standard for global communication. (Shutz)As of today, English is the dominant language of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Austria, the...  [Read more]

The term Active Learning means ''student interaction with content, with materials and with peers in a multi-disciplinary, multi-sensory and multi-graded approach' (Meyers, 1993 pg 39). Active learning helps the teacher handle the diversity of student levels in the classroom.In an Active Learning classroom the student is provided with the time, the materials, and the organized classroom routines and expectations they need in order to allow them interaction with their learning. It is important for educators to realize that Active Learning supports not only English-speaking students but second- language learners as well.If we think that students are learning English so that they can use it in their everyday lives to better themselves and their opportunities, we must realize that...  [Read more]

Having been used as the setting for many famous movies and TV shows, the skyline and major landmarks of San Francisco are instantly recognizable to millions of people all over the world. Iconic structures such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island need no introduction, whilst other favorites including Fisherman’s Wharf, the hairpin turns of Lombard Street and the famous cable car system are equally famous. The city is also well known for its diversity and inclusive attitude that can still be felt today across many of its unique neighborhoods. With a fascinating list of attractions to explore, and a warm and welcoming population, San Francisco could well be the perfect venue for completing your TEFL/TESOL training course. San Francisco’s rise began with the onset of the infamous...  [Read more]

Although Salt Lake City is one of the smaller cities where we offer our TEFL/TESOL training course, it still has plenty to offer those who choose it as their destination. Famous for hosting the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, the city and its surrounding area boasts some of the finest winter sport facilities in the country. The region’s beautiful and rugged terrain also provides an ideal playground for all manner of outdoor pursuits such as hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking. As the capital and largest city in Utah, Salt Lake City is equally popular with thousands of less energetic visitors who come to explore the stunning natural landscape from the comfort of their own car or tour bus. Famously founded by Mormon settlers in the 19th century, Salt Lake City has steadily grown from its...  [Read more]

Linguists estimate that there are about 5,000 to 6,000 languages spoken in the world today, and this large estimate is due to the fact that some dialects are evolving into what could be considered a separate language (www.anthro.palomar.edu). Of the many world languages, Mandarin Chinese contains the highest number of native speakers with estimates around one billion people, and English comes in at a distant third with about 350,000,000 native speakers (www.anthro.palomar.edu). However, English is far more world wide in its distribution than all other spoken languages, it is the most widely taught foreign language in the world, it is the international language of science and business and therefore English has truly become a global language. The historical expansion...  [Read more]

Linguists estimate that there are about 5,000 to 6,000 languages spoken in the world today, and this large estimate is due to the fact that some dialects are evolving into what could be considered a separate language (www.anthro.palomar.edu). Of the many world languages, Mandarin Chinese contains the highest number of native speakers with estimates around one billion people, and English comes in at a distant third with about 350,000,000 native speakers (www.anthro.palomar.edu). However, English is far more world wide in its distribution than all other spoken languages, it is the most widely taught foreign language in the world, it is the international language of science and business and therefore English has truly become a global language.The historical expansion of English...  [Read more]

In order to understand the problems of the modern Mongolian language learner, one must first examine the context of Mongolia today. In this paper I will examine the history of education, its current accessibility and trends, and social issues that contribute to the learning environment for students in Mongolia. They have had a century of dramatic changes which must first be known.During most of the twentieth century Mongolia remained a Soviet communist state called the Mongolian People´s Republic. This stage spanned from 1924 through 1990 when the Democratic Revolution shifted Mongolia to independence and democracy. The education system has changed in reaction to political and economic national trends. At the onset of the twentieth century Mongolians were educated in...  [Read more]

Punctuation marks are the traffic signals of language: they tell us to slow down, notice this, take a detour, stop. They are designed to help readers to make sense of the written word. Punctuation herds words together, keeps others apart. Their placement, or absence, can vastly change the meaning of a phrase, this is the basis of all those ?I?m sorry, I?ll read that again? jokes. Think of the difference to meaning the punctuation marks make in the following examples: Go get him, surgeonsORGo, get him surgeons What is this thing called, love?ORWhat is this thing called love? He shot himself as a childORHe shot, himself, as a child A woman, without her man, is nothing. OR A woman, without her, man is nothing. My son, if sinners entice thee consent thee, not refraining...  [Read more]

Punctuation marks are the traffic signals of language: they tell us to slow down, notice this, take a detour, stop. They are designed to help readers to make sense of the written word. Punctuation herds words together, keeps others apart. Their placement, or absence, can vastly change the meaning of a phrase, this is the basis of all those “I’m sorry, I’ll read that again” jokes.Think of the difference to meaning the punctuation marks make in the following examples: Go get him, surgeonsORGo, get him surgeonsWhat is this thing called, love'ORWhat is this thing called love'He shot himself as a childORHe shot, himself, as a childA woman, without her man, is nothing. OR A woman, without her, man is nothing.My son, if sinners entice thee consent thee, not...  [Read more]

'A recent study suggests that teaching grammar to schoolchildren has no discernible effect on their writing skills, so why should it be of any more use in the ELT classroom'' asks Luke Meddings in an article on Friday February 4, 2005 in the Guardian Unlimited.Following a research project funded by the Department for Education in the UK reviewing 100 years of research into grammar teaching, a report was published on 19th January 2005 concluding that teaching grammar does not help young pupils either write more fluently or more accurately. Luke Meddings makes the point that, if this is the case, teaching grammar is likely to be no more useful for second- language learners than for first language learners.It seems to me that the conclusion drawn about teaching grammar and its lack...  [Read more]

Over the past several years, I have periodically come across newspaper reports, magazine articles, and television & radio discussions about the emergence of English as a universal language. I must admit, the idea of a single, universally spoken language did intrigue me. I would sometimes wonder about how easy travel would be if the entire world spoke the same language. However, a few questions often arose in my mind. Why English' Why, with the enormous population of Southeast Asia and the widespread use of Spanish throughout Central and South America, would English be the language of choice for the world' Also, why does the world now need a global language' Fortunately for me, David Crystal has conducted extensive research into answering my questions. In his book,...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word swashbuckler. This word is a noun and describes a swashbuckling person. The word has been used since the 16th century and is a combination of the words 'swash' and 'buckler'. 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 continuation with the lessons on parts of speech, this chapter highlighted on the use of future tenses. Having been conversant with future simple, future continuous, future perfect...  [Read more]

A recent study suggests that teaching grammar to schoolchildren has no discernible effect on their writing skills, so why should it be of any more use in the ELT classroom?? asks Luke Meddings in an article on Friday February 4, 2005 in the Guardian Unlimited. Following a research project funded by the Department for Education in the UK reviewing 100 years of research into grammar teaching, a report was published on 19th January 2005 concluding that teaching grammar does not help young pupils either write more fluently or more accurately. Luke Meddings makes the point that, if this is the case, teaching grammar is likely to be no more useful for second- language learners than for first language learners. It seems to me that the conclusion drawn about teaching grammar...  [Read more]

  Before we move on to the final methodology for today, let's just recap and see where we are at this point in time. We're looking at different learning methodologies. Each of those methodologies takes its premise from being somewhere on this particular spectrum of ?nature versus nurture? and where we are on this spectrum gives us a starting point for the background or theory to that particular methodology. So, we?ve had a look starting in the 17th century and the classical method and moving on as the ideas of psychology developed to various methods, such as audiolingualism, the silent way, Suggestopedia and TPR. Each of these showing a development as knowledge about learning increased and each of these takes a different starting point on our English spectrum. Below you can read...  [Read more]

The following paper is a variation on the ?What I wish I had known before the course? topic. I have decided to focus on what I can do with what I have learned. I am not certain I will enter into the field of English instruction. In my traditional business courses, and if I enter into English instruction I plan to focus on the following three areas. ?Advocate for the use of high quality, Standard English ?Use grammar instruction carefully ?Encourage writing proficiency in all subjects/courses When teaching English?Quality Counts Advocating for Standard English The launch speech of Professor Koh Tai Ann, Chairman of the Speak Good English Movement of Singapore is a wonderfully crafted document that spells out the economic and social advantages of English mastery. The...  [Read more]

The following paper is a variation on the “What I wish I had known before the course” topic. I have decided to focus on what I can do with what I have learned. I am not certain I will enter into the field of English instruction. In my traditional business courses, and if I enter into English instruction I plan to focus on the following three areas.•Advocate for the use of high quality, Standard English•Use grammar instruction carefully•Encourage writing proficiency in all subjects/courses When teaching English—Quality CountsAdvocating for Standard English The launch speech of Professor Koh Tai Ann, Chairman of the Speak Good English Movement of Singapore is a wonderfully crafted document that spells out the economic and social advantages of...  [Read more]

Home > Articles I never made a mistake in grammar but one in my life and as soon as I done it I seen it... So you've decided you want to teach English as a foreign language... There are many different practices that could be used for good classroom management and as with all techniques these need to be adapted to your own classroom, taking into account the age, culture, and personality of the class as a whole, and of you as a teacher... Classroom management requires a positive relationship between the teacher and the student... I believe that Classroom Management is the key component in any educational setting... I?m sure ?Classroom Management? holds many different meanings for many different people... Classroom management is a teacher?s ability to organize and control ...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word "purport". This word is a noun and is a synonym for the words implied or conveyed. The word comes from Middle English and Anglo-French and was first used in the English language in the 15th century. An example sentence with the word purport includes: Everyone was informed of the purport of the letter. 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. The issue of course books is almost an eternal debate...  [Read more]