Teach English in Nanaimo - TEFL Courses

Idioms and slang exist in many different languages and it would be a disservice to the students not to teach them that the new language they are learning also has these. Slang, idioms and other colloquial forms of english should be considered an important part of learning english because they are a predominant aspect of english. Students should be able to talk formally with their bosses as well less formal with their friends, as well as understand the numerous english programs they come in contact with. While it would be impossible to teach students every slang word or idiom in existence it is to the students benefit if the teacher would take time to fit these subjects into their lessons. Slang is informal language consisting of words or expressions that would be deemed inappropriate in formal settings or in written form. Slang words can be used to emphasis a point or used in certain subcultures or work places. It is used throughout everyday speech and in TV and other forms of entertainment, but always changing making it difficult to teach. Instead of trying to pick and choose what to teach the students use a TV or video clip to play for the students and make an activity out of it. Teach the students the formal way first and then slowly introduce the slang while making it clear to the students which form should be used in formal settings and when it is okay to use slang. Also remind the students that this is only a small sample, and that slang terms are subject to change meaning without warning or become ‘outdated'. A role playing game can help students practice when to use slang, and a matching game can help students being to understand the meaning and practice of specific slang terms making speech with native english speakers less stiff or formal. An idiom is a way of speech that is natural to native speakers of a language and is an expression, word or phrase that has a figurative meaning that cannot be deciphered by the meanings of the individual words. Also, an idiom does not typically carry the same attitude that slang does. There are literally hundreds of idioms still in use and a very much a part of the english language. Because the meanings of idioms cannot be understood by simply knowing the meaning of the words involved it would be to the students benefit to be introduced to their existence to avoid confusion and embarrassment on the speaker or listeners behalf. A sample activity for the students would be to match the meaning of idiom to the idiom itself and then have the students do a short role play in which they would be required to use idioms. During both slang and idiom based activities it would be best for the teacher to listen carefully to make sure that the students are using these forms in the appropriate way. As students become accustom to using slang terms and idioms their speech develops a more natural sound when compared with native english speakers. Learning these different, but just as used forms of speech will provide students with even more means to express themselves in different social settings. Works Cited Dastjerdi, Hossein V., and Javad A'lipour. "english Language Teaching." Teaching Idiomatic Expressions in Context through Focus on Form Techniques 3.4 (2010): 71-74. Www.ccsenet.org. canadian Center of Science and Education, Dec. 2010. Web. Feb. 2011. . Foote, Darold E. The Increased Necessity of Augmenting the Teaching of Commonly Used english Language Idioms, Cliches, Proverbs, Slang Words, and Expressions With Context Examples in the esl Academic Setting. The Increased Necessity of Augmenting the Teaching of Commonly Used english Language Idioms, Cliches, Proverbs, Slang Words, and Expressions With Context Examples in the esl Academic Setting. 14 Apr. 2010. Web. Feb. 2010.