Teach English in Bathurst - TEFL Courses

TEACHING SLANG AND IDIOMS What are we talking about? Idioms are phrases with a completely different meaning from what the individual words themselves would have. They are unique combinations of words to express something in a way which is often particular to the english language and are used extensively in everyday speech. Slang is colloquial language, where words mean something other than their formal meanings, or where words are used that is not actual english words. Sometimes slang words will become dictionary words through use and custom. In short, idioms and slang are the locals' way of speaking! Why teach slang and idioms in the first place? The answer in my opinion is a simple one – because that is the most colourful aspect of the language, it is real and it is in common use. They are unique expressions of a concept which puts everyone on the same page immediately – please pardon the pun! Idiomatic expressions, the use of slang and hand gestures together weave the fabric of a society's essential bond in language. Locals appreciate an outsider learning their colloquialisms; and the extent to which a stranger is embraced and welcomed is often directly proportional to the extent to which they can get the local joke or catch their drift. Achieving that token of acceptance inspires and motivates the learner more than almost anything. It also allows them the opportunity to ask the locals how the expression came about, how it is most often used and also, where not to say it. It augments their assimilation into their chosen setting immeasurably. People love others being interested in them, wanting to know about their customs and not just being content to exist on the periphery of the setting. The more appropriate question is ‘Why wouldn't you want to teach or learn it?' Who is ready to absorb it? The essentials of the language being learnt, certainly needs to be in place. If the basic words contained in the expression are not understood, its subtle import will most certainly be lost. Inherently this language acquisition is more ideally suited to post intermediate and advanced students; however, I believe that the awareness of these applications can be created much earlier. Students will no doubt hear them; the teacher can highlight individual ones in the context of what is being taught and build the student's confidence accordingly. How do we go about teaching these? Simply teach them in the context of what you are working on at the time – the learning of idioms will blend as seamlessly into the curriculum as they do into everyday speech. Select some idioms which have relevance to the subject matter at hand and teach them alongside other aspects. It will add interest and variety to the more formal aspects of the course. For instance when you are discussing pets; a phrase like ‘dog tired' or ‘working like a dog' will fit right in! Do not teach more than 5-8 at a time – ‘do not bite off more than you can chew!' Make very sure that the students understand the individual words in the phrase first. When they do, it will be much easier to enjoy the expressions. Create the opportunity for the students to also use idioms, not just understand them. For instance, play ‘Idiom translation' – have one half of a group/ pair tell a story to the other using idioms and then have the other retell it back without the idiom. Using authentic material such as newspaper clippings, media recordings and magazine articles to highlight the use of idioms and slang. It makes it real and current. Rap songs and other music lyrics contain many examples of idioms and slang – what better way is there to tune into students than what music they likely listen to? Some episodes from television series like ‘Modern Family' and ‘Friends' contain very suitable scenes to use and are very popular with students. Keep the theme alive! Keep a running list of idioms as they are being taught on a section of the board – it allows for easy revision and will encourage everyone to use them as they speak in class. You could also play ‘The Great Idiom Race' over the duration of the course. Every time a student uses an idiom, a colour marble or coffee bean is placed into the student's jar with the winning team and student getting a reward at the end of the term. Above all, keep it real….after all, that's exactly what idioms and slang are!