Us Cultural Differences

Jon ITTT Alumni Experiences As more and more countries place a growing importance on its people to learn English as a secondary language, for work purposes or for general use, there is a growing debate about which is the better English to learn - British English or American English. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Max E. The argument stems from the growing influence of America in the modern world. British English has a longer standing history, but in today's modern society, it is almost impossible to go through the day without hearing American English in use. We hear it in television programs and films, more businesses from the US are branching out to foreign soil, and many countries feel that American English may be the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The United States and the United Kingdom's imperial histories and modern influences have had a significant effect on the English wording. Since English was exported to different countries across the world, the language has undergone different variations, the most common one being the British English vs. American English. The British introduced the language to Americans in the 17th century. At that time, the spelling had not been standardized. Given the number of regions where English is used, differences are bound to arise. Even though British and American English may seem similar, there are disparities in vocabulary, spelling, and grammar. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Fahimeh T....  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Destinations Alumni Experiences Korean learners of the English language face numerous challenges in acquiring the language on a proficient level, although English is introduced to children at an early age. English is incorporated into the primary school curriculum from the age of four, yet only a small minority master the language on a proficient conversational level. Unfortunately, the reasons seem to stem from cultural and social differences, the significant differences between the two languages; Korean and English, and the Korean Educational System is also a contributing factor. This post was written by our ITTT graduate Beatrix N. To begin with, cultural differences seem to be a central reason why Koreans...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences British versus American English is a subject that encompasses a number of fields, including linguistics, history, archaeology, geography, and the study of the history of the English language. British English has a deep foundation that stretches back into time to the advent of the Indo-Europeans, and while America can claim this as well, the language was, for the most part, very close to its modern form by the age of exploration. That being said, many archaic forms of words and grammar were still in use during the age of exploration and spelling was not standardized when the great voyages and colonization of the Americas began. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Aaron T. Please note that...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Learning English is very difficult, there are many various grammatical and spelling differences between the English spoken throughout the world. Most notably is British and American English grammar. There are also differences in the pronunciation and meanings of many words. While you would think learning English would be a simple task, it is not, after all how different can English be from English? There are a few additional factors - Canadian, Australian, South African, Indian English, etc. have their own differences, these are differences that must be taken into consideration while you study the English Language. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Gerald M. Despite many of the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas As with many languages, English has so many different dialects. When one travels to a different region of the United States, for example, one will likely encounter different accents, vocabulary and different meanings of the same words. This is also true for British English and American English. For the purpose of this assignment, we will look a little deeper into these. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Sarah Jane G. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Many people enjoy traveling. In many parts of the world, English is the primary language, because of this, many people think if they pick places like the U.S. or the U.K. that they...  [Read more]

1. Introduction 2. Benefits of Teaching English to Chinese Students 3. Challenges of Teaching English to Chinese Students 4. Tips for Teaching English to Chinese Students Teaching English to Chinese students is a rewarding and valuable experience. As the world becomes more interconnected, the demand for English language skills continues to rise, especially in countries like China where English is seen as a gateway to global opportunities. At ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training), we offer comprehensive training programs for individuals looking to teach English as a foreign language, including specific courses tailored to teaching English to Chinese students. Teaching English to Chinese students provides a range of benefits, both personally and professionally. One of the main...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Sheneil J. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Chinese does not have either of the “th” sounds (like “that” and “this”). Most other languages do not have these sounds and they are problematic for most learners of English. The difficulty is the point of articulation- the tongue has to be between the teeth, not behind them. Many people say that English speakers look like they’re sticking their tongues out all the time because of the “th” sounds. It can be difficult to get learners to do this because it violates a cultural proscription against sticking out one’s tongue. Confusion...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences English is a language that, like other languages, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Sort of mash-up of ancient Germanic languages and Roman Latin, English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world thanks to the spread of British and American influence across the world over the last several hundred years. It is a tricky language, infamous for its many exceptions and grammatical nuances. While English, compared to some languages, has a relatively low variation between regional dialects (low enough for speakers of radically different dialects to understand each other at least partially), these differences can be significant enough to confuse someone who is learning English as a...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Learning another language is one of the most powerful tools for connecting people around the world from different cultures. Opening an immeasurable amount of opportunities, learning English has many benefits including but not limited to expanding career options, exercising another part of the brain, and improving the ease of traveling to a foreign country. However, particularly for natives of Eastern countries, learning English may be very difficult due to the exoticism of sounds, writing, pronunciation, and structure. While Japan is unique in a sense, having a booming influence of Western culture after World War II, native Japanese learners face difficulties in learning English due to phonology differences,...  [Read more]

Embark on a transformative journey with our top-rated TESOL course in Koh Kong City. Whether you are a seasoned educator looking to enhance your teaching skills or someone passionate about making a difference in the lives of others through teaching, our comprehensive program is designed to meet your needs. With a focus on practical learning, theoretical knowledge, and hands-on experience, our TESOL course equips you with the necessary tools to excel in the field of teaching English as a second language. Our TESOL course stands out for its innovative approach to teacher training. Here are some key reasons why our program is the best choice for aspiring educators in Koh Kong City: 1. Experienced Instructors: Learn from industry experts with years of experience in TESOL training. Our...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas When teaching English as a foreign language in a country where the native language is not English, it is easy to assume there are going to be some cultural differences between you and the students. The differences could be as little as what you eat for breakfast and which hand you pass things to someone with, or they could be as large as how you address someone and what you are allowed to talk about in public society. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Shana H. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Part of learning a language is learning the slang that goes with a particular language. When I say slang, I do not just mean the words...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Today there is an increasing diversity not only in schools but also in other business aspects due to the result of globalization which in general dictates that we must develop more understanding of culture in order to exert true understanding among diverse populations which I believe is the base for maintaining a cultural sensitive class. But before I go in details, it vital to understand the true meaning of Culture, Sensitivity, and Culture sensitivity combined. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Ntegyereize C. Culture can be defined as the social behavior and norms found in human societies. It is more considered a central concept in anthropology which includes a range of phenomena that...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Before starting my TEFL course to gain a more professional basis, I worked as an English teacher in South Korea for about one year. In this short essay, I will explain some of the most prominent difficulties South Korean students seem to face when learning English. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Laura M. First and foremost, the educational structure in South Korea is quite different from those of Europe or the United States. Korean kids usually start studying English from the age of three. However, the average class size of about 40 students is way too big for such young students, making any interaction between teacher and student impossible. Later on, most Korean students become...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Language is rarely uniform. Especially when spread out over a great distance, rifts form in a language which causes dialectical differences, which are sometimes extreme. Such is especially true of the English language: several qualities divide American, British, and Australian English. Many of these differences developed inevitably over time, due to geographic and cultural separation. However, several factors contributed to the language differences between these areas. This paper will examine these differences and the reasons for them, focusing on the dialects of Britain and America. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rachel B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences British English (BrE) and American English (AmE) are two of the main varieties of the English language. There are other different varieties of English that exist such as Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, South Asian and African English. Although English was introduced to America through the colonization period by the British, the two varieties of English have evolved to be quite different from each other in certain areas. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Shanique H. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. One of these areas is vocabulary, which is one of the most notable differences between the two varieties. For instance,...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Learning a new language is a collaborative effort between students and teachers, and while students may have different levels of motivation to learn, a teacher can and should develop the skills needed to adapt to ensure the student can retain the most knowledge possible. Teachers should have the flexibility to adapt instruction based on student personal factors such as age, cultural impacts, and prior student experience with English. Teachers also have the ability and responsibility to adjust instruction based on classroom limitations or to take advantage of all available resources. Finally, teachers need to be flexible enough to take an objective look at the effectiveness of their instruction and adjust as...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences One of the most important things to consider when teaching business English is what your students want out of the English lesson. When you talk about business English you aren’t talking about teaching adults versus teaching children, these are business professionals that often work in international trade where English is the language of business. You’re unlikely to go over the names of utensils in English in a business English class unless the students you’re working with are looking to open a restaurant, and even then being able to coherently discuss how much it costs to open a restaurant and the operating costs of a restaurant are more important than them knowing how to correctly pronounce knife. In...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences One of the most important things to consider when teaching business English is what your students want out of the English lesson. When you talk about business English you aren’t talking about teaching adults versus teaching children, these are business professionals that often work in international trade where English is the language of business. You’re unlikely to go over the names of utensils in English in a business English class unless the students you’re working with are looking to open a restaurant, and even then being able to coherently discuss how much it costs to open a restaurant and the operating costs of a restaurant are more important than them knowing how to correctly pronounce knife. In...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas A large number of obstacles can arise for the students when learning a foreign language. Some of these problems are related to the contrast between the mother language and the learned language. About the differences between L1 and L2, there is plenty of research in the field of contrastive linguistics. Moreover, regarding that topic, many papers can be found comparing English to Japanese with the aim to address the problems of Japanese learners of English. However, other predicaments with the apprehension of the L2 can develop when teachers underestimate the importance of the cultural dimension of the language taught. Concerning that particular impediment, less scientific literature exists. In this essay, the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Japanese learners of English face challenges which are based on background and cultural aspects, racial barriers, perception of the English language, as well the lack of freedom of expression. This becomes the basis on which their motivation, or lack thereof, to study English is built. Coming from a motivational background, I was self-assured that my plans to get my low-level High School students motivated about learning English would be less challenging to implement. Reality proved otherwise as this process has required the breaking of certain barriers in order for me to be successful in my endeavors. Following is a further explanation on each of the different challenges which I have observed to be the cause...  [Read more]

  Teaching English abroad is a great way to travel the world and experience other peoples and cultures. As English teachers it is important that we take the time to learn about the countries we choose to live and work in not only to show respect to our hosts but also to help our students to learn more productively. Understanding the cultural or social reasons behind why people in different countries behave or react in particular ways can help us to prepare better lessons and activities for our students and develop better relationships with our colleagues. Being aware of the subtle social cues that exist in any society can mean the difference between a truly rewarding experience and one that you wish never to repeat. When considering regions such as Latin America it can be tempting...  [Read more]

I. Introduction II. Why Get Certified? III. Benefits of Certification IV. Conclusion Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is a rewarding career that offers the opportunity to travel and make a difference in the lives of others. For American teachers looking to teach English abroad, getting certified is a crucial step in ensuring success in the field. In this article, we will explore the benefits of getting a certification for American teachers teaching English abroad and how ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training) can help you achieve your goals. While some teaching positions may not require a TEFL or TESOL certification, having one can significantly increase your chances of landing a job and advancing in your career....  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Unlike many other countries, India does not have a national language. There are over 30 official languages spoken in India. English has been adopted by the government for judicial and administrative proceedings, and most Indians have a functional understanding of English. However, many Indians struggle to learn and use English effectively. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Tejaswini K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Native languages influence pronunciations of English syllables/words, e.g. people who speak north Indian languages usually pronounce the word ‘here’ as ‘hare/hair’, people from the east often...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas I am a South African who has worked in South Korea for more than eight years and one of the most important tools as an ESL teacher from a whole different nationality and culture has been the knowledge and awareness of cultural sensitivity in the classroom. When I meet a new ESL teacher and they ask me for advice this is usually the first thing I recommend: become an expert in the culture. It helps you meet the needs of your students and it creates a comfortable environment in which your students want to learn. In this essay we will look at what is culture, strategies for culture learning and how to assess your level of cultural competence. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Amy B. Please note...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker TEFL Information Alumni Experiences For the last year, I have been learning Korean in my free time. Besides the obvious differences in alphabet, pronunciation, and grammar structure, one of the most striking differences between English and Korean is the use of formal and informal language. I was intrigued by the idea that a person speaks to different people in different politeness levels based on age or hierarchy, and was surprised to find that a majority of other languages also follow some form of this approach. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Lea D. As native English speakers, we are not specifically taught to speak to anyone in a formal way as part of our language learning. In Korean,...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas A definition of cultural sensitivity is being aware that cultural differences and similarities between people exist without assigning them a value – positive or negative, better or worse, right or wrong. This definition gets the idea across the best. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Aiham W. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Within a classroom many people come from many backgrounds, resulting in a variety of cultures being present in one area. To be able to maintain a peaceful working environment, cultural sensitivity must be taken into consideration because, without it, the students present would feel as if their cultural...  [Read more]

Sahil Gazi TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Anyone who has studied linguistics or is a linguist has often been faced with the question, “so how many languages do you speak?” A point of short-lived frustration in these scenarios, linguists are often mistaken for being polyglots. Although sometimes they will focus on a particular language and even become fluent in it, their goal is not to translate documents or conversations for the sole purpose of doing so. Linguistics, therefore, is the study of human languages, the brain processes that allow us to communicate with each other. With some of the big questions tackled being, how does the brain put together sentences, learn new languages,...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The first job as an English teacher abroad is a challenging change, especially if the country you are choosing to work is culturally different from your home country. There are so many differences between one country and other but usually, those differences look bigger when the place you move belongs to another political and social organization mode. My experience as an English teacher in China has allowed me to see these huge differences between western culture and the Asian world. In the following essay, I will try to point out the main cultural challenges that a teacher I had to face and how this may become a sensitivity source inside the classroom. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Maria...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences When deciding to teach as a TEFL teacher abroad one has to be aware of the challenge of “cultural sensitivity in the classroom”. Whether one already knows where to look for employment or the location still is unclear a teacher needs to be prepared to face cultural issues in a country of a foreign culture. There will be stereotypes, different religious beliefs, social differences and issues between several ethnic groups. People might project stereotypes onto other groups and also they may have to endure resentment towards themselves. Those issues will have to be addressed and resolved if a teacher wants to be successful. There are gaps in the classroom between the students and their teacher and also among...  [Read more]