As an English as a New Language (ENL) Teacher with a master’s in TESOL, I recently began teaching English to an adult nun from Brazil. This experience has taught me valuable lessons about language learning and teaching. Here are five key takeaways for fellow ENL teachers or those wishing to learn a new language.
1. Pronunciation
In my experience working with English language learners, one of their primary goals is to improve their pronunciation and sound more native-like. My Brazilian student shared the same goal. First, let me start by saying she’s fluent in Portuguese and Ukrainian. I immediately noticed the difficulty with English sounds that don’t seem to exist in Portuguese, particularly the “th” digraph. Actually, and it should come as no surprise, but the “th” sound is particularly difficult for native Spanish speakers as well. I’m not entirely sure, but this difficulty concerns how the tongue is placed between the teeth. Whenever I said the “th” sound, she automatically substituted it with the “s” sound. I found this to be very interesting. I observed as I repetitively pronounced “th,” and she repetitively replied with the “s” sound.
Moreover, I found she could pronounce words ending with a “th” sound by softening it to something closer to a soft “t.” For example, instead of pronouncing “earth” as “earth,” she says what sounds like “urt” with a soft “t.” This softer “t” is easier for her to articulate, completely understandable in context, and is a valid phonetic workaround. Instead of being persistent in trying to teach the correct pronunciation of “th,” I found myself more curious to understand why she couldn’t reproduce the sound and find alternatives. As teachers, it’s essential to know that we are all learners. As a native English speaker, I’m learning the many nuances of the English language and how best to teach them. This curious approach to language teaching and learning is one of the most incredible assets in our teaching repertoire.
2. Intrinsic Motivation
My student’s motivation to learn English is deeply rooted in her religious commitments. She requested to know the Lord’s Prayer and other prayers in English, so we begin every lesson with her reciting a prayer in English. She also wants to learn conversational English to communicate effectively with others on everyday topics. When learning a new language, especially as an adult, ask yourself: What is your motivation? Tying our language learning journey to concrete goals can help us stay on track. I read a post on Reddit where someone was learning Spanish for an upcoming trip to Colombia. Another person wanted to order in a different language at a restaurant. Having a tangible objective will drive your progress.
3. Structured Learning
As an adult learner, she utilizes a highly structured approach. She takes copious notes, studies, and asks questions. I can tell that she uses everything she knows to aid in comprehension. She’s a diligent student. This meticulous method reflects the typical learning style of adult learners, who benefit from clear, organized study practices. It’s essential to discover the best way to learn. Initially, you might need to find out if podcasts, TV shows, or reading works best for you. Pay attention to what makes you feel like you’re making progress and stick with it. Setting a routine is crucial. Dedicating a specific block of time daily to language learning helps form a habit. Without a routine, it’s easy to lose momentum over time.
4. Phonetic Transcription as a Learning Tool
My student takes TONS of notes. She writes everything down. However, her notes are ineligible to me. When I asked her what she was writing, she replied that she was writing how she heard the words. I realized she was transcribing spoken English phonetically. Interestingly, her method enables her to read back phrases fluently. For example, she recited the Lord’s Prayer fluently in English after only reading it twice to her. Observing her, I again became curious. Does this phonetic transcription method hinder her development in standard written English? Her motivation and reasons for learning drive her reliance on this method. Still, I want to balance phonetic transcription with standard writing exercises to promote overall English language development.
5. Context vs Grammar
When I first started teaching subject and object pronouns, she didn’t know them, so I taught them explicitly. I noticed that the lessons felt slower and less engaging. I felt the same way teaching some common verbs and their conjugations. It made me think of the importance of context in language teaching vs rote grammar instruction. Let me give you an example. Somebody introduced a new group member to the facility during a lesson. A caretaker approached my student and me and said that the new member speaks Portuguese. My student’s face lit up as she retorted, “ela vai morar aqui?” She then asked me how to say it in English. I quickly responded, “Is she going to live here?” I don’t speak Portuguese, but I instantly knew what she was asking based on her gestures and the interaction. This reinforced the importance of context in language learning.
Teaching this student has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only has it offered insights into effective language teaching, but I’ve also learned a lot about myself. I’m learning, growing as an educator, and using language to connect meaningfully with others.