Episode #1: Understanding Speech and Text For Better Grammar.

by | Apr 9, 2023 | blog, English

Why do people make grammar mistakes? Many of the reasons for mistakes start long before students open their mouths to speak or put pen to paper. Listen to Tim, an experienced English teacher from the US, to find out why.

 

 

31 responses to “Episode #1: Understanding Speech and Text For Better Grammar.”

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31 Comments

  1. Shalva
    Shalva on April 9, 2023 at 5:33 pm

    I find Tim’s approach is so thorough it leaves no room for blank spaces and “what ifs” which is especially good for a new learner of English as it gives you the confidence to lean on, even more, the information is so well structured you can just take it in without needing to spend any energy on processing what you hear which is massive in terms of not getting bored, I don’t think I’ve seen anyone else do this.

    Reply
    • Tim
      Tim on April 10, 2023 at 6:42 pm

      Thank you, Shalva! I do believe my content is unique. Probably most creators think that, and (or maybe but?) in my case it’s true- you will see!

      Reply
  2. Christian
    Christian on April 9, 2023 at 7:21 pm

    Wow Tim, well done! Very thorough, complex yet understandable and relatable. I thought the anecdote was very valid.

    I麓d point out a couple of nuances. First, the primacy of sound vs spelling. English, like most languages, is fundamentally spoken, so I find at a basic level it can make sense to think of English as phonemes rather than letters. Second, I find it helpful when teachers teach grammar terms themselves(adjective, adverb, etc) as this can make it easier for students to check things up for themselves and understand explanations.

    This is a great start, I look forward to the next one!

    Reply
    • Tim
      Tim on April 10, 2023 at 2:21 am

      Hi Christian,
      Thanks, I am really glad you enjoyed my thoughts on this topic which we’ve both been working on for so many years (well over thirty years with our combined experience!)!
      You’re absolutely right about English being primarily spoken and that we should therefore think of it more in terms of phonemes (individual sounds) than letters. I do tend to emphasize reading a lot in the classes I give.
      That’s for three reasons-
      1. a big part of my personal success in learning languages, especially German (but also my native English- my mom was a reading teacher and got me started with reading when I was three), has come from reading a massive amount of text compared to probably most other learners.
      2. For many years I have taught to students who are very busy and have to study in public transport, and reading is the only way to learn English while in the bus or subway.
      3. It is much harder to find appropriately graded listening materials than it is to find books in levels. If you want books in levels (250/ 400/ 700/ 1000/ 1400… word vocabularies), you have many, many choices and they are relatively easy to find. For listening, this is not really true. And if listening materials are of the wrong level (especially too hard), they don’t help people much.
      Still, I appreciate your perspective and am already thinking of an episode which talks about some of the specificities of spoken language, especially unplanned, “natural”, “jungle” speech.

      Reply
    • Tim
      Tim on April 10, 2023 at 2:21 am

      Also, yes- teaching grammar terms! Probably it would be a good idea to make a list of them and have students learn it as vocabulary!

      Reply
  3. Elizaveta
    Elizaveta on April 10, 2023 at 8:46 am

    Wish you a great start and lots of listeners. I love the idea to do this!
    L

    Reply
    • Tim
      Tim on April 10, 2023 at 6:40 pm

      Thank you for your kind words of support, Elizaveta!

      Reply
  4. Roman
    Roman on April 10, 2023 at 4:32 pm

    Awsome content!

    Reply
    • Tim
      Tim on April 10, 2023 at 6:39 pm

      Thank you, Roman! I am glad you like it!

      Reply
  5. Tim
    Tim on April 12, 2023 at 11:28 am

    WPPS test

    Reply
  6. Elvira
    Elvira on April 17, 2023 at 6:16 pm

    Tim, congratulations on the start of your new project! The information is as usual interesting and applicable to life. Keep it up! 馃檪

    Reply
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    Rushad on May 1, 2023 at 1:12 pm

    Tim! Thank you for such a useful podcast recording! Wishing you continued success in guiding all those students who get lost in the maze of English learning.

    Reply
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