Hemikune

I have a few to share. Some might have been mentioned,but with a different explanation perhaps. 'She's feeling blue.' - Very sad about something. 'He's yellow (yellow-bellied)' - Someone is cowardly. I got that one from watching westerns. 'He's got greenbacks to spare.' - He has plenty of money. 'She was caught red-handed.' - Caught in the act of doing something nefarious.

G.T. (Don't you just love abbreviations? Come to think of it, why is 'abbreviate' such a long word?) I'll start again, I must be getting sleepy. :wacky: Google Translate. I used to try and give my Thai girlfriend translations of certain things I was too lazy to explain sometimes, and it always made things infinitely worse. She would wind up being either completely confused, or angry because of the way G.T. translated something into Thai. Stick to single words at all costs!

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sequoyah The story of Tsalagi, the Cherokee language, and its origin is both fascinating and inspiring. Bear in mind, my knowledge of it is only relegated to one or two words, but with the fact that my Great-Grand Mother was Full Blood Cherokee, I felt obligated to share this rare information. I was most impressed by this, "Even though the Cherokee student must learn 85 characters instead of 26, he can read immediately. The student could accomplish in a few weeks what students of English writing could learn in two years.[14]"

I had a great game that I either modified, or just outright stole, called Grammar Casino. As a class activity, you have two teams and write about 10 sentences on the board. You of course, add a few grammar errors of various a kinds to a few sentences. Then, each team gets to 'bet' (you may want to choose another term) on whether or not each sentence is correct or not from their start points, about 500. The team that chooses the right answer "Is this sentence correct? Yes, or no?" Wins the points. Bonus if they make the corrections.

Well, I'm certain that most of what will follow has been mentioned already, so I shall be brief. Speaking as a teacher, my current preference is for one on one interaction. I find the students to be more focused, relaxed, and openly curious. Groups can be standoffish, both with the teacher, as well as other group members. In the final analysis, it really boils down to where you feel the most comfortable. Was that brief, or what?

My reasons for learning another language stem from the fact that I teach one. Being an ESL Teacher, I am also doing my best to be ever aware of how to improve my teaching skills. A great way to do this is learning the language of the country you are to teaching in. When I was in Korea, I learned Korean. In Thailand, Thai. Granted, I just learn survival communication, but that counts for something. I still love to travel, so I won't be fluent in any single language until I decide where I'm going to settle in for the duration. Brazil sounds nice..

God, I hope I spelled Portuguese correctly! :wacky: I am a Native English speaker from New York, (no accent), currently living in Thailand, looking to learn the language of Brazil; my next port of call. I am also a CELTA certified ESL Teacher, so you can practice your English skills with the best. While primarily for language exchange/partnership, I am always open to meet cool new friends from different cultures. We can message here to hash out the particulars at first. Hope to chat with you soon.

I have been an ESL teacher for the better part of the past 10 years. When starting out, you should determine which level, and which age, of student you are most comfortable with. Lesson planning, classroom management, even your personal demeanor when dealing with students can all be taught, by a reputable organization or institution, but if you're comfortable with advanced preschool students, and you need to teach beginning adults, well, that can be learned, it just takes time. When you are starting out you should have as few challenges as possible. A really good course will cover this. I got my CELTA training from Embassy C.E.S. in New York. They have centers, sorry, centers, worldwide. I highly suggest you seek training from them. Best of luck, and I hope that you find teaching as rewarding for you as I have, should you choose to follow the Way of The Teacher..

Recently while perusing the Play store, I came across Babbel. Of course, I knew it wouldn't be completely free, but the initial amount of beginning lessons was amazing! The interface was nice and bright, Orange I believe, and the beginning lessons themselves covered pretty much everything you need to just go with basic intro conversation, or springboard into in depth study. I also believe that you could download the intro lessons. The number of lessons was easily upper 20's. I was beginning my Portugese, but got sidetracked. I am going to look into it again.

As far as my personal experience has proven to me in recent years, I must also join the 'immersion technique camp'. When I was teaching English in South Korea, I learned Korean. It was basic conversation language, but it was necessary. Now, immersed in Thailand, Thai is working its way into my brain. With me personally, I tend to understand more than speak at first, but once I put the two together, watch out!

Hi all! I am here to expand my language horizons, and make a new friend or two. A brief little bit about me: I am an online ESL teacher traveling to wherever in the world suits me, while learning at least a little of the language from each country I visit. I think that about says it all, by way of a very brief introduction. I look forward to making new friends and meeting plenty of language partners. Take care!