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[smalls]

Many of my students, ranging from teenagers to adults, ask for the phonetic spelling of the words they learn. Coming from the US, I have never learned the phonetic spelling, and I believe Canada is the same. I do not know about other English speaking countries. The students say that it is essential for their learning, but I do not know if this is because they are too used to this style of learning, which creates more work, or if it really is necessary. When I taught in Korea, the students never asked about the 'PS,' and it did not seem part of the education system, so I believe that it isn't necessary.
Any ideas or suggestions on how others have over come this barrier?
Maybe a website or two which would assist with teaching phonics? I think it is a little late to start learning the 'PS' so I would prefer another way.
Thanks for the time,
Kevin from Beihai

[Kim]

hey,
I had the same problem last summer in Vancouver. Basically I taught myself the chart as I taught the class. I do understand the importance of learning it as it shows exactly how words are pronounced. In addition, it is essential when pointing out features of connected speech, such as elision or linking. I think you should just sit down and practice writing sentences and by no time you'll have it down. Good Luck

[Edward]

I am STILL in the same situation as you, but I look at it as my short coming, not theirs.

The phonetic pronunciation chart is very useful to them, because they know how to pronounce western alphabet for their PINYIN, which, aside from the Cantonese usually NOT knowing Pinyin, is essential for them to understand the alphabet as being useful for the Chinese.

Now I understand you said the Koreans didn't need it, but the Chinese definitely do, so do yourself a big favor, and look at the "crutch" as YOUR step-up the education ladder, not the other way around.

Now if I could just understand it as well, I would be much happier too!

Good luck

Edward

[arioch36]

I don't know. I could be totally wrong, and would love to hear other opinions. But I think the phonetic system is a crutch and a deteriment. yes, they all use it because it is what there Chinese teachers know, who learned it from their chinese teachers, who couldn't speak English well.

Don't have time to do a thoughtful analysis, but I think it does more harm overall. They don't learn to talk by listening to others, talking to others. They don't learn phonics (every one know hooked on phonics...I know several k-school/promary schools that use it with wonderful results). They learn this dark age system that no one else uses to learn english words.

I don't think their reliance on the "phonetic system" is any worse then their reliance on their hand-held eletronic dictionaries (They are not allowed to open them in my classes unless I say so...I'm a tyrant)

I personally won't learn it, I discourage it, but they have never been weened from it. However, i could be totally wrong.