Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Big Mac]

I just thought of another common mispronunciation that no one has mentioned. If you ever hear the kids trying to say the "f" word, you'll know what I mean. It seems to sound like the word used to describe the little black thing they push around the ice in hockey. It's quite hilarious to hear them say it.

I think just like the others have said, the way to correct the f and p issue is to get them to repeat it after you over and over until they get it. I also make them look at where I'm putting my tongue and lips when I say these letters so that they know where to put theirs.

I was always at odds with myself when they would mispronounce the "f" word though. I didn't correct them with that particular word, but I would with other words that started with "f."

[Qinella]

A pronunciation point that I've been teaching to my students recently is how to properly say a word that ends with "ts", such as "it's" or "hits". For some reason, they think �� is the same sound, but that makes the aforementioned words sound like "itch" and "hitch".

What I explained was they need to flick the tip of their tongue off the roof of their mouth after enunciating the "t". I demonstrated by holding my left hand out, palm down, and using my right index finger as a tongue. I did the motion of my tongue with my finger as I was saying the word.

It helps, and the kids are able to say "ts" after the instruction, but inevitably they are back to the �� pronunciation in the next class. Every time I teach difficult phonics, they get it right and then revert back to the old habit very quickly. I think it's difficult for them, and the ones who don't really care to learn English don't want to put in the effort. They probably think English is stupid and Korean is "proper".

But, I just spend a few minutes in class every day on whatever pronunciation point and try to be encouraging and patient. Some people said they laugh at their students' mistakes, but I don't think that's good for their confidence, which is of ultimate importance.

Q.

[Wangja]

[Big_Bird]

Wow!

There's some excellent information and advice here. My thanks to everyone who's contributed so far.

[The Kung Fu Hustle]

Clapping. I get my students to clap a rhythm with me while they chant the words after me. One syllable per word. "EN-glish" ("EN-glish" they repeat, rather than �ױ׸���, the 4-syllable Konglish equivalent). The concept of syllables is foreign to lots of Koreans even in adulthood.

[The Bobster]