Language Systems and How To Teach Them

Understanding the building blocks of language is essential for anyone embarking on a TEFL journey. The four main language systems—grammar, vocabulary, phonology, and discourse—form the foundation of effective English communication. In this module, we explore how to teach these systems clearly and confidently, helping learners progress with purpose and precision.

Language Systems

What Are the Four Language Systems?

Every English language learner must grapple with four interlinked systems:

• Grammar: The rules that govern sentence structure and syntax.

• Vocabulary (Lexis): The words we use, their meanings, and how they combine naturally.

• Phonology: The sound system of English, including pronunciation, stress, and intonation.

• Discourse: How language is structured in real-life contexts, including spoken and written communication.

  
  

Each system presents unique teaching challenges and opportunities. A solid understanding of these components enables teachers to plan engaging lessons, anticipate learner difficulties, and build communicative confidence.

Teaching Grammar Effectively

Grammar often gets a bad reputation for being dry or overly technical, but it doesn't have to be. Two common instructional methods include:

• Inductive Approach: Students infer the rule from examples.

• Deductive Approach: The teacher explains the rule first, followed by guided practice.

  
  

A good grammar lesson typically includes:

• Eliciting the rule using examples.

• Using concept-checking questions (CCQs) to confirm understanding.

• Immediate or delayed error correction, depending on the activity.

  
  

For practical ideas on grammar instruction, BBC Teach's guide on grammar is an excellent starting point.

How to Teach Vocabulary in Context

Teaching vocabulary goes beyond just memorising words. Learners must understand word formation, relationships, and usage.

Key vocabulary teaching strategies include:

• Creating semantic maps to show word relationships.

• Practising collocations to ensure natural usage.

• Using authentic materials to see vocabulary in context.

  
  

Sites like Oxford Learner's Dictionaries offer learners accessible, example-rich definitions to reinforce contextual understanding.

Demystifying Phonology

Phonology is often overlooked, yet it's vital for developing accurate pronunciation and listening skills. Teaching it effectively includes:

• Using minimal pairs (e.g., "ship" vs "sheep") to distinguish similar sounds.

• Employing choral and individual drilling to improve pronunciation.

• Integrating phonemic charts, such as the British Council's Interactive IPA Chart, to visualise sounds.

  
  

Intonation, stress, and rhythm are also essential for conveying emotion and meaning—a focus on connected speech can dramatically improve fluency.

Teaching Discourse: Building Real Communication

Discourse teaching helps learners understand how language functions in context. This includes:

• Cohesion: Linking ideas using words like "however" or "because".

• Coherence: Structuring ideas logically within a paragraph or conversation.

• Register: Adjusting tone and formality depending on the situation.

  
  

Useful classroom techniques include:

• Analysing model texts to identify cohesive devices.

• Using discourse completion tasks to practise common conversational patterns.

  
  

You can find great examples of discourse structures in action on Cambridge University's Language Assessment site.

Common Challenges and Practical Solutions

You are teaching a grammar lesson on the past perfect. After presenting examples, you ask students to explain the rule, but they remain silent.

Task

1. Identify two possible reasons why students are struggling.

2. Suggest two techniques to help students engage with the rule.

3. How could you modify your approach to improve comprehension?

   
   

👉 Scroll down to Suggested Answers when you're ready to review your ideas.

Sample Vocabulary Lesson: Travel Theme

Task

Create a 15-minute lesson plan for introducing a new set of vocabulary words related to travel (e.g., itinerary, destination, backpacking, layover).

👉 Scroll down to Suggested Answers for a lesson structure idea.

Case Study: Engaging Reluctant Learners

Alex is a new TEFL teacher in China. He notices his students are shy and hesitant to speak English. Some never participate.

Task

1. What challenges might Alex be facing?

2. Suggest two techniques to increase student engagement.

   
   

👉 Scroll down to Suggested Answers when you're ready to compare notes.

Final Reflection: From Learner to Teacher

Think about a language learning experience you’ve had.

• What made it effective or ineffective?

• How can you apply this insight as a TEFL teacher?

Your reflections can guide your planning and connect you more meaningfully to your learners.

👉 Scroll down to Suggested Answers for reflective prompts.

Suggested Answers

Common Challenges and Practical Solutions

1. Possible reasons:

• The examples were too abstract for students to recognise the pattern.

• The rule was too complex to elicit without support.

2. Techniques:

• Provide a timeline or visual aid to illustrate the concept.

• Use guided questions to lead students toward discovering the rule.

3. Modifications:

• Start with simpler example sentences before increasing complexity.

• Use peer discussion to allow students to formulate the rule collaboratively.

  
  

Sample Vocabulary Lesson: Travel Theme

Objective: Introduce and practise travel-related vocabulary.

Procedure:

1. Warmer: Show travel-related images and ask students about their travel experiences.

2. Presentation: Teach six key words using visuals and sample sentences.

3. Practice: Students pair up to create dialogues using the vocabulary.

4. Production: Each pair presents a short travel scenario using the new words.

   
   

Case Study: Engaging Reluctant Learners

Challenges:

• Marta may prioritise accuracy, causing hesitation to speak.

• She may lack confidence in her spoken English.

Techniques:

• Encourage fluency-focused tasks (e.g., timed speaking rounds).

• De-emphasise error correction during conversation practice to reduce pressure.

Useful External Resources for Teaching Language Systems

1. BBC Teach – Grammar Explained Simply – Provides accessible explanations and exercises for English grammar.

2. Oxford Learner's Dictionaries – Contextual Word Meanings – Offers clear definitions with example sentences and pronunciation guides.

3. British Council – Phonemic Chart and ESL Resources – Interactive chart for phonemic symbols and pronunciation help.

4. Cambridge English – Examples of Language in Use – Real-world examples of English used in exams and learning materials.

5. TeachingEnglish – Lesson Plans – A collection of ready-to-use lesson plans across topics and levels.

6. Edutopia – Language Learning Strategies – Articles and advice on classroom engagement and language teaching strategies.

   
   

These resources enhance your TEFL toolkit with trusted, research-informed guidance.

By mastering the four language systems and developing effective strategies for teaching them, you create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Whether you're explaining the past perfect or helping students navigate discourse features, a clear, practical approach goes a long way in empowering your learners.

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