Tips for English Pronunciation

For me, pronunciation is the 5th skill when learning a language. One of the problems learners have is that they don’t realise that you have to practise pronunciation with just as much importance as you practise grammar points. This means opening your mouth and speaking because pronunciation can’t be practised in your head.

Try these helpful tips and see if you notice a difference:

1. Do not pronounce everything you read. English pronunciation needs to be learned and remembered. This is the same for both native and non-native speakers.

2. Listen carefully to the way native speakers pronounce words and copy them!

3. Watch TV, listen to the radio, listen to other people’s conversation on the bus, train, luas etc and pay particular attention to the way they pronounce certain words. You’re not listening to them for their conversation and for their ‘expert’ pronunciation. Basically....keep your ears open :-)

4. A lot of people think that they can speak English with the same mouth they speak Spanish, Italian, Portuguese etc with and this is not true. You need to use your mouth, tongue and lips in a different way when you’re speaking a different language. Go into your bathroom, look in the mirror and practise the new pronunciation of words you have just learnt by opening your mouth and forming the different sounds. Your eyes will see your mouth forming this new shape, your ears will hear the new pronunciation and your brain will (hopefully :-( ) put all this new information together and remember the correct pronunciation for the next time.

Good luck with your ears :-)

Vivienne
Director of Studies

‘Read an essay about Delfin and his experience in Dublin by one of our Italian students....’

One month ago Francesco was in Italy. While he was sleeping, he heard a melody, opened his eyes and on the window there was a nice little man with a red beard and green clothes.

Francesco asked him: Who are you?
He replied: My name’s Shamrock, I’m a leprechaun from Dublin!
Francesco: Nice to meet you!
Shamrock: I have just come here to invite you to my city in the summer. But there is one condition….you must speak only English all the time. It will be better for you!!
Francesco: That’s a good idea!
Shamrock: with my magic flute, arriving in Ireland will be a piece of cake!
Francesco: Okay, come on, come on!

…After ten minutes
Francesco: oooh, where are we?
Shamrock: In Phoenix Park, I live here. We can go to find the end of the rainbow and you’ll find a pot of gold at the end, so you’ll return to Italy richer. It’s a promise! But before that, you are welcome in my tree house. I’ll prepare a typical Irish breakfast for you.

…After
Francesco: fantastic breakfast, I’m full of beans!
Francesco and Shamrock went on to discover Dublin.

…One month later
Francesco: Oh, my leprechaun friend, I have spent a good time in Dublin but it is always sunny, how can I find the rainbow without the rain?!

The day after Shamrock accompanied Francesco to Howth, while they were walking along the cliff it started to rain. When they arrived to the edge of the cliffs they could see a fantastic rainbow. Many leprechauns arrived and all together they played typical Irish music on their harps, violins and flutes.

The seals from Howth showed them the way and Francesco started to run over the rainbow. He arrived to the end and fell into a deep sleep.

When he got up he could see a pot in his room. He opened it and inside there was every experience, every good friend and teacher that he had known in Dublin.
They are his pot of gold!

FRANCESCO COSENTINI

A Delfin Au Pair in Dublin

She is Cristina Arbeo, a young girl who is working as Au Pair and studying in our school during the afternoon time. We have had a quick chat with her to get more details about the Au Pair Programme in our school.

•How did you find Delfin?
At first I dind't know where I wanted to go but they told me that dublin was a nice place so I looked for schools and different programs in the Internet and I found in Delfin School a good Au Pair Programme for me.
•Why did you choose our Au Pair Programme?
I choose this au pair programme because it has the posibility to go to class in the morning and work in the afternoon.
•How do you feel with your new family?
They are very nice to me,so I feel comfortable at home and the kids accepted me from the first moment
•Can you tell us a little bit about your daily routine as an Au Pair?
I arrive home between 2-3 so I spend all the afternoon with the kids...the important things are to feed them,wash them...but it depends on the age maybe change the nappys if they need it...usually we go to the playground and sometimes we watch a dvd.
•Would you recommend the Au pair programme?
I think that is a good method to learn english in a different country in a cheap way and even better if you want to stay for a long time
•Do you like the city?
Yes it is not too big not too small and you have different thing to do. The worst thing in Dublin is the weather,due to the wind it changes very quickly so you never know what clothes you should wear.
•How long would you like to study here?
I will be here for 4 months.....i think that is enough

Thank you very much Cristina :)

A quick chat with Anne Marie...

In Black and White:

Age: 25
From: Tipperary
Living in: Dublin
Profession: Teacher
Time teaching in Delfin: 1 ½ years

In Colour:

• Do you speak any other languages?
  French and Irish
• If yes, How long have you been studying this language(s)?What is your level? Irish – since I was 4 years old. French – since I was 12.
• Did you find it difficult to learn another language? Why? Yes, I found it difficult to learn French because the accent and grammar are completely different from English, and it is often difficult to understand when it is spoken quickly.
• In your opinion, what is the best way to learn phrasal verbs? I think it is best to learn them in categories, for example: phrasal verbs associated with relationships - ask out, go out with, grow apart, break up, get over... It is also important to note an example sentence for every phrasal verb; this will help you to remember both the phrasal verb and how to use it correctly in a sentence.
• What is your favourite word in English? ‘Butterflies’ – meaning a feeling that you get in your stomach when you are excited.
• Why is Delfin different?
  Delfin is different because of the vibe that is around the school along with the wonderful teaching. The students and staff are all very friendly people who enjoy each other’s company both in and outside of school. This relaxed and welcoming atmosphere helps to calm new student’s nerves and allows everybody to learn in a supportive and fun environment.
• What is your favourite topic to teach in class? Conditionals. I always have fun, especially with the second conditional as it allows us to really use our imaginations and explore how we would react in unusual and bizarre situations.
• What is the most helpful tip you can give to students who are learning English? Don’t translate directly from your own language, try to think in English. Speak English as often as possible – even when you’re alone try speaking out loud to yourself! This might seem crazy but it will help your brain to think in English. Watch DVDs in English with the subtitles also in English. Go to the pub and drink lots of beer and speak in English- you will definitely feel more confident about your fluency and you won’t worry so much about your mistakes.
• What is the secret to improving English quickly? Like all things that are worth doing in life learning English takes time and effort if you want to do it properly. Believe in yourself, and keep trying and you will succeed!
• What is your favourite past time? Swimming.

Haiti Fundraiser in Delfin

Where were you on January 12th, 2010? On this day in Haiti a massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean island and devastated many people’s lives and livelihood.

We have all seen the TV news reports, read the newspapers and have seen the pictures and video’s presented to us but not even we can imagine the devastation brought upon the people of Haiti. How could we?!

One thing we can do however is to come together and give what we can to help these people rebuild their lives. That’s what we at Delfin School decided to do. On Friday 6th February in the basement of the school we held an International Food Reception. Food was lovingly prepared from Korea, Spain, France, Poland, Mexico, Italy, Brazil and even Ireland. A lot of fun was had by all that attended and it was a huge success raising €1025.00 for the Haiti Appeal. People gave generously to this cause and some even managed to win free English Classes. Others just came away with full bellies.

We decided to donate this money to Oxfam. Oxfam has long experience in Haiti, and are rushing in teams from around the region to respond where their assistance is most needed. " The earthquake in Haiti is a major catastrophe for a country where up to 85% of people already live in poverty. We are launching an immediate appeal to respond to this emergency. Oxfam has a 100 strong-team working across Haiti – including 15 emergency specialists - and we're rushing in teams from around the region to provide emergency supplies, clean water, shelter and sanitation. Jim Clarken, Oxfam Ireland Chief Executive.
The cheque was presented in our school on Wednesday 17th February to an Oxfam representative Deirdre who gave a very compelling speech on the work Oxfam are doing in Haiti.

Thanks to all involved – the office staff, the teachers (for not only helping with the organisation but also for donating their time) and of course the students. Everyone came together as a team to raise this money for an excellent cause. A special thanks to Pilar, our very own events organizer who as always did an amazing job of coordinating everyone and making this event happen!

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success” Henry Ford.

Many Thanks!
Michelle

This is Ireland...

Hi students!

I found this amazing video about Ireland. Enjoy it and don't forget your camera!!!

A Brasilian in Dublin!!!

In Black and White

Gustavo Barros, 26 years old from São Paulo, a wonderful city in Brazil. He is an Economist and is one of the funniest students in our School. He has been studying in Delfin for 3 months in our General English 30 hours course.

In Colour

• Why is Delfin Different to other schools?
  Easy going and friendly people, nice and helpful reception, qualified teachers.
• Why did you choose Delfin?
  Good location, good price, classes timetable.
• What is your opinion about life in Dublin?
  Dublin is a small city, despite it being the capital yet, people are always helpful. The city has many attractions (socially and culturally). It is a city that deserves to be visited more often.
• How did you hear about Delfin English School?
  Through researchs on the internet, and the Advisory Council for English Language Schools Homepage.
  
• What is your favourite Word in English?
  Peace


• Are you improving your English with us? What is the main reason?
  Yes, there are several reasons, but the most important is the teaching method applied in the classes using continuous themes to support this method.
• Define your experience in three words:
  Unforgettable, Different, Delfin.
  

A quick chat with a former student in Delfin School

In Black and White

Beñat González, 26 years old from Bilbao, a great city in the north of Spain. He is an IT engineer and was an amazing student in our School for a long time. At the end he reached the Advanced Level! Congratulations and all the best for you!!!

In Colour

1. What is your favourite place in Dublin?
Grafton St.
2. Which is the best place you have ever visited?
Tokyo!
3. Your favourite song is
I don’t have any yet…I’ll think about it for the next survey
4. Your favourite movie is
The Matrix
5. Three things that you need everyday
Internet, food and herbal tea
6. Your favourite drink
Pineapple juice
7. How did you hear about Delfin English School?
My girlfriend took a course before me
8. What is your favourite Word in English?
Marshmallow
9. In my country I didn’t have ...and now I have...
A delfin diploma!
10. I recommend
Butlers Chocolates, in massive doses!