September 2, 2016

Where: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

What: Trying to get through Customs

Who: Ryosuke, a Japanese university student. He is visiting friends in the U.S.

Problem: Ryosuke doesn’t understand the Customs official’s questions.

This is a true story. Ryosuke just stood in front of the official. He couldn’t say anything. Then, he saw his friend! “Tomoko! Help me!” yelled Ryosuke.

Tomoko: What’s wrong?

Customs Official: Do you know this person?

Tomoko: Yes. He’s my friend.

Customs Official: Why is he traveling to the US?

Tomoko: We’re both visiting friends.

Customs Official: Where will he be staying?

Tomoko: At my friend’s house in Seattle.

Customs Official: How long will he be staying?

Tomoko: For one week.

Customs Official: Alright. Enjoy your stay.

Ryosuke: Thank you!

… … … … …

Action Item: Take a travel English course before you go abroad. It will help you to get through Customs easily.

If you would like to receive some essential travel English phrases, contact us! We will send you some for free! Contact Us For Your Free Travel Phrases!

Enjoy your trip abroad!

August 20, 2016

Hello, English language learners! Pronunciation is difficult, isn’t it!

I have spent over 20 years teaching English and pronunciation. I know what works!

Did you know that perfect pronunciation comes when singing?

That means that singing is good for pronunciation practice.

Rhythm and accent are practiced.

Vowels and consonants are clearer.

Carolyn Graham’s Jazz Chants textbooks are good for practicing pronunciation through singing and chanting.

Carolyn Graham lesson: http://www.teachingvillage.org/2010/05/23/how-to-create-a-jazz-chant/

Mr. Ishizaki 石崎力也先生is a an expert on TOEIC skills. At his blog is an article about singer Bonnie Pink. She shares how lyrics and pronunciation are improved through singing in English. This article is in Japanese (日本語です）http://bit.ly/2bl928g/

Take Action!

1. Choose a song in English that you love.

a. Record your voice reading the lyrics of that song. 　You can do this using http://vocaroo.com/ Vocaroo.com

b. Record your voice singing that song.　

c. What differences did you notice? Is your pronunciation more authentic when singing?　

d. BONUS! Send your recording to Joy Fujii English! For a limited time, Joy Fujii English will check your recording! After recording your voice through http://vocaroo.com/, send your recording to joy.fujii.english @gmail.com

FUTURE POSTS

We are planning to give you fantastic information about English language learning, such as common English mistakes, idioms, and travel English. What would you like to learn about? Tell us! http://joyfujiienglish.com/contact/