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Teaching Slang and IdiomsOne area of teaching that I see as essential and necessary in accurately teaching english as a foreign language is the area of slang and idioms. Slang and idioms are used so frequently that not even english speakers realize when they are using such speech. Nor do they realize how arbitrary and incoherent these words or phrases may be to those who have not grown up in the same culture, speaking the same language. On top of this, there is not a formula that can be given to english language learners that allows them to deduce meaning from these somewhat random phrases. While some may say that the use of slang and idioms are cultural and thus best left to be discovered and understood through cultural immersion, not teaching students as much as possible about words and phrases that they will encounter everyday does them a great disservice and leaves them with only partial english language skills. Although spending a lot of time and energy on teaching slang and idioms is probably unnecessary, incorporating these language forms into other lessons will prove to be useful in the overall education of students who are no longer in the beginning stages of their learning and understanding of the english language. Teaching idioms and slang helps to ensure that students transition smoothly into english speaking society and easily assimilate. Otherwise, EFL students are left on the outside looking in. Teachers can incorporate Idioms and slang into their lessons much like any other vocabulary practice: by exposing the students to the words and phrases in as many different ways as possible and through authentic material. When teachers integrate listening, speaking, reading and writing activities together in teaching english idioms, students can be involved in the application of english idioms in four skills. Thus, it is effective to teach EFL learners english idiom when they are provided with various activities to practice and utilize english idioms in different contexts (The Internet TESL Journal, Vol. XIV, No. 3, March 2008). Most the activities discussed in the course can be used for this topic. Introducing phrases or words and pre-teaching these things before watching a clip or reading an excerpt that uses these terms will help students understand the language better and see how such phrases and words are used authentically. Dialogue and role-play are other activities that can be used to incorporate slang and idiom teachings. Written activities can include ?fill in the idiom? gap fill worksheets or exercises where the students identify the phrases or words throughout the reading excerpts that are slang or idioms. Through varied activities slang and idioms can be incorporated into lessons like any other vocabulary, term, or grammar lesson. Another reason to teach slang and idioms is safety and respect. While it is important to realize that slang and idioms do not always mean vulgar or obscene language, there are times when cultural awareness will help students know when people are mistreating or taking advantage of them because they are viewed as outsiders, or even when it is inappropriate to use words and terms propagated through popular english media, Slang and bad language are things that foreign students are likely to encounter outside the classroom and it can take the form of racist or offensive language. It is surely our duty to make sure that they are aware [of] this and the impact such words can have whether they are directed at them or used by them (http://www.teflcorp.com/articles/78-tefl-teaching-slang-and-idioms/245-teaching-slang-and-idioms.htm). Teaching students when certain language and terms is appropriate is a necessary cultural element of learning the english language. Without this knowledge, students could offend or isolate themselves because they do not know when to use certain language or phrases. Teaching slang and idioms is a necessary component of english learning and can be easily incorporated into everyday learning. It also has a twofold impact that will serve to protect and incorporate non-native speakers into society. Not only does it make it easier for non native speakers to integrate, it also helps them to be aware and mindful of cultural taboos and offenses that they might otherwise conclude are normal in common or polite interactions.
