Something I’ve noticed throughout my career teaching English — every language comes with its own built-in sound system, and that system follows you into every other language you learn.

I’ve been working closely with Armenian English teachers and advanced learners lately, and I keep being struck by how naturally and intelligibly they speak English. More so than many Romance language speakers, in fact. There’s a fascinating phonological reason for that.

With English now the world’s go-to language for international communication, getting pronunciation right has never mattered more — for learners and teachers alike.

That’s why I’m proud to champion the FunSongs Method, which puts correct pronunciation and intonation front and centre from day one.

🌍 Coming up — Armenia, 11–18 June! I’ll be giving a series of talks and workshops on the FunSongs Method, on AI in language teaching, and on why English is such a wonderfully idiosyncratic language. If you’re in Yerevan, get in touch with Dr. Tamara Matevosyan (+374 93 083266) to book your spot.

📢 Also just launched: the new FunSongs Licence for Schools. Everything you need to know is at funsongs.co.uk — take a look!