There are two English languages; the spoken language and the written language. Broken English happens when the speaker does not understand the difference between the two. In many other languages, one symbol equals one sound, hence the spoken and written languages are one. This is not the case with English. There are 26 letters in the alphabet, but there are 44 sounds in well spoken English. One letter in English can have many sounds, and one sound in English has no letter equivalent at all.

But because many foreigners assume that the written and spoken languages are essentially the same, that the English language is phonetic, they assume that if they master the written language, they will be mastering the spoken language as well. Because English is not a phonetic language, it is essential that students understand that the spoken and written languages are largely distinct , and learn their separate rules and logic. Over time, the vague connection between the two can be gleaned.

What happens to your English if you don’t understand that the “o” symbol can be pronounced many different ways? “Hot” sounds like “hope”. “Pot” sounds like “Pope”. And on and on. Mispronunciation becomes common because the speaker is pronouncing the 26 letters of the alphabet, rather than the 44 sounds of English. To avoid this, it’s important to be sure to learn the spoken language concurrently with the written language, and with the same vigor .

Understanding the difference between the spoken and written language is only half the battle. If you want to speak English excellently, you must fight against a larger, more insidious force than this basic misconception. Do you know what it is? Your Iphone. Unfortunately, we live in a society that prizes the written language to the detriment of the spoken language. How many of your friends prize public speaking, and can’t stand dawdling on their Iphones? None? Yea me too. Since Guttenberg’s time , we have canonized writing, and eschewed speaking. To win the battle of better English, you have to resist the pull of the written word, on your computer screen, Iphone, tablet, TV, ect, and begin to open your ears to the sounds of English.