Deep breath Quote by Jerome K. Jerome
“I also think pronunciation of a foreign tongue could be better taught than by demanding from the pupil those internal acrobatic feats that are generally impossible and always useless. This is the sort of instruction one recieves: 'Press your tonsils against the underside of your larynx. Then with the convex part of the septum curved upwards so as almostbut not quiteto touch the uvula try with the tip of your tongue to reach your thyroid. Take a deep breath and compress your glottis. Now without opening your lips say "Garoo".' And when you have done it they are not satisfied.”
About This Quote
The passage critiques overly technical and impractical language teaching methods that focus on impossible physical tricks rather than effective learning.
In simple terms: Language teaching should avoid impossible physical tricks.
Key Takeaway
Focus on practical, effective instruction.
Themes
education
language learning
pedagogy
Mood
frustrated
critical
Type
pedagogical
critical
When to use this quote
- foreign language classes
- speech therapy
- teacher training programs
Key Concepts
instructional design
motor skills
learning efficiency
Questions to Reflect On
- How can teachers simplify pronunciation instruction?
- What alternatives improve learning outcomes?
A Different Perspective
These methods may ignore individual learner differences.
![“They [dogs] never talk about themselves but listen to you while you talk about yourself, and keep up an appearance of being interested in the conversation.” quote by Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1c0/jerome-k-jerome-1155_about-yourself_they-dogs-never-talk-about-themselves-bu_76454.jpg)
