Mother tongue interference

One of the biggest challenges that my Asian students have is MTI - mother tongue interference.  We all have it to some extent when we learn a language; but when an Asian is learning English, it can be more pronounced. 

 

One of the ways that I have found that helps is being aware of the rhythm of English.  Yes, English has a rhythm and a beat.  For an exercise for students in the elementary or intermediate level, listen to some English for five to ten minutes.  Don't try to understand it.  Just learn to listen to it.  What makes it sound differently than other languages?  See if you can learn to hear the music of English.

 

Comments and thoughts welcome.