I will soon be teaching English to Somali adults and I was wondering if anyone has any ideas about what would be most important for me to focus on?

there are sites with lessons and advice for teaching english

www.eslteachersboard.com and other sites to search for. You'll first have to learn what level the students are at. Probably a mix. Also why do they want to learn english? to trade? to serve i.e. hotels and tourism? to travel themselves? to pass a test? teach them phrases to help them do these things. Becareful over there.

Hi Aiden
From my experience this will be spelling as Somaali is a phonetic language. Somali students often have difficulty in differentiating between the /p/ and /b/ sounds.

I hope this helps and good luck!

teach them basic words, helpful if you show them pictures to make associations. When writing the language have them break it off into syllables.

you have to find out on your own. i'm teaching korean students. though they wanted grammar, they are in dire need to work on their speaking abilities....

you'll be teaching adults, which can prove to be more difficult. they will tell you themselves where they want to focus.

learn as much about their culture and country as you would like them to learn about English. don´t get me wrong, they need you more than you need them, but when they feel you respect them and dignify where them come from, you´ll have them in your pocket right away. ask them to help you learn, kind and respectful sentences for you to use after class. ( who knows you might learn more them than they from you ) your goal is to have them understand and communicate in English, so use as much realia from their country as possible, they won´t feel so intimidated, then as you gain their confidence, start giving them some taste of the American culture learn to pronounce and spell their names correctly . this will save you a lotta disappointment in the future. good luck