I teach English to Guatemalan adults whose first language is an unwritten Mayan dialect. They have had little or no formal education in their second language Spanish. Does any one have any suggestions of how to help highly motivated adult students who do not even have a concept of an alphabet? I am always looing for advice and technigues to try with my students. It is quite a challenge and their process is painstakingly slow and difficult. New students are coming in every session. Please help!