Published research shows that English speakers gain literacy skills up to the 7-year level more effectively when taught using a language experience approach rather than a word reading approach (reading common words plus phonic reading). It is suggested that this is because of the almost unique nature of English phonology, that is the strengthening of unstressed syllables when converted to stressed syllables, for example, "uhn indipendn't witnis" becomes the systematically distorted form of English, with four changes of vowel, that is reflected in the written form. This means that to read English, speakers must learn a "new language". The research evidence is considered and the implications for teaching are suggested. (Contains 5 boxes.)