Understanding and Teaching the Pronunciation of English.pdf

(Greg DeLong) #1

  • Just the thing you’re practicing now, whether it’s a
    particular sound or a suprasegmental feature

  • Things that are easiest to !x, like the pronunciation of a
    particular word, as opposed to a mistake with a common
    sound that occurs many times

  • Mistakes that this student has been making again and
    again.


When giving comments, be kind and respectful, but honest.
Harsh criticism won’t help, but neither will empty praise or
easy acceptance of everything the student says. When making
a correction of a mispronunciation, give a correct example for
the student to hear and repeat, or pronounce both the correct
and incorrect ways so that the student can hear the contrast.
Praise students for speci!c things that they’re doing well,
especially if it’s an improvement over the past. A little
honest, speci!c praise can keep students from feeling that
improving their pronunciation is hopeless.


Be alert for new ideas


Look around you and try to !nd spoken or written materials
from everyday life that could be useful in teaching
suprasegmental features. Use your imagination to !nd new
ways to explain, illustrate, and practice the musical aspects of
English pronunciation.


Sources of video clips



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