Help students develop awareness of pronunciation features in connected speech from "summary" of Teaching American English Pronunciation - Oxford Handbooks for Language Teachers by Susan Ehrlich,Peter Avery
To effectively teach American English pronunciation, it is essential to help students develop an awareness of pronunciation features in connected speech. This involves focusing on the way sounds change and interact when spoken in natural, continuous speech. By drawing attention to these features, students can improve their overall pronunciation and fluency. One key aspect of connected speech is the phenomenon of linking, where sounds at the end of one word blend into sounds at the beginning of the next word. This can result in changes to the sounds themselves, such as the pronunciation of the final consonant in "good job" becoming a /dʒ/ sound when followed by "at" (e. g. "good job at it"). By highlighting these patterns, students can learn to recognize and reproduce them in their own speech. Another important feature of connected speech is the reduction of certain sounds in unstressed syllables. For example, the word "probably" is often pronounced as "prolly" in casual speech. By practicing these reductions, students can sound more natural and native-like in their pronunciation. Intonation also plays a crucial role in connected speech, influencing the overall meaning and communicative effect of a sentence. By teaching students to pay attention to intonation patterns, they can learn to convey different emotions, attitudes, and intentions through their speech.- Developing awareness of pronunciation features in connected speech is essential for students to improve their spoken English skills. By focusing on linking, reductions, and intonation, teachers can help students become more fluent, natural, and effective communicators in American English.
Similar Posts
Set achievable language goals
When embarking on your journey to speak English fluently, it is essential to set realistic and attainable language goals. Setti...
Inclusive language fosters conversational engagement
In conversations, the use of inclusive language plays a crucial role in fostering engagement among participants. By employing i...
Use of technology in education
The integration of technology in education has revolutionized the way students learn and teachers teach. Technology provides a ...
Incorporating English into daily routines
The idea of weaving English into the fabric of our everyday lives is a powerful one. By making language learning a natural part...
Explore the richness of Spanish literature and culture
Delve into the depths of Spanish literature and culture to uncover the treasures hidden within the pages of famous works and th...
Pronunciation plays a vital role in communication
Pronunciation is a key element in effective communication. The way we pronounce words can greatly impact how our message is rec...
Incongruent body language can indicate deception or hidden emotions
The body never lies. It has its own language, one that often reveals what words cannot. When someone's body language is incongr...
Use body language to influence others
The way we use our bodies can have a significant impact on how others perceive and respond to us. Our body language can convey ...
Monitor progress and track improvement in speaking skills
As you work on enhancing your speaking skills, it is crucial to continuously observe and evaluate your progress. Monitoring you...
Importance of teaching EFL pronunciation
Teaching EFL pronunciation is crucial for students to effectively communicate in English. Pronunciation plays a significant rol...