How to teach pronunciation for global communication with Marek Kiczkowiak
One of the fundamental beliefs supporting the ideology of native speakerism, or the idea that ‘native speakers’ are not only linguistically but also pedagogically superior to ‘non-native speaker’ teachers, is that all ‘native speakers’ are by definition better models and teachers of pronunciation. This belief is very much reflected in how pronunciation is taught with a prime focus on imitating standard British or general American models.
Nevertheless, since English is primarily used as a lingua franca (ELF) between ‘non-native speakers’, such an imposition of a ‘native speaker’ pronunciation standard becomes questionable. For example, there is no evidence that these two models of pronunciation are actually the most intelligible in ELF contexts, and bearing in mind SLA research findings, it is doubtful whether such models are achievable for most adult learners.
This talk will provide participants with clear pedagogical principles and practical activities forming an alternative approach to teaching pronunciation based on over two decades of research. More specifically, it will start with an overview of the most important findings from the last 20 years of pronunciation research in ELF contexts. It will then provide participants with clear pedagogical principles they can use to teach pronunciation. Participants will learn how to tailor this approach to the specific local pronunciation needs of their students to make it even more effective. Finally, participants will see an array of practical pronunciation activities that they can use with their students.