Macmillan Online Conference 8 th November 2012 Pronunciation: The Cinderella of ELT Two key...
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Transcript of Macmillan Online Conference 8 th November 2012 Pronunciation: The Cinderella of ELT Two key...
Macmillan Online Conference8th November 2012
Pronunciation: The Cinderella of ELT
Two key problems…and two practical solutions
Adrian Underhill
Blog: adrianpronchart.wordpress.com
Q: Why is pronunciation so important?
A: Because it infuses all language activity:
ReadingWriting
Speaking Listening Thinking
Remembering
In spite of this pronunciation is neglected
Pronunciation is neglected in favour of grammar and vocabulary … a 2-dimensional matrix
Pronunciation provides the third dimension… that gives language volume and body
The ‘pronunciation slot’ is a disintegrated approach to pronunciation teaching
Pronunciation is the Cinderella of language teaching…
Two (unnecessary) complications make pronunciation seem difficult to teach:
Problem 1Pronunciation is seen as mysterious, endless. It lacks a thinking tool or map
Problem 2Pronunciation is cognitively taught whenit should be physical, muscular, like a dance
Possible resolution for first problem:
1. The chart It provides a map, a thinking tool, a complete gestalt
This can be demonstrated in a few minutes
Possible resolution for second problem
2. PhysicalityTeach it physically, as if a subtle inner dance.Reconnect with the muscles that make the difference. This also makes it visible.
This can also be demonstrated in a few minutes
The muscle buttons:
1. Tongue (moving forward and back)2. Lips (spreading and bringing back, or rounding and pushing forward)3. Jaw + tongue (moving them up and down) 4. Voice (turning it on or off, to make voiced or unvoiced sounds)
Summary
Chart as geographic mapPhysical and visible approachUse of pron chart as worktable
Visual dictation: default classroom activity
Few special materials neededPossibility for full integration of pron
Mistakes are the syllabusWe do not teach the symbols …
Further information:
5-Day intensive training: Bell School Cambridge 1st July 2013
Blog: adrianpronchart.wordpress.com
App: SOUNDS: The pronunciation app
Book: Sound Foundations (Macmillan ELT)
Online: Links to demos, videos etc in handout
SOUNDS: The pronunciation app
The ultimate mobile English pronunciation aid for students and
teachers.
Based on the best-selling Macmillan title Sound Foundations by Adrian
Underhill
SOUNDS helps you study, practise and play with British and American
pronunciation
Macmillan Online Conference8th November 2012
Pronunciation: The Cinderella of ELT
Thank You!
Adrian UnderhillBlog: adrianpronchart.wordpress.com