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