Macmillan Online Conference
8th 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:
Reading
Writing
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 1
Pronunciation is seen as mysterious, endless.
It lacks a thinking tool or map
Problem 2
Pronunciation is cognitively taught when
it 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. Physicality
Teach 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 map
Physical and visible approach
Use of pron chart as worktable
Visual dictation: default classroom activity
Few special materials needed
Possibility for full integration of pron
Mistakes are the syllabus
We 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 Conference
8th November 2012
Pronunciation:
The Cinderella of ELT
Thank You!
Adrian Underhill
Blog: adrianpronchart.wordpress.com