Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why might pronunciation be pushed to the bottom of the list in English classes?
Pronunciation is often neglected due to limited class time and the focus on grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
What are the potential consequences of poor pronunciation, even if grammar and vocabulary are strong?
Poor pronunciation can lead to communication failure, making it difficult for speakers to be understood.
What is a more realistic goal for learners in terms of pronunciation, as opposed to sounding like a native speaker?
A more realistic goal is to achieve intelligible pronunciation, where most listeners can understand the speaker without confusion.
Why is it difficult to define what ‘sounding like a native speaker’ means?
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What challenges do adult learners face in achieving native-like pronunciation?
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What is an important consideration when teaching pronunciation to students?
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What do many teachers agree on regarding their students' pronunciation goals?
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How does the context of teaching influence the emphasis on pronunciation in language education?
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What are the two key aspects of pronunciation that should be emphasized in practice?
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How has the focus of pronunciation teaching changed over the years?
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What analogy is used to describe the trends in teaching pronunciation over time?
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What realization have teachers and researchers come to regarding pronunciation teaching in the last 20 years?
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Why is it important to balance both fluency and accuracy in pronunciation practice?
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What role do teachers play in assessing students' pronunciation intelligibility?
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How do accuracy and fluency relate to pronunciation teaching?
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What is a recognized standard in pronunciation teaching?
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Why is it important to set challenging pronunciation goals for students?
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What factors can distract learners from focusing on accurate pronunciation during real-world speaking?
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