This research work is an educational material that highlights pronunciation; specifically, the pronunciation of English sounds.
The research was undertaken for the purposes of improving the pronunciation difficulties of the voiced and voiceless interdentals in English language of the form 2A students of Assemblies of God SHS. As a vital component or aspect of the English language, pronunciation difficulties cuts across all linguistic borders due to one reason or the other and is therefore a major barrier to effective communication. I used the framework of an action research, against the background of carefully selected intervention strategies, the research work was successfully conducted and also yielded good results.
It was discovered by the researcher that the difficulty that the form 2A students of Assemblies of God SHS was mainly attributed to the influence of the learners’ first language (L1) and inadequate oral lessons alongside different cultural and societal background. The researcher therefore engaged the students with practical teaching techniques that will helped them do away with their cultural and social markings on pronunciation in English.
Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
1.2 Statement of problem
1.3 Purpose of study
1.4 Objectives of the study
1.5 Research questions
1.6 Significance of the study
1.7 Delimitation
2.0 Introduction
2.1 Pronunciation
2.2 Importance of teaching English pronunciation in ESL schools
2.3 Pronunciation problems or difficulties in Ghana
2.4 The type of pronunciation to be taught
2.5 Minimal pairs
2.6 The role of minimal pairs in the teaching of pronunciation
2.7 Role of reinforcement in learning
2.8 Views and comments from teachers and colleagues
3.0 Introduction
3.1 Research design
3.2 Population
3.3 Sample and sampling procedure
3.5 Research instrument
3.5 Procedure for data collection
3.6 Pre-Intervention
Observation
Questionnaire
Tests
Pre-test
3.7 Intervention Stage
3.8 Post-intervention
Post-test
4.0 Introduction
4.1 Pre-test analysis
4.2 Analysis for questionnaire
4.3 Post-test analysis
4.4 Summary of data presentation
5.0 Introduction
5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendations
5.4 Implication for further research
Objectives and Scope
The primary objective of this research is to improve the pronunciation of the voiced and voiceless interdental sounds (/ð/, /θ/) among Form 2A students at Assemblies of God Senior High School, who currently struggle with these sounds due to first language interference.
- Identify the specific pronunciation errors made by students regarding interdental sounds.
- Determine the causative factors linked to these pronunciation difficulties.
- Implement intervention strategies, specifically minimal pair drills and reinforcement techniques.
- Evaluate the efficacy of these interventions in improving students' speech and oral performance.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Background of the study
Over the years, the English language has assumed a very significant role in the socio- economic life of every growing Ghanaian child. As a colonial property, the language has evolved from merely breaking of linguistic barriers among the diverse ethnic groups in Ghana to a mandatory instructional language in the classroom for all Ghanaian schools along with its formal and/or official use in government discourses. Mastering English is therefore viewed globally as an indication of good education and professionalism in different walks of life.
As an international language, the English language has received a lot of attention in the World and more so in countries where it is not part of their local languages that is English is not a native language hence peoples interest in effectively learning the language. According to Crystal (2003:6), “English is the third most-spoken native language in the world, after the Standard Chinese and Spanish.” This shows how powerful the language is globally. He further discloses that, it (English) is the most widely learned second language and is either the official language or one of the official languages in almost 60 sovereign states including Ghana where this study is conducted.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: This chapter introduces the study, outlining the background, problem statement, objectives, and significance regarding the pronunciation difficulties of Ghanaian students.
CHAPTER TWO: This chapter reviews literature on pronunciation, the role of minimal pairs, reinforcement, and the influence of the first language on second language acquisition.
CHAPTER THREE: This chapter details the methodology, including the action research design, population, sampling procedures, and the specific intervention stages used.
CHAPTER FOUR: This chapter presents the data analysis from pre-tests and questionnaires, evaluating the effectiveness of the teaching interventions.
CHAPTER FIVE: This chapter provides a summary of findings, draws conclusions, and offers recommendations for future teaching practices and research.
Keywords
Pronunciation, Interdental Sounds, Minimal Pairs, Reinforcement, Action Research, ESL, First Language Interference, Received Pronunciation, Oral Skills, English Language Teaching, Ghanaian English, Speech Sounds, Phonology, Communication, Language Acquisition
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on helping students at Assemblies of God Senior High School improve their pronunciation of the voiced and voiceless interdental sounds (/ð/ and /θ/).
What are the core research questions?
The questions explore the specific pronunciation problems students face, the causes of these difficulties, and how minimal pair drills and reinforcement can improve their pronunciation skills.
Why are interdental sounds difficult for these students?
The difficulty is primarily attributed to the influence of the students' first language (L1 interference) and a lack of formal instruction in oral speech work.
What research methodology was employed?
The study utilized an action research framework, incorporating observations, questionnaires, and pre- and post-tests to gather and analyze data.
What specific interventions were used?
The researcher used minimal pair drills and reinforcement strategies to help students identify, discriminate, and practice the target sounds.
What characterizes the target audience of this study?
The participants are Form 2A students at Assemblies of God Senior High School, who are mostly bilingual and growing up in multilingual societies.
Why is Received Pronunciation (RP) mentioned in the study?
RP is discussed as the standard model for English pronunciation in Ghana, serving as the target for instructional purposes.
How were the intervention results measured?
The results were measured through a post-test, which demonstrated a massive improvement in students' ability to produce the interdental sounds correctly.
- Citar trabajo
- Emmanuel Appiah Gyasi (Autor), 2019, Pronunciation Difficulties of English Inter-Dental Sounds. The Supporting Methods of Pair Drills and Reinforcement, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1011907
