One of the most investigated topics in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) is the concept of the native speaker (cf. Cook 2008, James and Leather 1996). There is a roiling debate on the meaningfulness of the native speaker as the target of teaching pronunciation. Following Gonzáles-Nueno (1997), the ultimate goal in teaching is to make the student “sound like a native speaker” (261). On the other side, Abercrombie (1991: 93) argues in favour of the comprehensibility. The main goal of teaching L2 (second language) pronunciation is therefore to sound “comfortably intelligible” (ibid.)
In this paper I will discuss the reasonableness of teaching native-like pronunciation. Should the native-speaker be the target of teaching pronunciation? What are conceivable disadvantages? In a first step, it is essential to give a definition of the native speaker. Secondly, in chapter 3.1, these definitions will be analysed with regard to the research question.
Chapter 3.2 analyses the general goals of teaching a second language. These goals will be referred to the issue of teaching L2 pronunciation. Furthermore, I will provide a survey from Waniek-Klimczak (2002) about students’ attitudes towards the issue of accent, pronunciation in general, and pronunciation teaching and compare the results with the general goals of L2 teaching.
Chapter 3.3 will focus on the concept of Received Pronunciation (RP). I will analyse the advantages and disadvantages of teaching RP to L2 learners. As a last point, I will take up Major’s (2001: 28) statement that everybody speak an interlanguage and discuss it. In the conclusion I will summarize the results of the analysis and try to give a final statement.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- What is a native speaker? A definition
- Should the native speaker be the target of L2 teaching?
- Analysing the definitions
- Goals of L2 teaching
- Received Pronunciation as a target of teaching and the idea of an interlanguage
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines the debate on the significance of the native speaker as the target of pronunciation teaching in Second Language Acquisition (SLA). The primary objective is to analyze the concept of the native speaker and its implications for L2 pronunciation instruction, considering both the advantages and disadvantages of striving for native-like pronunciation.
- The definition of a native speaker and its relevance to L2 pronunciation teaching
- The role of comprehensibility versus native-like pronunciation in L2 teaching
- The impact of social identity and cultural background on L2 pronunciation
- The concept of Received Pronunciation (RP) and its suitability as a pronunciation target
- The notion of interlanguage and its implications for L2 pronunciation development
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: The paper sets the stage by discussing the ongoing debate surrounding the native speaker as the target of pronunciation teaching in SLA. It introduces the central research question: Should L2 learners aim for native-like pronunciation? The chapter also briefly outlines the organization of the paper.
- What is a native speaker? A definition: This chapter explores various definitions of the native speaker, focusing on the historical development of the term and its different aspects. It examines definitions based on individual language acquisition, characteristics of native speakers, and the role of language identity in shaping pronunciation.
- Should the native speaker be the target of L2 teaching?: This chapter delves into the core argument of the paper, examining the implications of the native speaker concept for L2 pronunciation teaching. It analyzes different definitions of the native speaker and their relation to L2 learners' ability to attain native-like pronunciation. The chapter explores the role of social identity and cultural background in shaping pronunciation and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of striving for native-like pronunciation.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper focuses on the concepts of native speaker, second language acquisition, pronunciation teaching, comprehensibility, Received Pronunciation, interlanguage, social identity, and cultural background. The discussion centers on the debate surrounding the appropriateness of targeting native-like pronunciation in L2 teaching and explores the implications of different definitions of the native speaker for L2 learners' pronunciation development.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Taylor Bruhn (Autor:in), 2015, Teaching pronunciation. The role of the native speaker, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/310331
