LAS Input Session 6: Working with Phonology

Learner Errors

Study these learner errors. Identify the area of pronunciation that each of them relates to.

Working with Phonology: Task 1: Anticipating Problems

Discuss the pronunciation problems learners might have with the following:

  • Can/can’t (to talk about ability)
  • Ordinal numbers – first, second, third, fourth etc
  • Used to (to talk about past habits)
  • Present simple questions, e.g. Where does she live? What do you do?
  • Clothing vocabulary e.g shirt, shorts, suit, shoes, coat, scarf etc.

Responsive Pronunciation Teaching

1. Write it
2. Elicit it
3. Model it
4. Drill it
5. Check it

Other Solutions

  1. Write the phonemic transcription on the board
  2. Draw learners’ attention to key features – silent letters, unusual spelling etc
  3. Think of similar words – rhymes etc
  4. Physical Aspects
  5. Compare with similar sounds in learners’ L1