The Teaching of English Pronunciation: General Principles, Techniques and Activities

Abstract

It is a fact that over the last few years many changes have taken place in the teaching of foreign languages, such as the introduction of the new technologies. However, the importance given to the teaching of the oral skills and, more particularly, to the teaching of English pronunciation, especially in Spain, is still not so high in comparison with the relevance that grammar, vocabulary or the writing skills have in our education system. Therefore, this study is mainly concerned with the teaching of English pronunciation. The present Final Degree Project is divided into two parts; firstly, a literature review of some theoretical issues such as what is meant by ‘the teaching of English pronunciation’, an approach to how important pronunciation is in the teaching of English, main problems Spanish students have with the learning of English pronunciation, principles and techniques for the teaching of English pronunciation, etc. The second part of this study will adopt a more practical analysis, paying attention to some activities or techniques that can be used for the improvement of students’ pronunciation in English together with the introduction of new technologies, i.e., apps, computer tools and programs, websites, etc