Teaching EFL Pronunciation: Why, What and How?

Research Paper (postgraduate) from the year 2008 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Linguistics, grade: none, Jahangirnagar University (Department of English), course: English Pronunciation, 32 entries in the bibliography, language: English, abstract: Pronunciation is an integrated and integral part of second/foreign language learning since it directly affects learners' communicative competence as well as performance. Notwithstanding, teaching EFL pronunciation is still peripheral and/or neglected in the syllabus, material and classroom, especially in Bangladesh. Therefore, based on my experience both as a student and a teacher-researcher as well as on a number of existing studies, this paper examines and addresses four major issues concerning teaching EFL pronunciation to learners at different levels. Firstly, I have explored and uncovered the reasons for overlooking teaching pronunciation. Secondly, I have endeavoured to justify the teaching of pronunciation together with the other skills of the target language. Thirdly, I have tried to ascertain a level and the aspects of EFL pronunciation that should be taught. Finally, I have discussed some pronunciation teaching approaches and advocated a variety of techniques/activities for teaching EFL pronunciation in the classroom.