Pronunciation Difficulties of English Inter-Dental Sounds. The Supporting Methods of Pair Drills and Reinforcement

Table of Contents

• Chapter One
• 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
• Chapter Two
• 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

Objectives and Key Themes

This action research study aims to investigate the effectiveness of using minimal pair drills and reinforcement techniques to improve the pronunciation of interdental sounds (/θ/, /ð/) in English among two A2 level students at Assemblies of God Senior High School. The research seeks to contribute to effective pronunciation teaching methodologies within an ESL context.

• Effectiveness of minimal pair drills in pronunciation instruction.
• The role of reinforcement in improving pronunciation accuracy.
• Challenges faced by ESL learners in mastering interdental sounds.
• Application of pronunciation teaching techniques in a Ghanaian context.
• Individual learner differences and their impact on pronunciation acquisition.

Chapter Summaries

Chapter One: This chapter introduces the research study, providing background information on the challenges of teaching and learning English pronunciation, particularly interdental sounds, in Ghana. It establishes the research problem, focusing on the difficulties faced by secondary school students. The chapter clearly states the purpose of the study, its specific objectives, research questions, and the significance of the findings. It also defines the scope and limitations of the research.

Chapter Two: This chapter presents a review of relevant literature on pronunciation teaching and learning. It delves into the importance of teaching English pronunciation in ESL settings, specifically focusing on the challenges and difficulties encountered by Ghanaian learners. The chapter examines various pronunciation problems common in Ghana and discusses appropriate pronunciation models for teaching. A significant portion is dedicated to the explanation and application of minimal pairs as a pedagogical tool for improving pronunciation accuracy. The literature review lays the foundation for the methodological approach adopted in the research.

Keywords

English pronunciation, minimal pair drills, reinforcement, interdental sounds, ESL, Ghana, action research, pronunciation instruction, A2 level students, teaching methodologies.

Frequently Asked Questions: Comprehensive Language Preview

What is the purpose of this research study?

This action research study investigates the effectiveness of using minimal pair drills and reinforcement techniques to improve the pronunciation of interdental sounds (/θ/, /ð/) in English among A2 level students in Ghana. It aims to contribute to effective pronunciation teaching methodologies in ESL contexts.

What are the key themes explored in this study?

Key themes include the effectiveness of minimal pair drills in pronunciation instruction, the role of reinforcement in improving pronunciation accuracy, challenges faced by ESL learners in mastering interdental sounds, application of pronunciation techniques in a Ghanaian context, and the impact of individual learner differences on pronunciation acquisition.

What topics are covered in Chapter One?

Chapter One introduces the research, providing background information on the challenges of teaching and learning English pronunciation in Ghana, specifically focusing on interdental sounds. It defines the research problem, purpose, objectives, research questions, significance, and limitations.

What is discussed in Chapter Two?

Chapter Two reviews relevant literature on pronunciation teaching and learning, examining the importance of teaching English pronunciation in ESL settings and focusing on challenges faced by Ghanaian learners. It explores common pronunciation problems, discusses appropriate pronunciation models, and details the use of minimal pairs as a pedagogical tool.

What methodology is used in this study?

The study employs an action research methodology, focusing on the practical application and evaluation of minimal pair drills and reinforcement techniques to improve student pronunciation.

What are the key challenges addressed in this research?

The research addresses the challenges of teaching and learning interdental sounds (/θ/, /ð/) in English as a Second Language (ESL) amongst Ghanaian students, specifically at the A2 level. It also examines the effectiveness of specific teaching methodologies in addressing these challenges.

What are the main findings anticipated from this research?

The anticipated findings will shed light on the effectiveness of minimal pair drills and reinforcement in improving pronunciation accuracy, identifying best practices for teaching interdental sounds in a Ghanaian ESL context. The study also hopes to highlight individual learner differences affecting pronunciation acquisition.

What are the keywords associated with this research?

Keywords include English pronunciation, minimal pair drills, reinforcement, interdental sounds, ESL, Ghana, action research, pronunciation instruction, A2 level students, and teaching methodologies.

What is the overall structure of the document preview?

The preview provides a comprehensive overview, including the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. It aims to give a clear and concise understanding of the research study's scope and content.

Who is the target audience for this research?

The target audience includes ESL teachers, researchers in applied linguistics, and those interested in pronunciation instruction and effective teaching methodologies, particularly within the Ghanaian context.