Can I Change the Way I Speak

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• What is the problem that is addressed in the research?
• What approach is taken to address this problem?
• What conclusions does the author draw from the research?
• What evidence does the author present in support of the conclusions?

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This study aims to investigate the changes in pronunciation and fluency experienced by four adult immigrant learners of English over a three-year period of tertiary study in New Zealand. The research explores whether these changes are measurable and whether the students' self-perceptions align with their actual progress.

• Pronunciation changes in second language acquisition
• Fluency development in English as a second language
• The role of self-assessment and motivation in language learning
• The influence of intelligibility, attitudes, and identity on pronunciation
• The correlation between perceived and actual progress in language learning

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

What is the problem that is addressed in the research? This chapter introduces the study's context, focusing on the challenges faced by four adult immigrant learners of English attending a Bachelor of Arts in English as an Additional Language program in New Zealand. The research investigates two key issues: changes in pronunciation and fluency among these learners and the correlation between their perceived progress and actual improvements.

What approach is taken to address this problem? This section outlines the research methodology, which involves pre-study and post-study tests, along with post-study interviews with the participants. The study analyzes changes in pronunciation and fluency using quantitative and qualitative data collected over a three-year period. The researchers employed a case study method to analyze the individual progress of each participant.

What conclusions does the author draw from the research? This chapter presents the findings of the study, concluding that the four participants demonstrated improvements in pronunciation and fluency, with their self-perceptions of their progress aligning with their actual performance. Factors such as intelligibility, attitudes, and identity played a role in the specific changes observed.

What evidence does the author present in support of the conclusions? This section examines the evidence presented in the study, including data collection methods, data analysis techniques, and the limitations of the research. The researchers provide convincing evidence to support their conclusions, but the authors also acknowledge potential areas for further investigation.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This research focuses on key concepts related to second language acquisition, including pronunciation, fluency, self-assessment, motivation, and intelligibility. The study also examines the influence of factors such as attitudes, identity, and the learners' perceptions of their own progress. The research findings can be applied to the field of English as a second language teaching and learning, particularly in tertiary education settings.