Post
by Will. » Wed Aug 13, 2003 10:36 am
Nice contributions,
We, as native speakers, seem to criticise each others pronunciation of 'our' language but are equally culpable of butchering it ourselves. my pet hate/bug bear of the moment, and last few years, since returning is the misuse of 'innit' as q tag for just about everything.
One eg I like to use is the reduction of 'what is the matter?' to s/m/ae/e
( sorry, no script but you get the idea) brought to my attention by students who, when trying to produce it as example of non comprehension had the same effect upon me.
I find that underlining the fact that we, NS, do not always pronounce correctly put many students, especially those who are living in an English speaking country, at ease about their pronunciation of our language and their apparent inability to understand NS English in situ.
I know that when I am teaching I tend to speak and enunciate differently than when in 'normal' conversation so it is probably my fault they don't understand 'real people' when they are out in the 'real' world.
The beauty of our language is that it has so many varieties and regional differences. We have only to look at student interest in PVs, slang and idioms to see their appreciation of it.
In short, it is the difference, the variety, the richness of regional dialect and accent that should be valued, that should be praised and the ability to share and appreciate this that we should convey to our students.
At uni, years ago, an Australian soap played twice daily at 1pm and 6pm the first we watched, sound off and taking one character each and created the dialogue ourselves. The fun came later when we heard the actual dialogue. the same activity with alterations can be used to practise pronunciation. Take the P and have fun with students. Pick your country, Soap, film. It is all practice. Forget the arrogance, we are all wrong in the eyes of our students if what we teach confuses them. Teaching them that one variety is best is an example. My own language/accent/use of English has changed influenced by US/Can/Aus/NZ/Irl/Sco input that I have 'acquired to improve 'My English'. If it is good enough for me how can I justify the use of one type and the preclusion of another except by ability to use, understand or apply it.
Just poking my head above the parapet, expecting to get shot at but adding my tuppence worth to keep an interesting thread going.