Job Discussion Forums

[No Moss]

I work with both adults and children, and find that adults desperately need work with their pronunciation (most have bad habits that have fossilized). I currently use a simple version of the IPA customized for American pronunciation. I will probably expand that to include a few refinements (like hw or an inverted w for who). I'd like to hear from other teachers out there about their experiences, and what symbol set they use for their students.

Also, has anyone used the book "American Accent Training"?

[Roger]

Intonation is even worse! Make them tape-record themselves and compare their various speaking styles with tape-recorded American/British announcements!

[woza17]

Has anyone heard of a guy called Steve Walker? I came across an article today and he has published a book in Shanghai called The Jingles -- A Revolution in English Pronunciation Therapy. The book is published by Shanghai University of Finance and Economics Press 32 yuan for 2 bilingual books and one CD
Cheers carol

[No Moss]

Thanks, Carol and Roger. Carol, do you know if Steve Walker is British or American? Because of the "r" issue, I find British books little use teaching American pronunciation.

[woza17]

He is American.

[Ailian]

[No Moss]

I teach the Standard American Accent, which of course would be a neutral or Mid-Western accent. It helps to use an accent for which there is material available rather than one for which there isn't. The only two accents I know that are standard are SAA and BBC English.