Master of Education, University of the People, USA, Pasadena
EFFECTIVE TECHNIQUES FOR CORRECTING PRONUNCIATION ERRORS IN RUSSIAN LEARNERS OF ENGLISH
ABSTRACT
The article offers an in-depth analysis of methods for correcting pronunciation among English language learners, particularly Russian speakers. It examines the root causes of pronunciation errors, such as linguistic differences between Russian and English, and discusses various correction strategies, including the imitative, analytical-imitative, and approximative approaches. The article also highlights the significance of understanding learners’ psycho-emotional states and the impact of fossilized errors on language acquisition. It emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to error correction, taking into account learners’ emotional well-being and the potential risks of overemphasizing pronunciation errors. This comprehensive exploration offers educators valuable insights into developing effective teaching strategies for pronunciation correction.
АННОТАЦИЯ
В статье представлен углублённый анализ методов коррекции произношения у изучающих английский язык, с особым акцентом на русскоязычных учащихся. Рассматриваются основные причины ошибок произношения, такие как лингвистические различия между русским и английским языками, а также обсуждаются различные стратегии коррекции, включая имитативный, аналитико-имитативный и аппроксимативный подходы. В статье также подчёркивается значимость понимания психоэмоционального состояния обучающихся и влияние закоренелых ошибок на процесс овладевания языком. Отдельное внимание уделяется необходимости сбалансированного подхода к исправлению ошибок с учётом эмоционального состояния учащихся и потенциальных рисков чрезмерной концентрации ошибок произношения. Данный всесторонний анализ предоставляет ценную информацию для преподавателей при разработке эффективных стратегий обучения произношению.
Keywords: pronunciation error correction, Russian EFL learners, fossilized errors, L1 interference, analytic-imitative approach, approximative approach, corrective feedback strategies, phonological errors, psycho-emotional factors
Ключевые слова: коррекция ошибок произношения, русскоязычные изучающие английский язык как иностранный, закоренелые ошибки, интерференция родного языка, аналитико-имитативный подход, аппроксимативный подход, стратегии коррекции обратной связи, фонологические ошибки, психоэмоциональные факторы
Errors in language learning can be viewed from two perspectives: negatively, as unwanted elements, and positively, as crucial to educational progress because correcting mistakes fosters skill development. Therefore, a teacher’s responsibility extends beyond merely presenting new content; they also involve addressing and correcting students’ errors. Yanovskaya and Neskreba [16, pp. 325-330] emphasize the importance of a teacher’s understanding of error types, their correction, and strategies for anticipating and preventing them. Despite the vast amount of research on teaching English as a second language, challenges in managing pronunciation and correction are still an ongoing academic debate. Zelenskaya [17, pp.142-144] echoes this sentiment, highlighting the contentious nature of errors in the broader context of educational theory and, more specifically, in English language teaching methodologies.
Different researchers have varying perspectives on the concept of error. Some experts believe that errors should be avoided by all available means.
A wrong statement should never be reproduced, either by the teacher or by the students themselves, since this is the only way to prevent students from fossilizing errors. Galkina [4, pp. 30-35] asserts that language is learned exclusively through errors. An error should not be forcibly expelled from the learner’s consciousness, but excessive focus on the error is also not entirely correct. Correction of errors, as noted by Bogdanova [2, pp. 66-69], is a necessary feedback mechanism that arises in the process of teaching a foreign language, enabling the educator to plan teaching methods and facilitate positive learning outcomes. Yanovskaya and Neskreba [16, pp. 325-330] also note that error correction is an essential tool for optimizing language education.
Work on phonetics generally attracts less interest among students, especially in comparison with lexical and grammatical aspects of the language. The comparatively low interest in pronunciation is mainly due to the subjective perception of phonetics. Moreover, instruction in suprasegmental features such as intonation and rhythm remains marginal in many school and university English programs.
Building on the theoretical discussion of error correction in language education, this article approaches pronunciation teaching as a multidimensional pedagogical challenge. The first section explores the necessity of a balanced approach to pronunciation correction, emphasizing the importance of instructional flexibility. The second section outlines the major methodological approaches to pronunciation teaching and evaluates their instructional effectiveness.
The third section focuses on pronunciation difficulties specific to Russian speakers, highlighting recurrent segmental and suprasegmental errors caused by cross-linguistic interference.
Finally, the paper examines psycho-emotional factors and fossilized errors, arguing that successful pronunciation instruction depends not only on technique but also on learners’ emotional security and engagement.
1. Balancing Pronunciation Error Correction in Language Learning: Strategies and Pedagogical Considerations
To prevent, predict, and correct pronunciation errors, it is necessary to understand the reasons behind their occurrence. Perlova [11, pp. 82-93] and Kiryushina [6, pp. 1-5] discuss that students make typical errors in pronouncing English words due to (1) insufficient knowledge of articulation features, (2) inaccurate intonation, or (3) inadequate control of word and phrase stress. Minakova [9, pp. 61-66] identifies phonetic difficulties in learning English as resulting from both internal factors (reading, motivation, self-control) and external linguistic influences.
Many researchers, citing the classical works of the linguist and educator Shcherba [13, pp. 156-180], distinguish two main types of pronunciation errors: phonetic (articulation errors) and phonological (sound-meaning errors). Phonetic errors are the result of violating the pronunciation norms of the language and are usually manifested in the replacement of a phoneme with its allophones or variants. As is evident, such errors do not hinder the speech process and rarely lead to communicative failures, unlike phonological errors, which can result in semantic distortion and breakdowns in meaning.
In the practice of international English language exams, three types of errors are commonly identified: slips (momentary mistakes), errors (caused by a lack of knowledge), and attempts (errors made when trying to express a more complex idea that the speaker’s language proficiency allows). Pak [10, pp. 116-122] proposes expanding this typology to include errors resulting from native-language interference as well as developmental (growth-related) errors arising from learners’ overgeneralization of linguistic rules during language acquisition.
As mentioned earlier, contemporary pedagogical practice lacks a consensus regarding the optimal methods for correcting pronunciation errors. According to a study by Borsheva [2, pp. 66-69], most teachers (33%) correct errors after the students have completed their response, about 10% of teachers correct errors immediately, 23% of educators do not always correct errors for various reasons, and 14% strive to enable the student to identify and correct their mistake independently. For this purpose, the “echo” technique is used, wherein the educator repeats the student’s phrase containing the error. More than 40% of teachers use nonverbal communication, such as gestures and facial expressions.
Zelenskaya [17, pp. 142-144] states that attitudes toward pronunciation errors vary depending on the pragmatic conditions of foreign-language communication. For instance, in regular English classes, in everyday communication, or while traveling abroad, the presence of errors is a natural phenomenon that is unlikely to disrupt the flow of communication. In contrast, in more formal and professional settings, such as academic presentations, conference participation, or public speaking, phonetic inaccuracies become more salient and may negatively affect the speaker’s professional image. The author further emphasizes that extreme pedagogical responses to pronunciation errors are pedagogically ineffective. Neither excessive corrective interruption nor the complete absence of feedback contributes to sustainable pronunciation development. In the former case, learners may experience heightened linguistic anxiety and reduced confidence, whereas in the latter, inaccurate forms risk becoming reinforced. Consequently, effective error correction requires careful consideration of the communicative context and the adaptation of a balanced correction strategy.
2. Exploring Approaches to Pronunciation Correction in Language Education.
Observation of the real practice of teaching English in universities and schools reveals that the primary method of correcting pronunciation errors is the intuitive-imitative approach. Celce-Murcia, Briton, and Goodwin [3, p. 375] describe the intuitive-imitative approach as relying on a learner’s capacity to listen to and replicate the target language’s rhythms and sounds without any specific instructional guidance. This method assumes that learners have access to high-quality listening examples.
The availability of such models has significantly improved with technological advancements. However, Zelenskaya [17, pp. 142-144] notes that a much more effective method is a detailed explanation of the position of articulatory organs or the specifics of a particular phoneme, and its differences from a similar phoneme in the native language. Accurate imitation of foreign sounds can only be based on an understanding of the theoretical foundation, the articulatory features, and intonational contours of a native English speaker.
The analytic-linguistic approach to correcting pronunciation errors is notably superior to the intuitive-imitative approach. This method employs various resources, including the phonetic alphabet, articulatory descriptions, vocal apparatus diagrams, and additional supports to enhance listening, imitation, and production.
It deliberately educates and directs the learner’s focus toward the sounds and rhythms of the target language. Celce-Murcia, Briton, and Goodwin [3, p. 375] point out that it was developed as a complement, not a replacement for the intuitive-imitative approach; the analytic-linguistic approach often integrates elements of the intuitive-imitative approach during the practice stages of a standard analytic-linguistic language lesson.
In schools and universities, pronunciation errors are often explained and corrected by transcribing the mispronounced word. Inamova [5, pp. 997-1003] remarks that phonetic symbols "may be slightly off-putting due to the inclusion of oddly looking symbols".
The complexity of English transcription can undermine learners' motivation. In this context, the researcher suggests introducing the transcription method at later stages of instruction or among students who already possess a high level of oral competence.
Discussions about techniques for correcting errors and teaching phonetics have led to the emergence of an approach that fundamentally questions the need for correction.
The central argument of this viewpoint is that the effort put into teaching foreign pronunciation often does not justify the results. In this context, educators suggest adopting an approximative approach that legitimizes relatively correct pronunciation. If a student's utterances do not lead to communication breakdowns and the phonetic inaccuracies do not distort the meaning of their spoken thoughts, it is recommended not to correct the errors in their speech.
3. Challenges and Strategies in Teaching English Pronunciation to Russian Speakers.
Two key differences between the Russian and English sound systems are the non-existence of the distinction between short and long vowels in Russian and the lack of diphthongs. Mastering English rhythm and stress patterns is a challenging aspect for Russian learners. Words that start with 'w', such as 'wonder', 'wilt', 'wage', and 'wipe', often present pronunciation difficulties. Additionally, Russian speakers tend to modify the English /æ/ sound, as in 'hat', to a closer/e/, which can cause mix-ups between words like 'mat' and 'met'. The /ɔ:/ sound in English is frequently altered to a more frontal Russian /o/ or changed into a diphthong like /oʊ/, leading to confusion between words such as 'rock' and 'roar', 'caught' and 'coat', or 'lot', 'laud', and 'loathe'. In general, Russian speakers often do not pronounce English long vowels with sufficient tension, making them sound more like short vowels. For instance, 'feel' might be pronounced like 'fill', or 'beet' like 'bit'. The variation in the length of English long vowels depending on the following consonant (as in 'pea', 'peel', and 'peat') also poses difficulties for Russian learners.
The English phonemes /θ/ and /ð/ pose significant challenges for Russian speakers, who often substitute them with /s/ and /z/, respectively. Common errors include pronouncing "think" as "sink" and "breathe" as "breeze." The /ŋ/ sound is typically replaced with the Russian /g/ or a dental /n/, leading to mispronunciations like "sing" as "sig" or "sin." Russian speakers also frequently struggle to distinguish between /w/ and /v/, which can lead to confusion between words like "vine" and "wine," or "vest" and "west." In Russian, the sounds /t/, /d/, /l/, and /n/ are articulated with the tongue touching the upper teeth, giving them a distinctively foreign sound when spoken by Russian learners in English contexts. Final voiced consonants such as /b/, /d/, and /g/ are often devoiced in Russian. This process leads to the mispronunciation of words like "robe" as "rope," "bide" as "bite," and "log" as "lock" by Russian speakers. The "dark"/l/ sound, as heard in words like "pull" or "mill," is frequently used in place of the "clear"/l/ sound found in words like "light" or "like." The sound /ʈʃ/ in Russian is slightly soft or "palatalized," causing learners to mispronounce the more complex English /ʈʃ/ sound, as in "choose," with a smoother version. Additionally, the Russian language lacks the /dʒ/ sound, though it has separate /d/ and /ʒ/ sounds. Consequently, when Russian learners encounter English words like "judge" or "bridge," they tend to pronounce the /dʒ/ sound as two distinct sounds rather than thoroughly blending it as in native English pronunciation [15, pp. 145-161].
Russian speakers often encounter difficulties with English intonation, an aspect of pronunciation that differs significantly from Russian intonation. One of the primary issues is the difference in the range and depth of pitch movements. In Russian, the low-fall intonation pattern is less pronounced than in English, often resulting in a less distinct drop in pitch. This intonation pattern can affect the clarity and perceived emotion in spoken English. For instance, a statement like "I'm going to the store," which in English would typically end with a noticeable pitch drop, might sound flat or less emphatic when spoken by a Russian speaker. Similarly, the low-rise intonation pattern in Russian does not start as low as it does in English, and it tends to rise more sharply.
This abrupt rise can make statements sound more questioning or uncertain than intended. For example, a sentence like "He's working today," meant to be a simple statement, might come across as a question or a statement of surprise.
Another notable issue is how Russian speakers handle yes/no questions in English. While native English speakers typically end such questions with a rising intonation, Russian speakers tend to end them with a falling intonation. This intonational influence can unintentionally convey a sense of impoliteness or abruptness. A question like "Are you coming with us?" might sound more like a command or a statement rather than an inquiry.
Tag questions in English also pose a challenge. In Russian, the intonation of tag questions does not vary significantly from the rest of the sentence, which can lead to confusion when Russian speakers use them in English. For example, the tag question "You're coming, aren't you?" might not have the expected rising intonation at the end, making it sound less like a question seeking confirmation.
Furthermore, when it comes to alternative questions, where native English speakers typically use rising intonation at the end, Russian speakers might use falling intonation instead. This influence from the Russian language can affect the listener's understanding of the question's nature. In cases like "Should we go by car or by bus?", the rising intonation of "bus" that is expected in English might be missing, potentially confusing the speaker's intent.
Overall, mastering English intonation patterns and phonetics poses a significant challenge for Russian speakers, but it is a crucial aspect of their language acquisition journey. Understanding and adapting to the rules and patterns of English intonation goes beyond mere pronunciation - it is about learning to convey subtleties of meaning through variations in pitch and tone.
This learning process is complex, as it involves not only mimicking sounds but also internalizing a different way of expressing speech nuances.
However, while these pronunciation and intonation errors can affect the quality of spoken language, their impact on communication effectiveness in practical scenarios, both in everyday life and professional settings, is generally limited. It is essential to recognize that although these inaccuracies may mark the speech of a non-native speaker, they seldom obstruct the primary goal of communication: the conveyance of meaning and understanding. In most instances, despite these errors, the speaker's intended core message is successfully communicated and understood by the listener. This realization leads to an important insight: striving for perfection in pronunciation, while admirable, is not always a prerequisite for effective communication. In many real-world situations, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, even with some linguistic imperfections, is often more crucial than achieving flawless pronunciation.
This perspective advocates for a certain degree of tolerance towards these errors. Instead of focusing solely on eliminating every phonetic mistake, it may be more beneficial to concentrate on improving overall fluency and comprehension skills.
In this discussion, we circle back to the pragmatic aspects of communication in a foreign language.
Notably, non-native speakers in most contexts are not held to the standard of flawless adherence to the phonetic rules of an unfamiliar language. This standard primarily applies to professionals whose roles are closely tied to foreign language proficiency, such as translators, journalists, actors, diplomats, and others [8]. In these professions, a significant portion of training is devoted to mastering pronunciation and intonation, with clear, accent-free speech being a critical component of their professional skill set. Conversely, for professionals in fields like construction, engineering, and management, the primary requirement of English communication is understandability, rather than phonetic perfection. Their objective is to communicate effectively to accomplish professional tasks. For such individuals, an approximate approach to correcting linguistic errors is deemed most appropriate and effective.
3.1. Effective Strategies for Addressing Mistakes in Language Learning
The concept of addressing pronunciation errors in language learning is multifaceted and cannot be encapsulated by a one-size-fits-all approach. This notion aligns with Kondrashova's [7, pp. 27-47] perspective, which asserts that the teaching method, along with its objectives and the educational tools employed, significantly influences how pronunciation errors should be corrected. Different teaching methodologies dictate distinct approaches to error correction. For instance, methods that focus primarily on the structural aspects of language, such as the grammar-translation method, typically require meticulous correction of all errors. This approach is rooted in the belief that understanding and correctly applying a language's structural rules is paramount.
In contrast, the communicative method, which prioritizes the ability and willingness to engage in communication, advocates for minimal teacher interference in the students' speech [7, pp. 27-47]. According to this method, linguistic accuracy, while important, is not the primary objective. The emphasis is placed instead on the ability to communicate effectively. Therefore, within the communicative approach, an approximative approach towards pronunciation is more appropriate. The key is not to let correcting errors hinder the learner's willingness and ability to express themselves freely in the target language.
The communicative approach also recommends differentiating errors based on their impact on speech comprehension. This categorization distinguishes between two types of errors: communicatively significant (global) errors and communicatively insignificant (local) errors.
Global errors, which substantially affect the understanding of an utterance, require immediate correction. Local errors, on the other hand, may not require immediate attention and can be addressed after the communication to avoid disrupting the flow of speech.
This approach underscores the importance of striking a balance between fluency and striving for phonetic and intonational accuracy. It acknowledges that while phonetic precision is a desirable goal, it should not come at the cost of impeding effective communication.
The overarching aim is to foster a learning environment where students feel confident in their ability to communicate, even as they work towards improving their pronunciation.
The discussion on pronunciation error correction brings us to a crucial point: the significance of the timing of correction. There are two primary moments when pronunciation errors can be addressed: during the utterance or exercise itself or after its completion. The chosen strategy depends heavily on the exercise's context and objective. For instance, in oral practice exercises, immediate correction is often essential. This immediacy aligns with the primary purpose of these exercises: to develop accurate pronunciation skills. In such a scenario, correcting errors as they occur helps learners immediately understand their mistakes, facilitating a more effective learning process.
On the other hand, during spontaneous speech, such as when a student is answering a question, presenting results of a creative task, or engaged in free-flowing conversation, interrupting to correct pronunciation errors might not be the best approach. In these instances, it is generally more effective to wait until the student has finished speaking before addressing any errors.
This approach ensures that the flow of communication is maintained and that the student remains confident and engaged in the task at hand. Moreover, delaying correction until after an utterance allows for a more comprehensive review of errors, enabling the student to reflect on their speech. It provides learners with an opportunity to develop self-correction skills and become more aware of their pronunciation patterns, a key aspect of language acquisition.
The methods employed to highlight and correct pronunciation errors are crucial in language teaching, as outlined by Prokhorova [12, pp.798-803]. They emphasize that, in addressing sound production errors, educators can adopt various approaches, including explicit correction, recasts, clarification requests, the use of metalinguistic cues, and error emphasis through repetition.
The author of this research further developed a structured classification that comprehensively outlines the strategies for addressing the most common pronunciation errors encountered by Russian speakers of English. This classification not only identifies these prevalent errors but also provides specific methods for effectively correcting them. This approach provides educators with a detailed guide, enabling them to tailor their teaching strategies to the phonetic challenges Russian learners of English face. By categorizing both errors and their corresponding corrective methods, the research provides a valuable framework for targeted pronunciation instruction, ensuring that instructional approaches closely align with the specific needs of Russian-speaking learners of English. The research outcomes are presented in Table 1.
Table 1.
Techniques for addressing and correcting pronunciation errors of Russian speakers of English
|
|
Clarification |
Application |
Outcomes/Warning |
|
Explicit correction |
Involves directly pointing out the learner’s pronunciation error and providing the correct form. |
When applying explicit correction to Russian-speaking learners of English, it is essential to address the unique phonetic challenges they face due to differences between the Russian and English sound systems. Explicit correction, in this context, involves directly and clearly stating the correct pronunciation of words or sounds that Russian speakers often find difficult. For example, Russian speakers struggle with the English "th" sounds, as these sounds do not exist in Russian. If a Russian learner pronounces "this" as "dis", the teacher will explicitly correct it by saying, "It's pronounced 'this', with a 'th' sound, not 'dis". Another common issue is the mispronunciation of English vowels, which can differ significantly from their Russian counterparts. If a learner pronounces the word "ship" as "sheep", the teacher should explicitly correct it by saying, "It's 'ship' with a short /i/ sound, not 'sheep' with a long /i:/ sound. Explicit correction is also helpful in addressing issues with consonant sounds, such as the English 'w' and 'v' sounds, which can be challenging for Russian speakers. If a learner says 'vine' instead of 'wine', the teacher will explicitly correct it by saying, "It is pronounced 'wine', with a /w/ sound, not 'vine' with a /v/ sound.
|
It is important to note that while explicit correction is clear and informative, it should be used sensitively and constructively. The goal is to help learners improve their pronunciation without causing embarrassment or discouragement. Therefore, this technique is most effective when used in a supportive learning environment, where corrections are made positively and encouragingly. |
|
Recast |
Involves the teacher subtly reformulating the learner’s incorrect utterance into the correct form without directly indicating that an error has been made. |
In the context of teaching English to Russian speakers, recasting can be a gentle and effective way to correct pronunciation errors. It is beneficial because it corrects indirectly, which can be less intimidating for learners and more conducive to a positive learning environment. For instance, if a Russian speaker incorrectly pronounces the word “think” as “sink”, a teacher using recast might respond with a sentence that includes the correct pronunciation, like “I also think that is a good idea”. Here, the teacher is not directly pointing out the mistake but rather subtly demonstrating the correct pronunciation with a natural conversation context. Another common challenge for Russian speakers is differentiating between the English /v/ and /w/ sounds. If a learner says, “I have a vindow”, the teacher could recast this by saying, “Yes, opening the window can let fresh air in”. This technique corrects the pronunciation by modeling the correct sound without explicitly highlighting the error. Similarly, without vowel sounds, if a Russian learner pronounces the word “cat” more like “cut”, the teacher can use recast by responding with a sentence like, “Yes, the cat is sleeping on the chair”. This approach provides the learner with correct pronunciation in a contextual and non-confrontational manner. Recasting can also address issues with stress and intonation, which are common for Russian speakers learning English. For example, if a learner places incorrect stress on a word like ‘photogrAph’, the teacher can recast it by using the word correctly in a sentence, such as “This is an interesting phOtograph”. |
Teachers need to use recasts appropriately. While it is a less direct method of correction, it requires the learner to be attentive and able to pick up on the subtleties of correction. Recasting works best when learners already have a good level of language awareness and can notice the difference between their utterances and the teacher’s recast. |
|
Clarification request |
The teacher indicates that the learner’s utterance was not understood and requests clarification, prompting the learner to self-correct. |
Applying the technique of clarification requests in teaching English to Russian speakers involves prompting learners to reconsider and self-correct their pronunciation. This technique is particularly effective as it gently nudges learners to reflect on their own speech and identify errors without directly pointing them out. For example, if a Russian speaker mispronounces the word “thoughts” as “fought”, the teacher might use a clarification request by saying, “Sorry, did you say ‘fought’?” This question signals to the learner that there is a problem with their pronunciation, encouraging them to reevaluate and correct themselves, possibly realizing that “thought” should have the /ð/ ð/sound. Another common issue for Russian speakers is differentiating between certain vowel sounds. If a learner pronounces “sheet” as “shit”, a teacher can say, “Could you repeat that? Did you mean a piece of paper?” This clarification request not only highlights the mispronunciation but also helps the learner understand the importance of correct vowel sounds for clear communication. Similarly, if a Russian speaker confuses the /w/ and /v/ sounds, saying “vest” instead of “west”, the teacher might ask, “Did you say "vest”? Are you talking about clothing or direction?” Such a question encourages the learner to reconsider their pronunciation and understand the distinction between these two sounds. Clarification requests can also help address issues with intonation and stress patterns. For instance, if a learner incorrectly stresses a word in a sentence, the teacher might say, “I did not catch that, could you say that again?” prompting the learner to pay closer attention to their stress patterns. |
This technique is beneficial as it involves the learners actively in the correction process, fostering a deeper awareness of their pronunciation and encouraging autonomy in learning. It is a respectful way to handle errors, as it avoids direct criticism and instead offers learners a chance to self-correct in a supportive environment. |
|
Metalinguistic cues |
Involves giving comments, information, or questions related to the form of the learner’s utterance, without providing the correct answer. |
Metalinguistic cues are a subtle yet powerful way to correct pronunciation, especially for Russian speakers learning English. This method involves providing learners with comments or hints about the linguistic form of their utterance, rather than directly giving the correct answer. This technique encourages learners to think about and analyze the language, leading them to self-correct. For Russian speakers, who often face specific challenges in English pronunciation, metalinguistic cues can be particularly effective. For example, Russian speakers might have difficulty with the /ð/ sound, which is not present in Russian. If a learner pronounces “this” as “dis”, a teacher might use a metalinguistic cue like, “Remember, the /ð/ sound is voiced, and your tongue should be between your teeth”, rather than simply correcting the pronunciation. This cue prompts the learner to reflect on how to produce the sound correctly. Another area where this technique is proper is in differentiating vowel sounds. If a Russian learner pronounces “ship” as “sheep”, a teacher might say, “Think about the vowel sound. Is it a short or long sound”? This kind of cue encourages the learner to consider the differences between short /i/ and long /i:/ sounds in English, guiding them towards the correct pronunciation. Metalinguistic cues can also address issues with word stress, which is often a challenge for Russian speakers. For example, consider a situation where a learner incorrectly stresses the word “record” as “reCORD” when they mean to use it as a noun (as in “I listened to a record”), where the correct stress should be on the first syllable “REcord”. In this case, the teacher can employ a metalinguistic cue by asking, “In the word 'record', where should the stress be when we are talking about a music album? Is it on the first syllable or the second”? This question prompts the learner to consider the different stress patterns in English and how they can alter the meaning of a word. It guides them in self-correcting their pronunciation, making them more aware of how stress affects word meaning in English. |
The advantage of metalinguistic cues is that they engage learners in figuring out the correct pronunciation themselves, which can lead to deeper understanding and better retention. This technique also respects the learner’s intelligence and capacity for language analysis, making it a respectful and practical approach to pronunciation teaching. |
|
Elicitation |
Involves guiding the learner to self-correct by asking leading questions or providing prompts. |
Elicitation is a technique that fosters learners' active participation in correcting their pronunciation errors. This method is particularly effective for guiding Russian-speaking learners of English, as it involves asking leading questions or providing prompts that encourage them to identify and correct mistakes. For Russian speakers, elicitation can be a strategic way to address specific pronunciation challenges. For example, if a Russian learner has difficulty distinguishing between the /v/ and /w/ sounds, often a challenge due to the absence of the /w/ sound in Russian, and they sa “vine” instead of “wine”, a teacher using elicitation might ask, “Are you talking about the drink made from grapes? Is it “vine” or “wine”? Such a question prompts the learner to think about the correct word and its pronunciation. Among the common challenges is the English /ð/ sound. If a learner pronounces “think” as “sink”, the teacher might elicit the correct pronunciation by asking, “Is it with a /s/ sound or a different sound at the beginning? How do we pronounce /ð/ in English?" This type of questioning leads the learner to reflect on the specific pronunciation of /ð/. Elicitation can also be used to correct stress and intonation, which are crucial in English but often problematic for Russian speakers due to differences in prosody between the two languages (Sokolova, 2010). For example, if a learner incorrectly stresses a word in a sentence, the teacher might ask, “Can you try to stress the first syllable instead? How does it sound then?” |
This method is highly interactive, engaging learners in a self-reflective process that encourages them to analyze and adjust their speech. It is a supportive approach that helps build their confidence and autonomy in learning, as it guides them to discover and understand their own errors rather than being corrected directly. Elicitation, therefore, is not only about fixing immediate mistakes but also about developing learners’ long-term pronunciation skills and linguistic awareness. |
|
Repetition |
The teacher asks the learner to repeat the utterance correctly, often after providing a model to mimic. This method reinforces the correct pronunciation through practice. |
Repetition is a fundamental technique in pronunciation training, especially beneficial for Russian speakers learning English. The key to its effectiveness lies in its simplicity and the reinforcement it provides through practice. For Russian speakers who may struggle with certain English sounds not present in their native language, repetition offers a straightforward and effective way to practice new sounds. For instance, if a Russian learner pronounces the word “thirty” as “sirty”, the teacher can first model and correct pronunciation, emphasizing the /ð/ sound correctly each time. Repetition is also helpful in mastering the rhythm and intonation patterns of English, which can differ significantly from those of Russian. If a learner incorrectly stresses a word or uses an incorrect intonation pattern, the teacher can demonstrate the correct stress or intonation and then ask the learner to repeat the phrase or sentence. For example, if the stress is misplaced in the word “photograph”, the teacher can say it correctly and then ask the learner to repeat it, focusing on stressing the correct syllable. Additionally, repetition can help with the overall fluency of the speech. By repeatedly practicing challenging sounds, word clusters, or sentence structures, learners can improve connected speech. |
Using repetition is not only about mechanical copying but also about helping learners develop muscle memory for the correct articulation of sounds and patterns. It is a method that can be easily incorporated into various activities and can be made engaging through games, songs, and interactive exercises. |
4. Psycho-Emotional Considerations and Innovative Methods in Correcting Language Errors.
In the view of Prokhorova [12, pp.798-803], the most critical aspect of the process of error correction in educational settings transcends beyond the mere type of task, the specific focus of the training, or even the methodology of teaching. Central to this process is the psycho-emotional status of the learners themselves.
This perspective underscores the importance of understanding and addressing students' emotional and psychological states, particularly among adolescents and young learners. An unstable emotional sphere, with fluctuations in feelings and responses, often characterizes this demographic. They might exhibit a lack of confidence in their abilities and potential, leading to heightened sensitivity to criticism or correction. This sensitivity is not just a minor concern.
It can significantly impact the learning process and the way students perceive and respond to error correction.
Prokhorova [12, pp. 798-803] advocates a teaching approach that is acutely attuned to learners' individual and age-specific characteristics. Recognizing that each student group has its unique set of psychological traits and learning requirements is crucial. The approach to error correction should be tailored to consider factors such as personality perception types, individual self-esteem levels, and students' motivational drivers. Such a comprehensive approach to error correction, which integrates an understanding of learners' psycho-emotional dimensions, aims to create a more effective and empathetic educational environment. It suggests that successful teaching and learning involve not just imparting knowledge or skills but also nurturing learners' emotional well-being and self-confidence.
Special attention should be paid to so-called fossilized errors. Those mistakes become deeply ingrained in a learner’s speech patterns, persisting over time despite regular teaching and correction efforts.
These errors are notably challenging because they repeatedly surface in the speech of individual students or groups, even after educators' continuous attempts to rectify them. Pak [10, pp. 116-122] highlights several methods for effectively tackling these fossilized errors.
One key strategy is the use of audio recordings. This involves having students record their own speech and then play it back for critical listening and analysis. This technique allows learners to hear their own errors, often making them more apparent and understandable, which is a crucial step toward correction.
Another method involves implementing a special signaling system. This could be a gesture, a sound, or a symbol that instantly flags an error. Such immediate feedback helps students recognize and remember their frequent mistakes in real time, enhancing the correction process.
The use of “error diaries” is also a valuable strategy. In this approach, students keep a personal record of their frequent errors. This ongoing documentation serves as a reflective tool, enabling learners to track their progress over time and focus on specific areas that need improvement.
Lastly, Pak [10, pp. 116-122] suggests a more creative method that involves exaggerating errors to the point of absurdity. By deliberately distorting the meaning of words through mispronunciation (for example, confusing “sleep” with “slip”, or “crepe” with “creep”), the absurd, humorous outcome can make the correct pronunciation more memorable. These methods collectively provide a comprehensive framework for addressing fossilized errors. They emphasize active learner participation, self-reflection, and the use of creative strategies to break persistent incorrect language patterns.
Conclusion
The research provides insightful conclusions on correcting pronunciation errors in language learning, particularly among Russian-speaking English learners. These conclusions offer a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved in the process of teaching and correcting pronunciation:
- Necessity of error correction. Error correction is identified as an essential component of feedback in language learning. The study highlights that several challenges related to pronunciation errors and their correction persist, underscoring a continued need for research and innovative teaching strategies in this area.
- Factors influencing phonetic difficulties. The research indicates that both internal factors, such as readiness, motivation, and self-monitoring, and external linguistic factors influence the phonetic challenges learners face. Errors often stem from a lack of understanding of articulatory specifics, improper intonation, and incorrect stress placement in words or phrases.
- Methods of error correction. The study shows that educators widely use the imitative method. However, it notes that this approach is less effective compared to the imitation-analytical method. This more comprehensive approach involves deconstructing sounds, explaining them theoretically, and then reintegrating them into communication, thereby offering a more thorough understanding of language nuances.
- Popularity of the approximative approach. An emerging trend is the adoption of the approximative approach, which suggests refraining from correcting errors that do not significantly alter the intended meaning. This approach prioritizes communication fluency and comprehension over phonetic perfection.
- Diverse teaching methods. The research underscores the utility of various methods in addressing pronunciation errors. These include explicit correction, recasting, clarification requests, the use of linguistic terminology, repetition with an emphasis on errors, and signaling systems. Each method has its own merits, catering to different aspects of phonetic correction.
- Attention to fossilized errors. The study highlights the importance of paying special attention to fossilized errors - those errors that learners repeatedly make despite correction attempts. These errors require specific strategies for effective rectification.
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