Learning pronunciation in EFL: factors and difficulties

The age factor

Common beliefs

Children: native-like pronunciation

Adults: heavy foreign accent

Attitude and identity

Group affiliation

Adopting or imitating ways of speaking

Trying to fit in the new community

Willing to learn about a new culture/language

Strong sense of belonging

Positive feelings towards speakers of the new language

"Integrating motivation"

We can't think in terms of barriers to learning. Every factor has to be taken into account. All in all, every person is different and learning is up to ourselves.

The native language

"more favoured languages"

"less favoured languages"

Sound systems: target language and native language

rythm

intonation

Amount of exposure

English-speaking country

Language spoken at home

English used at school, work

What matters: taking advantage of opportunities

Phonetic ability

"Auditory discrimination ability"

Basic ability of human beings

Pronunciation drills

Poor vs good discriminators

Motivation or concern for good pronunciation

Some learners solicit correction

Some other don't want to speak because of probable mistakes

"Achievemet pronunciation"

Results of studies:

Oyama: young learners learn to pronounce like natives easily

Snow and Hoefnagel-Hóhle: older people received the highest scores regarding native-like pronunciation

Relevant factors: biological changes, sensitive period for language learning, exposure, motivation, ability and attitude.