Abstract
Objectives Normal English speed is a core factor of characteristics of authentic spoken language; thus, its study is essential for teaching English listening. The purpose of this study is two fold: 1) To investigate English normal speed(160~190 wpm), which was claimed by Primsleur, et. al. 45 years ago; and 2) To find out whether normal speed is utilized in teaching of listening in Korean high schools.
 Methods To find out current normal English speed, we investigated 42 YouTube materials from varied genres. In addition, a survey was conducted with 22 prospective English teachers.
 Results The research findings on the speech rate for various genres are: speeches (135 wpm), dramas (141 wpm), talk shows (174 wpm), and news (185 wpm). We found out that the normal speed has been maintained for 45 years under similar conditions as measured by the news announcers' speeches. The survey reveals that slower than normal speed is utilized in English listening classes, which makes Korean learners of English experience difficulties in authentic situations.
 Conclusions Utilizing the normal speed is recommended on the Korean Scholastic Ability Test listening items and in the English classroom alike, to solve the speed gap between the English classroom in Korea and authentic situations in English.
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