Authentic Audio Visual Materials in Relation to Pronunciation Development

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to explore the perception, that is understanding based on awareness, knowledge and experiences, of teachers and students of the relationship between utilizing Authentic Audio Visual Materials (AAVMs) in the EFL classroom and pronunciation development. The total number of participants in this study is 26. The study employs the qualitative method of research and targets teachers and students who delivered/passed two specific courses, Phonetics I, II and Language Skills I, II ,III. These two courses are concerned with pronunciation teaching and development at the Faculty of Arts, Misurata University. While Phonetics targets pronunciation through linguistic knowledge, Language Skills are supposed to achieve that through listening and speaking activities. One-on-one detailed interviews, focus group interviews, open-ended questionnaires and observation sessions were the data collection instruments employed for this study. The findings of this study revealed that teachers and students have distinct perceptions of the relationship between utilizing AAVMs in the EFL classroom and pronunciation development. It was additionally attested that the lack of feedback and correction of pronunciation mistakes can have negative consequences on pronunciation development in the EFL classroom whereas providing students with feedback can have positive impacts on the pronunciation improvement process.