Abstract
This article provides an analysis of a Russian-speaking student's speech sample compared to British normative pronunciation. A number of inconsistencies with the "generally accepted pronunciation" of vowels and consonants,as well as the rhythm of speech, were identified in the speaker's pronunciation. The article discusses the most common mistakes in the student's speech and offers phonetic exercises to improve articulation.
Highlights
Pronunciation is kind of a "calling card" of a speaker that unconsciously draws the attention of an interlocutor
Since the research does not lend itself to statistical significance, a qualitative research methodology was considered to be more appropriate for speech sample analysis (Cohen, Manion & Morrison, 2007)
I will focus on five mistakes in pronunciation which are often repeated in the speech and are the most common trouble areas for Russian speakers
Summary
Pronunciation is kind of a "calling card" of a speaker that unconsciously draws the attention of an interlocutor. Natural sounding speech has proven to help avoid misunderstanding, and it leaves a more positive impression on a listener. Such benefits are especially important during employment interviews, business negotiations, and other spheres of life. Teaching English pronunciation to Russian speakers might be challenging due to significant differences between phonological systems. The absence of equivalent sounds, and the presence of articulatory differences in consonants and vowels, creates difficulties in pronouncing English correctly. Rhythm and stress patterns of English are demanding for Russian speakers (Swan & Smith, 2001)
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