The Phonograph as a Medium of Foreign-Language Instruction

Abstract

Within the last few years the radical revision of the course of study of the average high school has brought about a demand for teachers of French and Spanish. The demand for thoroughly trained instructors has so far exceeded the supply that many who were not properly equipped have been drafted into work beyond their abilities, and the result has often been discouraging to both teacher and class. Moreover, the situation has been further complicated by the lack of suitable texts and supplementary material. The need for better material equipment is rapidly being met by the use of various devices, chief among which should be considered the phonograph. Few of the public schools can afford the services of a linguist trained abroad, and not many of the regular instructors have found the time or opportunity for special training in pronunciation under the guidance of a tutor. The difficulties of French and Spanish pronunciation are seldom overcome by textbook instruction alone. However, fluency in the use of the language and accuracy in pronunciation are expected of the modern-language teacher and must be demonstrated in daily class work if results are to be satisfactory from the standpoint of pupil and patron as well as from the standpoint of the school officials. The solution of the problem of providing prospective teachers with the necessary material and training has been carefully considered in the language department of the University High School of the University of Oregon. After various tests and much actual demonstration, it seems that the one vehicle of training in pronunciation within the reach of all and satisfactorily efficient is the phonograph. Through the use of phonographic records the most thorough drill on sounds can be secured. The ambitious teacher can