Beyond Fossilization: A Course in Strategies and Techniques in Pronunciation for Advanced Adult Learners.

Abstract

This paper discusses the development of a course on the improvement of pronunciation for adult learners. It provides an overview of the course which combines phonology with strategies and techniques designed to take learners beyond various levels of fossilized pronunciation, i.e. "pronunciation highly resistant to change" (Selinker, 1972). One of the techniques, oral reading, is described in detail. The article ends with a summary of how the principles of self-directed learning are incorporated into the course.