Hamzah, Mohd Hilmi and Muhamad Subri, Muhd Anwar and Mohamed Shaffiee, Nor Shafiqa (2019) Pronunciation teaching and learning among Indian learners of English: the case of labiovelar approximants/w/. Journal of English Language and Literature [JOELL], 6 (4). pp. 1-8. ISSN 2349-9753

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Abstract

This study explores the pronunciation patterns among Indian learners of English in the Malaysian context. Its primary objectives are twofold. First, it aims to examine the extent to which the learners substitute labiovelar approximants /w/ with voiced labiodental fricatives /v/, which is a common feature among Indian speakers of English. Second, it investigates the degree to which drilling can improve the learners’ pronunciation of English. Data were obtained using a mixed-methods approach, i.e., questionnaires and interviews. Fourty-two Indian students from Universiti Kuala Lumpur were recruited as participants for questionnaires while five of them were selected for interviews. The findings show that the students were aware of the distinction between /w/ and /v/, i.e., they usually replaced /w/ with /v/ in English words. The students also agreed that pronouncing /w/ in English was problematic for them. With regard to drilling, it was found that the learners had some exposure to this teaching technique in their classrooms. Drilling, however, only slightly helped them improve their English pronunciation. The study highlights the importance of searching for more effective ways in the pronunciation teaching and learning of English and calls for further experimental research in this rarely investigated field.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Pronunciation Teaching and Learning, Indian Learners of English, Indian English, Drilling, English Language Teaching.
Subjects:	P Language and Literature > PR English literature
Divisions:	School of Language, Civilisation and Philosophy
Depositing User:	Mrs. Norazmilah Yaakub
Date Deposited:	14 Nov 2019 02:09
Last Modified:	14 Nov 2019 02:09
URI:	https://repo.uum.edu.my/id/eprint/26593

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