15 min

Common Myths about Teaching Pronunciation with Emma Walker TESOL Pop

    • How To

Founder of Pronunciation with Emma, Emma Walker, addresses myths surrounding teaching pronunciation, from misconceptions about the skills we need as teachers to common mixups between accent and pronunciation.

KEY TALKING POINTS
Myth 1: Certain Teachers Can't Teach Pronunciation
Emma emphasises the importance of mindset shifting among teachers, learners and the wider community. Teachers who speak English as a second language can still effectively teach pronunciation and provide an inspiring role model for learners. Resources like Emma's YouTube channel provide valuable guidance for building confidence in teaching pronunciation.
Myth 2: Accent Equals Pronunciation
While accent and pronunciation are connected, they are not the same. Accent refers to regional or cultural speech patterns, while pronunciation focuses on specific sounds. Emma illustrates the distinction with practical examples and highlights the importance of intelligibility.
Myth 3: Pronunciation Lessons Are Limited to Short Activities
Emma challenges the misconception that pronunciation lessons can't fill an entire class. She recommends resources like Mark Hancock's "English Pronunciation in Use" series for structured lesson planning. Elementary-level materials can be adapted for advanced learners, providing clarity and simplicity in pronunciation instruction.

ABOUTEmma Walker has been teaching for over 15 years and decided to focus on helping English learners improve their pronunciation and listening skills after noticing that many of her students (who were living and working in the UK), were struggling to understand other people in the UK. She started making videos on social media back in 2018 and has amassed a following of over 1 million English learners and over 22 million views. Emma is also a copywriter and ghostwrites social media content for some of the biggest ELT companies. Visit Pronunciation with Emma to learn more.
REFERENCES
Baker, A. (2006) Ship or Sheep? Book and Audio CD Pack: An Intermediate Pronunciation Course. Cambridge University Press; 2nd editionBaker, A. (2006) Tree or Three?: An Elementary Pronunciation Course. Cambridge University Press; 2nd editionHancock, M. (1995) Pronunciation Games. Cambridge University PressHancock, M. (2017) English Pronunciation in Use. Cambridge University Press
TRANSCRIPT
Watch with closed captions.
SUPPORT
Say thanks by buying us a coffee here.
JOIN OUR EVENTS
Upcoming lives and workshops
PODCASTING TRAINING AND SERVICES
Visit Communicating for Impact here
CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our fun guest, Emma Walker.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Founder of Pronunciation with Emma, Emma Walker, addresses myths surrounding teaching pronunciation, from misconceptions about the skills we need as teachers to common mixups between accent and pronunciation.

KEY TALKING POINTS
Myth 1: Certain Teachers Can't Teach Pronunciation
Emma emphasises the importance of mindset shifting among teachers, learners and the wider community. Teachers who speak English as a second language can still effectively teach pronunciation and provide an inspiring role model for learners. Resources like Emma's YouTube channel provide valuable guidance for building confidence in teaching pronunciation.
Myth 2: Accent Equals Pronunciation
While accent and pronunciation are connected, they are not the same. Accent refers to regional or cultural speech patterns, while pronunciation focuses on specific sounds. Emma illustrates the distinction with practical examples and highlights the importance of intelligibility.
Myth 3: Pronunciation Lessons Are Limited to Short Activities
Emma challenges the misconception that pronunciation lessons can't fill an entire class. She recommends resources like Mark Hancock's "English Pronunciation in Use" series for structured lesson planning. Elementary-level materials can be adapted for advanced learners, providing clarity and simplicity in pronunciation instruction.

ABOUTEmma Walker has been teaching for over 15 years and decided to focus on helping English learners improve their pronunciation and listening skills after noticing that many of her students (who were living and working in the UK), were struggling to understand other people in the UK. She started making videos on social media back in 2018 and has amassed a following of over 1 million English learners and over 22 million views. Emma is also a copywriter and ghostwrites social media content for some of the biggest ELT companies. Visit Pronunciation with Emma to learn more.
REFERENCES
Baker, A. (2006) Ship or Sheep? Book and Audio CD Pack: An Intermediate Pronunciation Course. Cambridge University Press; 2nd editionBaker, A. (2006) Tree or Three?: An Elementary Pronunciation Course. Cambridge University Press; 2nd editionHancock, M. (1995) Pronunciation Games. Cambridge University PressHancock, M. (2017) English Pronunciation in Use. Cambridge University Press
TRANSCRIPT
Watch with closed captions.
SUPPORT
Say thanks by buying us a coffee here.
JOIN OUR EVENTS
Upcoming lives and workshops
PODCASTING TRAINING AND SERVICES
Visit Communicating for Impact here
CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our fun guest, Emma Walker.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

15 min