INTELLIGIBLE PRONUNCIATION: TEACHING ENGLISH TO VIETNAMESE LEARNERS

Abstract

L1 (first language) phonological transfer in L2 (second/foreign language) learning appears unavoidable; concerns are whether it is positive or negative and which strategies could help to deal with negative transfer. This paper discusses the exploitation of an innovative approach to English pronunciation teaching named the L1 point of reference (L1POR) approach, in which L1 phonological impacts on L2 pronunciation are taken into account in the teaching process. Teaching points and strategies to improve the intelligibility of Vietnamese-accented English are recommended with reference to the L1POR and literature in teaching English as an international language.