ERIC_NO:
ED319265
TITLE:
Changing Fossilized Speech: What Does It Take?
AUTHOR:
Graham, Janet G.
PUBLICATION_DATE:
1990
ABSTRACT:
At an employer's request, a course was developed to improve the speech skills, and remediate fossilized speech, of six Asian engineers and
scientists. All had spoken English for many years, and averaged 10 years
of residence in the United States. These students were recorded reading
a dialogue as well as in free speech. A needs assessment was performed
by analyzing the recordings and by tests of grammar and listening
comprehension. Based on the results, instruction focused on developing
more comprehensible speech, using existing knowledge of vocabulary and
structure. Emphasis was placed on suprasegmentals and certain problematic
phonemes, with some work on grammatical errors. Techniques were used to
stimulate student motivation to improve speech. Instruction consisted
of teacher explanations and demonstrations, structured oral practice,
communicative activities, and laboratory and home work with language tapes.
At the end of the course, three students clearly demonstrated improvement.
All students felt they had benefited from the course and petitioned to
have it extended. Teaching students with fossilized speech requires a
different approach, focusing more on form and paying greater attention
to student motivation. Small classes, individualization, and improvement
of student self-monitoring are advisable. (MSE)
MAJOR_DESCRIPTORS:
English (Second Language); Professional Occupations; Pronunciation Instruction; Remedial Instruction; Speech Skills; Suprasegmentals;
MINOR DESCRIPTORS:
Classroom Techniques; Engineers; Foreign Nationals; Grammar; Phonemes; Scientists; Second Language Instruction;
IDENTIFIERS:
*Fossilized English
PUBLICATION_TYPE:
142; 150