Pronunciation of the phonemes /t/, /d/, /ɾ/, /r/ and /L/, vocalism /o/ in endings and suprasegmentals: a proposal based on communicative and musical interaction

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the importance of pronunciation in the language teaching-learning process. It examines the need and advantages of practicing the pronunciation of Spanish not only through reading and writing, as it is traditionally done, but also by making emphasis on oral skills. This is an innovative methodology, since writing is used in most cases for teaching pronunciation. Thus, through communicative interaction and music, this work proposes ideas on how to teach the pronunciation of the phonemes /t/, /d/, /ɾ/, /r/ and /l/; the vowel /o/ in word final position; the suprasegmental features, such as accent, intonation, and others, including linking, phonic groups, and sound reduction. The reason to select these contents is that they represent a high degree of difficulty for English speakers who learn Spanish language. The result of practicing Spanish pronunciation through listening and speaking is the acquisition of the language in a natural manner.