Dual-focus approach to pronunciation instruction combining simultaneous attention to form and communicative intent¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 2 claims (2 for) · 3 studies (2 quant-synthesis, 1 review), q1–q3 · 2 of 3 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

The dual-focus approach holds that effective pronunciation teaching must combine a simultaneous focus on form (accuracy) and meaning (communicative context) to promote transfer to spontaneous speech. The article argues that repetition-oriented drills build automaticity but fail to generalize because they are decontextualized, while purely meaning-oriented activities fail to provide the repetition automatization requires. It names three exemplary frameworks implementing this progression: the communicative framework by Celce-Murcia et al. (2010), the ACCESS framework (Gatbonton & Segalowitz, 2005), and Morley's (1991) micro- and macrofocus framework, all of which progressively guide learners from attention to form toward combined form and meaning using communicative, authentic tasks.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Opportunities for repetition of familiar materials to develop automaticity
• Meaningful and communicative practice high on the scale of authenticity for generalization
• Integration of pronunciation practice into other skill areas and every lesson

Constraints¶

• Empirical research support for a full understanding of the mechanisms for transfer (automatization and generalization) is still missing, per the article

Target Learners¶

• Second language (L2) learners of English, including beginners through advanced learners

Target Learning Objectives¶

• Comfortable intelligibility and comprehensibility of learners' spontaneous speech

Claims¶

• Explicit Communicative Pronunciation Instruction Works [+M]
• Form And Meaning Focus Beats Form Only [+W]

Related Theories¶

• Communicative-cognitive framework for teaching pronunciation: description and analysis, listening discrimination, controlled practice, guided practice, communicative practice

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Darcy, I. (2018). Powerful and effective pronunciation instruction: How can we achieve it? The CATESOL Journal, 30(1). http://languageinstinct.blogspot.com/2006/09/what-is-clt.html. doi:10.5070/b5.35963