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La integración de la pronunciación en el aula de ELE: Integrating pronunciation in the Spanish language classroom
Editado por Zsuzsanna Bárkányi, M. Mar Galindo Merino y Aarón Pérez-Bernabeu
[IVITRA Research in Linguistics and Literature 42] 2024
► pp. 244–258

Chapter 15
Pronunciation anxiety in Spanish online learning

| The Open University,
The aim of this chapter is to investigate the causes of speaking anxiety linked to pronunciation, pronunciation learning strategies, and coping tactics in online and distance language learning. To explore these topics, we conducted a study with mixed methods research design including quantitative and qualitative data gathered from self-reflective questionnaires and in-depth group interviews from students of Spanish as an additional language. Results reveal that pronunciation anxiety is rarely the main source of foreign language speaking anxiety, but it is a frequent source of embarrassment. The apprehension coupled with low perceived pronunciation skills, in many cases, impedes participation in oral practice as well as real-time and asynchronous interactions thus creating a negative loop. Based on these findings, recommendations are offered on how to manage anxiety to enhance pronunciation attainment and oral practice in a virtual learning environment.
Keywords: foreign language anxiety (FLA), pronunciation anxiety, Spanish as an additional language (ELE), oral interaction, online language learning, computer-assisted language learning (CALL)
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction: Pronunciation and accent anxiety
  • 2.The present study: Pronunciation apprehension in online learning
    • 2.1Context
    • 2.2Participants
    • 2.3Data collection and data analysis
    • 2.4Quantitative results
    • 2.5Emerging topics
      • 2.5.1Pronunciation difficulties
      • 2.5.2Intelligibility vs. native-like pronunciation
      • 2.5.3Negative self-evaluation
      • 2.5.4Fear of communication breakdown
  • 3.Good practice on mitigating pronunciation anxiety
  • 4.Conclusions and future research
  • Author queries
  • References
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