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Part of
Instructed Second Language Acquisition Research Methods
Edited by Laura Gurzynski-Weiss and YouJin Kim
[Research Methods in Applied Linguistics 3] 2022
► pp. 233–256

Chapter 10
Pronunciation

What to research and how to research in instructed second language pronunciation

| Brock University
| Brock University
This chapter discusses research methods in the domain of instructed second language (L2) pronunciation. After explaining what pronunciation is and why it is important, the chapter provides an overview of the current consensus surrounding instructed L2 pronunciation research, including major linguistic targets, speech modalities, and instructional techniques in both classroom- and laboratory-based studies, in addition to their effects on the acquisition of L2 pronunciation. It then introduces a range of speech elicitation instruments used in instructed L2 pronunciation research, followed by a discussion of approaches to L2 speech data analysis. The chapter also proposes future directions in instructed L2 pronunciation research and multiple venues in which L2 pronunciation researchers can disseminate their findings, while urging researcher-practitioner collaboration for evidence-based L2 pronunciation teaching. Finally, it concludes by shedding light on the importance of methodological rigor and offering troubleshooting strategies in instructed L2 pronunciation research.
Keywords: instructed L2 pronunciation, L2 pronunciation research methods, L2 speech instruments, L2 speech analysis, researcher-practitioner collaboration
Article outline
  • 1.What is pronunciation and why is it important?
  • 2.What we know and what we need to know about pronunciation research in ISLA
    • 2.1Linguistic targets
    • 2.2Speech perception and production
    • 2.3Instructional techniques
  • 3.Data elicitation and analysis in instructed L2 pronunciation research
    • 3.1How to collect speech samples
    • 3.2How to analyze speech samples
  • 4.Advice to future pronunciation researchers
  • 5.Troubleshooting ISLA pronunciation research
  • 6.Conclusions
  • 7.Further readings and additional resources
    • 7.1Suggested readings
    • 7.2Suggested journal and conferences
  • References
Published online: 8 December 2022
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/rmal.3.10lee
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