Literature Review

USE OF SONGS TO OVERCOME PRONUNCIATION PROBLEMS AMONG PRIMARY STUDENTS IN MALAYSIA

DEFINITION
Proper English pronunciation is a speaking skill that enable us to speak clearly and understood well by our listener. 3 main aspect - sounds, stress and intonation. Incorrect pronunciation will produce communication breakdown as listener misunderstood what we are saying.

PROBLEM STATEMENT
Primary school pupils in Malaysia have problems with pronunciation ESL teachers avoid teaching pronunciation in P&P

IMPORTANCE OF PRONUNCIATON
KBSR aim - to enable pupil to speak clearly in English with correct pronunciation, intonation, word stress and sentence rhythm. Hinofotis & Baily (1980) - up to a certain proficiency standard, fault in pronunciation, not grammar or vocabulary severely impairs the communication process of ESL learners. Fraser (2000 a :1) - learners that have major difficulties in English pronunciation facing difficulties finding employment.

PRONUNCIATION PROBLEMS CAUSES

ESL TEACHERS
Unskilled Wrong mindset

PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS

Different sound system English vs local mother-tongue language

KBSR
Minimum evaluation on pronunciation

PRINCIPLES OF TEACHING PRONUNCIATION

taking account of student as a person, reduce anxiety by moving from easy to more difficult, maintin careful balance between accuracy and fluency, provide a good model to students to imitate, provide appropriate stimuli for eliciting speech, vary interaction modes, give clear instructions, monitor students actively, adequate preparations for class, and handle errors sensitively and effectively.

METHODS OF TEACHING PRONUNCIATION

show, explain and describe in detail how each English sound are made and concentrate more to identified problem sound based on ethnic and mother-tongue language of the pupil in class. Explain verbally, in words, drawing of movements of speech organs, demonstration and/or use of mirror for each pupil to practice how to make English sounds. give examples of native language near-equivalent to help pupil to produce correct English sounds.

ACTIVITIES TO REDUCE PRONUNCIATION PROBLEMS

Word drill Tongue twister Song Rhyme

HOW CAN SONGS REDUCE PRONUNCIATION PROBLEMS

give fun and natural environment for P&P for both teacher and pupil in class of ESL. Shelley Vernon, use of songs in teaching ESL can
integrate language, motivate students to learn through repetition, better class management, covers all learning styles, build confidence among pupil and make learning fun.