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Article In: Journal of Second Language Pronunciation: Online-First Articles

Blue-sky thinking about pronunciation research and Teaching

 | Brock University
 | University of Alberta
 | Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
 | University of Hawaii at Manoa
 | Indiana University
 | Universidad de Murcia
 | University of Pittsburgh
 | Australian National University
 | University of Bedfordshire
 | Northern Arizona University
 | Brock University
 | Iowa State University
 | U.S. Naval Academy
 | Universitat de Barcelona
 | University of Texas at Austin
 | Tohoku University
 | Macquarie University
This content is being prepared for publication; it may be subject to changes.
Abstract
In the fall of 2024, Ron Thomson and Tracey Derwing invited 15 pronunciation scholars representing several subspecialties to participate in a full-day symposium to discuss directions for pronunciation research. To prepare for the symposium, held in conjunction with the Pronunciation in Second Language Learning and Teaching Conference, 2025, participants received eight questions beforehand (some requiring teacher consultation). The responses were grouped thematically and shared with the researchers who then reflected together on a research agenda for pronunciation, taking into consideration the thoughtful suggestions each had made. Lynda Yates, the discussant, reflected on and added to the conclusions. These ideas are offered here as suggestions for graduate students, early-stage academics, and senior researchers alike. Pronunciation research has come a long way in the last three decades. Collaboration on future steps can ensure that the forward momentum is maintained.
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Procedure
  • Results
    • Summary of written responses to the eight guiding questions
      • 1.What do you see as the most important accomplishments so far in L2 pronunciation research?
      • 2.What do you see as the most important accomplishments so far in L2 pronunciation teaching?
      • 3.In an ideal world, with all the money needed available, all the time you need, and access to participants, what pronunciation research project would you like to do?
      • 4.What role can AI play in pronunciation teaching and research?
      • 5.How can pronunciation instruction be made more engaging?
      • 6.Please contact a teacher who includes pronunciation in their classes. What would they like to know from researchers?
      • 7.What are the primary obstacles for teachers in terms of integrating pronunciation into the classroom?
      • 8.How can these obstacles be addressed?
    • Group discussions
      • 1.Multi-site collaborative studies
      • 2.Longitudinal studies
      • 3.Teacher involvement
      • 4.Technology/AI
      • 5.Big question research
    • Discussant comments
  • Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements
  • Note
  • Author queries
  • References
References (26)
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