Upcoming Pronunciation Presentation

I am really excited (and honored) about presenting in WizIQs current MOOC on pronunciation and listening. My presentation will be on using humor (mainly jokes) in the classroom to help students with pronunciation issues such as minimal pairs and connected speech.

The power of connected speech is everywhere, and it can be pretty tricky for English Language Learners! 

For example: Luis d'Antin van Rooten wrote: "Un petit d'un petit S'étonne aux Halles. Un petit d'un petit Ah! degrés te fallent. Indolent qui ne sort cesse Indolent qui ne se mène. Qu'importe un petit d'un petit Tout Gai de Reguennes."
To those that understand French, this is just a bunch of nonsense French words. However, once it is spoken through the powers of connected speech most English speakers will clearly hear, "Humpty Dumpty" in a strong French accent.



You can see examples of how what we here is different than what we read all over pop culture Avant Garde A Clue is another example.

Pronunciation and listening are really closely linked! Students must be able to hear and understand reduced forms and other connected speech examples.

I "Mustach" you a question

Ice Cream or  I scream

Mustache or Must Ask

Red eye or  Red dye
Alaska or I'll ask her

Saturday or Saturday

A night train or A night rain

An ocean or A notion

and so many more! Should they be able to hear the difference? Should they be able to differentiate this when spoken?

This can be tricky, frustrating, and exhausting... but can it also be fun?

Well, show up on Wednesday to support my little presentation and I hope you'll find at least one way to help your learners.

In short, on Wednesdays I plan to talk about:

• Why humor is great in the classroom.
• Types of humor that we, as teachers, can use
• Other reasons jokes are effective in class
• Types of jokes that work well for pronunciation
• How I use jokes in my classroom

This presentation will probably not change your life. However, it will probably help you consider another way to make your classroom a friendlier environment.

I would really appreciate anyone who has the time to log in and show up on Wednesday. It is free :)

• Noon in Mexico You can enjoy this during your lunch!
• 7pm in London which is a perfect time for you to enjoy this before or after your dinner.
• 8pm in Madrid this gives you plenty of time to enjoy and then grab diiner

If you aren't already part of this great MOOC I'd suggest you check it out! In essence it helps teachers with different ways to teach pronunciation and listening. It is free, and all the recordings are there, so you can check out the ones you missed. Most importantly, it is with a really great group of people.