Introduction

Pronunciation and Intelligibility: An Overview of the Conference

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Abstract

A generally accepted goal of pronunciation pedagogy is to help learners achieve a comfortably intelligible pronunciation rather than a native-like one. But what should this goal look like in the kinds of research studies we conduct, in our classroom practice, and in the creation of self-study and computer assisted pronunciation materials? Which elements of pronunciation are most important in achieving a comfortably intelligible pronunciation? What principles can help teachers make decisions regarding intelligibility? The 2nd Pronunciation in Second Language Learning and Teaching Conference was held at Iowa State University on September 10-11, 2010 with the goal of exploring some of these questions. Research was presented that concerned not only English pronunciation, but also Spanish, French and Chinese pronunciation, providing a valuable forum for bringing together researchers in different areas who have common concerns. To give a flavor of the overall variety of the conference sessions, the conference schedule is reproduced below. Those sessions that are in bold are included in the Proceedings.

How to Cite:

Levis, J. & LeVelle, K., (2010) “Pronunciation and Intelligibility: An Overview of the Conference”, Pronunciation in Second Language Learning and Teaching Proceedings 2(1).