Presentation

Cultural Identity, Pronunciation and Attitudes of Turkish Speakers of English: Language Identity in an EFL Context

---

Abstract

This study investigates the relationships among cultural identity, the degree of accentedness, and attitudes toward pronunciation of non-native speakers of English in an EFL context. The participants of the study were advanced Turkish speakers of English at two English-medium universities in Ankara, Turkey. The participants responded to a questionnaire about cultural identity, attitudes toward pronunciation, and language background, and provided a pronunciation sample. The analysis of the quantitative data did not reveal a significant relationship between cultural identity and degree of accentedness. However, a significant relationship was found between cultural identity and how important native-like pronunciation of English was perceived to be. It can be concluded, based on the attitudes expressed by the participants, that most did not perceive native-like pronunciation to be a threat to their cultural identity. Individual preferences and goals should therefore be taken into consideration in pronunciation instruction, but it should by no means be neglected on the basis of the claim that trying to change pronunciation is interfering with identity.

How to Cite:

Pullen, E., (2011) “Cultural Identity, Pronunciation and Attitudes of Turkish Speakers of English: Language Identity in an EFL Context”, Pronunciation in Second Language Learning and Teaching Proceedings 3(1).