Posters

Examining Inner Circle Teacher Beliefs on Native-like and Comprehensible Speech in Learners of English

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Abstract

While SLA researchers have long argued that comprehensibility is a more productive speech goal for L2 learners than native-like accent, the question remains whether ESL/EFL teachers similarly reject native-like accent as a goal for learners. Previous studies have shown that outer/expanding circle English teachers favor both native-like accent and comprehensibility, while inner circle teachers largely reject native-like accent as a speech goal. The present study examines two questions: (1) Do inner circle ESL teachers believe that comprehensibility is a more important speech goal for learners than native-likeness? And (2) What are their reasons for their beliefs? Using a combination of Likert scale questionnaire items and short-answer questions, teachers rated their agreement with 12 statements related to learner speech goals and provided explanations for their selections. Survey data revealed a significant preference for comprehensibility over native-likeness (t(43.72) = -9.67, p < 0.001). Short answer responses revealed more nuanced views on native-likeness and comprehensibility, with some participants stating that native-like accent may be important in some contexts. The present study helps illuminate to what extent the shift in the discourse has translated to inner circle teacher beliefs and provides crucial information around the reasons for teachers' beliefs related to learner speech goals.

Keywords: comprehensibility, teacher beliefs, World Englishes, accentedness

How to Cite:

Rost, K. (2024).  Examining Inner Circle Teacher Beliefs About Native-Like And Comprehensible Speech In Learners Of English. In D. J. Olson, J. L. Sturm, O. Dmitrieva, & J. M. Levis (eds), Proceedings of 14th Pronunciation in Second Language Learning and Teaching Conference, (pp. 1-11). Purdue University, September 2023. https://doi.org/10.31274/psllt.17565