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6 Influence of television series on pronunciation

  • Kossi Seto Yibokou
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Language Learning and Leisure
Ein Kapitel aus dem Buch Language Learning and Leisure

Abstract

This study seeks to explore the impact of informal out-of-class exposure to authentic input on English as a second language learners’ pronunciation. Data was collected from 20 French students who participated in a pronunciation task followed by a questionnaire about their formal (classroom) and informal (leisure) activities in English. The results of the acoustic analysis show that the participants’ pronunciation is composed of mixed phonological features akin to British, American and French accents. Although there are individual differences in their productions, all participants tend to unconsciously imitate phonological features from the videos they watch. From the data provided in a questionnaire, I argue that the elements of American English found in their pronunciation emanate from informal exposure, mainly by watching American television series, whilst the British phonological aspects come from the formal sphere. It is further hypothesized that viewing activities might allow learners to understand, pick up sociolinguistic elements and speak the varieties of English accents (World Englishes) they are exposed to through their leisure activities. From a pedagogical standpoint, these results could encourage teachers and learners to value and take advantage of such informal language practices.

Abstract

This study seeks to explore the impact of informal out-of-class exposure to authentic input on English as a second language learners’ pronunciation. Data was collected from 20 French students who participated in a pronunciation task followed by a questionnaire about their formal (classroom) and informal (leisure) activities in English. The results of the acoustic analysis show that the participants’ pronunciation is composed of mixed phonological features akin to British, American and French accents. Although there are individual differences in their productions, all participants tend to unconsciously imitate phonological features from the videos they watch. From the data provided in a questionnaire, I argue that the elements of American English found in their pronunciation emanate from informal exposure, mainly by watching American television series, whilst the British phonological aspects come from the formal sphere. It is further hypothesized that viewing activities might allow learners to understand, pick up sociolinguistic elements and speak the varieties of English accents (World Englishes) they are exposed to through their leisure activities. From a pedagogical standpoint, these results could encourage teachers and learners to value and take advantage of such informal language practices.

Heruntergeladen am 8.9.2025 von https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/9783110752441-006/html
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