Teaching English Intonation in Thailand : Overview

Abstract

Thanks to a widespread consensus about the significance of English pronunciation for successful communication, the main teaching and research interest has shifted to supra-segmental features along with segmental features. The ability to use appropriate intonation patterns is crucial, not only to improve intelligibility but also to prevent misunderstanding during cross-cultural communication. However, pronunciation is, like other aspects of language, complex; therefore, teaching pronunciation can be quite difficult for many English teachers. This paper focuses on teaching English intonation in Thailand. Factors recognized by research studies to determine the progress in intonation teaching are explored : inherent characteristics of the learners' native language, psychological constraints, limited exposure to the target language, and inadequacy of commercial textbooks with regard to an accurate approach for teaching pronunciation. The introduction of multimedia computer technology brings about software programs to specifically enhance intonation. However, the integration of software programs in intonation instruction requires a certain level of sensitivity and understanding of how intonation functions in context. Pedagogical implications into teaching English intonation are suggested