The Development of English Final Consonant Pronunciation According to Phonetics

Abstract

The objectives of this research are: 1) to determine whether the pronunciation of English final consonants is problematic, 2) to develop the pronunciation of English final consonants using phonetic learning methods, and 3) to compare test scores on English final consonant pronunciation before and after learning. The sample used in the present study was 30 prathom 4-6 students, selected from one private school in Bangkok. The participants had lower than 60% on an English test. The instruments used in the research were a test of English final consonant pronunciation and the learning of English final consonant pronunciation. The results showed that fricatives were the most problematic sounds in English, with a percentage of 100. The final consonant sound that was less difficult was the lateral with a percentage of 93.33 and the final consonant with the least pronunciation problem was the tap or flap with the percentage of 86.67. After the development process of using the pronunciation packages, targeted students could pronounce the given sounds correctly with the average percentage of 44.77. Post-test scores were significantly higher than pre-test scores, indicating some improvement in pronunciation through learning activities. Learners read out the English final consonant pronunciation with pleasure. The ability to read aloud the English final consonant pronunciation increased. It also helps to motivate students (to) learn English at the elementary level.