Pronunciation Learning Strategies Used by EFL University Students: A Classroom-Based Investigation

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Investigating Individual Learner Differences in Second Language Learning

Part of the book series: Second Language Learning and Teaching ((SLLT))

  • 1206 Accesses

Abstract

Research on good language learners has demonstrated that the use of language learning strategies is effective in develo** students’ second language (L2) competence and autonomy. Amongst the great number of studies conducted into language learning strategies in general, very few have looked into the area of L2 pronunciation, and even fewer in a Middle Eastern EFL context. This study aims to explore the language learning strategies that Jordanian English as a foreign language (EFL) university students use in their quest to develop L2 pronunciation. The study utilized three methods of data collection: classroom observations, a questionnaire, and semi-structured interviews. The participants were 87 English major university students. Oxford’s (1990) framework was used to analyze the data and to classify pronunciation learning strategies (PLSs). The analysis revealed that cognitive strategies were the most commonly used by students inside and beyond the classroom, followed by social strategies and metacognitive strategies, respectively. Outside the classroom, students sought practice through the media and technology, but such learning was confined to exposure only, that is, to receptive L2 listening/viewing, with productive skills being largely overlooked. Implications for teachers include raising awareness of the benefits of using learning strategies, develo** activities that enhance students’ communicative use of L2, and, most importantly, incorporating strategy instruction into their teaching plans.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
EUR 32.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or Ebook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free ship** worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Acton, W. (1984). Changing fossilized pronunciation. TESOL Quarterly,18(1), 71–85.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Al-Qudah, A., & Al-Qudah, K. (2011). Dictionary ownership and usage among undergraduate English major students at the Jordanian universities. European Journal of Social Sciences,26(2), 201–217.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bloom, M. (2008). Second language composition in independent settings: Supporting the writing process with cognitive strategies. In S. Hurd & T. Lewis (Eds.), Language learning strategies in independent settings (pp. 103–118). Multilingual Matters.

    Google Scholar 

  • Całka, A. (2011). Pronunciation learning strategies—Identification and classification. In M. Pawlak, E. Waniek-Klimczak, & J. Majer (Eds.), Speaking and instructed foreign language acquisition (pp. 149–168). Multilingual Matters.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, A. D. (2008). Speaking strategies for independent learning: A focus on pragmatic performance. In S. Hurd & T. Lewis (Eds.), Language learning strategies in independent settings (pp. 119–140). Multilingual Matters.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, A. D., & Scott, K. (1996). A synthesis of approaches to assessing language learning strategies. In R. L. Oxford (Ed.), Language learning strategies around the world: Cross-cultural perspectives (pp. 89–106). University of Hawai’i Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Derwing, T. M., & Rossiter, M. J. (2002). ESL learners’ perceptions of their pronunciation needs and strategies. System,30(2), 155–166.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eckstein, G. T. (2007). A correlation of pronunciation learning strategies with spontaneous English pronunciation of adult ESL learners (Unpublished MA thesis). Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah.

    Google Scholar 

  • Erbay, S., Kayaoglu, M. N., & Önay, E. (2016). Understanding pronunciation learning strategy use: A vignette analysis. Participatory Educational Research (PER), Special Issue,1, 48–56.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ezza, A., & Saadeh, Z. (2011). Dictionary as a major resource for EFL course in pronunciation. World Journal of English Language,1(1), 63–67.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gibson, S. (2008). Reading aloud: A useful learning tool? ELT Journal, 62(1), 29–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hsiao, T., & Oxford, R. L. (2002). Comparing theories of language learning strategies: A confirmatory factor analysis. Modern Language Journal,86(3), 368–383.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Macaro, E. (2001). Learning strategies in foreign and second language classrooms. Continuum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Naiman, N. (1992). A communicative approach to pronunciation teaching. In P. Avery & S. Ehrlich (Eds), Teaching American English pronunciation (pp. 163–171). Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nunan, D. (2013). Learner-centered English language education: The selected works of David Nunan. Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Malley, J. M., & Chamot, A. U. (1990). Learning strategies in second language acquisition. Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Malley, J. M., Chamot, A., & Kupper, J. (1989). Listening comprehension strategies in second language acquisition. Applied Linguistics,10, 418–437.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Osburne, A. G. (2003). Pronunciation strategies of advanced ESOL learners. International Review of Applied Linguistics in Language Teaching,41(2), 131–143.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oxford, R. L. (1990). Language learning strategies: What every teacher should know. Heinle & Heinle.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oxford, R. L. (2011). Teaching and researching language learning strategies. Pearson Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oxford, R. L., & Burry-Stock, J. A. (1995). Assessing the use language learning strategies worldwide with the ESL/EFL version of the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL). System,23(1), 1–23.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Park, G. (1997). Language learning strategies and English proficiency in Korean university students. Foreign Language Annals,30(2), 211–221.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pawlak, M. (2006). On the use of pronunciation learning strategies by Polish foreign language learners. In W. Sobkowiak & E. Waniek-Klimczak (Eds.), Dydaktyka fonetyki języka obcego w Polsce (pp. 121–135). Wydawnictwo Państwowej Wyższej Szkoły Zawodowej w Koninie.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pawlak, M. (2008). Another look at the use of pronunciation learning strategies: An advanced learner’s perspectives. In E. Waniek-Klimczak (Ed.), Issues in accents of English (pp. 304–322). Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pawlak, M. (2010). Designing and piloting a tool for the measurement of the use of pronunciation learning strategies. Research in Language,8, 189–202.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pawlak, M. (2011). Students’ successes and failures in learning foreign language pronunciation: Insights from diary data. In J. Arabski & A. Wojtaszek (Eds.), The acquisition of L2 phonology (pp. 165–182). Multilingual Matters.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pawlak, M. (2018). The use of pronunciation learning strategies in form-focused and meaning-focused activities: The impact of contextual and individual difference variables. In R. L. Oxford & C. M. Amerstorfer (Eds.), Language learning strategies and individual learner characteristics situating strategy use in diverse contexts (pp. 187–206). Bloomsbury.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pawlak, M., & Szyszka, M. (2018). Researching pronunciation learning strategies: An overview and a critical look. Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching,8(2), 293–323.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peterson, S. S. (2000). Pronunciation learning strategies: A first look. ERIC document, ED,450, 599.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pinter, A. (2006). Verbal evidence of task related strategies: Child versus adult interactions. System,34(4), 615–630.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rubin, J. (1975). What the “good language learner” can teach us. TESOL Quarterly,9(1), 41–51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rubin, J. (1981). Study of cognitive processes in second language learning. Applied Linguistics,2(2), 117–131.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Snow, M., Kamhi-Stein, L., & Brinton, D. (2006). Teacher training for English as a lingua franca. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics,26(1), 261–281.

    Google Scholar 

  • Szyszka, M. (2014). Pronunciation learning strategy chains: A qualitative approach. In D. Gabryś-Barker & A. Wojtaszek (Eds.), Studying second language acquisition from a qualitative perspective (pp. 35–47). Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tominaga, Y. (2009). An analysis of successful pronunciation learners: In search of effective factors in pronunciation teaching. Journal of Pan-Pacific Association of Applied Linguistics,13(1), 127–140.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vandergrift, L. (2008). Learning strategies for listening comprehension. In S. Hurd & T. Lewis (Eds.), Language learning strategies in independent settings (pp. 84–102). Multilingual Matters.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vitanova, G., & Miller, A. (2002). Reflective practice in pronunciation learning. The Internet TESL Journal, viii(1) http://iteslj.org/Articles/Vitanova-Pronunciation.html

  • Wrembel, M. (2008). In search of effective strategies for L2 pronunciation teaching and learning. In M. Pawlak (Ed.), Investigating English language learning and teaching (pp. 179–194). Wydawnictwo UAM.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu, Y. (2008). Language learning strategies used by students at different proficiency levels. Asian EFL Journal,10(4), 75–95.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2021 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Alghazo, S. (2021). Pronunciation Learning Strategies Used by EFL University Students: A Classroom-Based Investigation. In: Pawlak, M. (eds) Investigating Individual Learner Differences in Second Language Learning. Second Language Learning and Teaching. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-75726-7_7

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-75726-7_7

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-75725-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-75726-7

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Navigation