Teaching and Learning Pronunciation: EFL Learners’ Views and Instructors’ Practices

Mehmet Gazan; Nurdan Gürbüz

doi:10.30900/kafkasegt.1512047

Research Article

Teaching and Learning Pronunciation: EFL Learners’ Views and Instructors’ Practices

Year 2025, Volume: 12 Issue: 1, 126 - 145, 30.04.2025

Mehmet Gazan , Nurdan Gürbüz

https://doi.org/10.30900/kafkasegt.1512047

Abstract

The discussion surrounding the significance of pronunciation in communication, both in a first language (L1) and a second language (L2), has been a subject of ongoing debate. Previous research has predominantly focused on exploring teachers' techniques and practices regarding pronunciation instruction, as well as investigating students' opinions and perceptions. This study seeks to enhance our understanding of pronunciation instruction within an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context by offering insights into both learners’ views and instructors’ practices jointly. Conducted as a mixed-method study, the research investigated the perspectives of both students (n = 112) and instructors (n = 14) on the learning and teaching of pronunciation. The findings revealed that learners placed considerable importance on pronunciation instruction and expressed a preference for audio-visual materials, repetition, and imitation techniques respectively. On the contrary, the majority of instructors, who reported including pronunciation in their teaching, emphasized the effectiveness of focusing on the phonetic alphabet the most, while considering textbook-based activities to be the least effective component of their instructional repertoire. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the teaching and learning of pronunciation in an EFL context and could help inform future instructional strategies and educational practices.

Keywords

Pronunciation instruction, student perceptions, teaching practices

Ethical Statement

Ethics approval was obtained from Middle East Technical University-Applied Ethics Research Center dated 29.12.2023 and numbered 0537-ODTUİAEK-2023.

References

Ahmad, J., & Nazim, M. (2014). Saudi EFL learners’ views on English pronunciation. Asian Journal of Humanities and Social Studies, 2(2), 355-366.
Almusharraf, A. (2022). EFL learners’ confidence, attitudes, and practice towards learning pronunciation. International Journal of Applied Linguistics, 32, 126–141. doi.org/10.1111/ijal.12408
Alsofyani, M., & Algethami, G. (2017). Exploring EFL teachers’ beliefs and practices regarding pronunciation teaching in a Saudi setting. Arab World English Journal, 8(4). doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol8no4.26
Atli, I., & Bergil, A. S. (2012). The effect of pronunciation instruction on students’ overall speaking skills. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 46, 3665-3671. doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.06.124
Aydın, S. Akyüz, S. (2017). A brief comparison of the current approaches in teaching pronunciation. Journal of Education and Practice, 8, 12-15. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED581298.pdf
Baker, A. (2013). Exploring teachers’ knowledge of second language pronunciation techniques: Teacher cognitions, observed classroom practices, and student perceptions. Tesol Quarterly, 48(1), 136-163. doi.org/10.1002/tesq.99
Bakla, A., & Demirezen, M. (2018). A discussion of the ins and outs of L2 pronunciation instruction: A clash of methodologies. Ana Dili Eğitimi Dergisi. 6(2), 475–495. doi.org/10.16916/aded.395607
Barcelos, A. M. F., & Kalaja, P. (2013). Beliefs in second language acquisition: Teacher. Guide to Print Pagination, 113, 1-6. doi.org/10.1002/9781405198431.wbeal0083
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. & (2021). Thematic analysis: A practical guide. Thematic Analysis, 1-100. Sage Publications
Buss, L. (2015). Beliefs and practices of Brazilian EFL teachers regarding pronunciation. Language Teaching Research, 1-19. doi.org/10.1177/1362168815574145
Caruth, G. D. (2013). Demystifying mixed methods research design: A review of the literature. Mevlana International Journal of Education (MIJE), 3(2), 112-122. doi.org/10.13054/mije.13.35.3.2
Celce-Murcia, M., Brinton, D., & Goodwin, J. M. (1996). Teaching pronunciation: A reference for teachers of English to speakers of other languages. Cambridge University Press.
Creswell, J. W. (2017). Karma Yöntem Araştırmalarına Giriş (M. Sözbilir, Çev.). Pegem Akademi.
Dao, N. A. D. (2018). Learner perception of L2 pronunciation instruction. The English Teacher, 47(2).
Derwing, T. M., & Rossiter, M. J. (2002). ESL learners’ perceptions of their pronunciation needs and strategies. System, 30(2), 155-166. doi.org/10.1016/S0346-251X(02)00012-X
Derwing, T. M., Munro, M. J., Foote, J. A., Waugh, E., & Fleming, J. (2014). Opening the window on comprehensible pronunciation after 19 years: A workplace training study. Language Learning, 64(3), 526-548. doi.org/10.1111/lang.12053
Diller, M. (2020). Pre-service Teacher Perceptions of Pronunciation Teaching: A Qualitative Investigation. [Unpublished Master’s Thesis]. University of Central Florida
Edo-Marzá, N. (2014). Pronunciation and comprehension of oral English in the English as a foreign language class: Key aspects, students’ perceptions and proposals. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 5(2), 262-273. doi.org/10.4304/jltr.5.2.262-273
Etikan, I., & Bala, K. (2017). Sampling and sampling methods. Biometrics & Biostatistics International Journal, 5(6), 00149.
Gilakjani, A. P. (2016). English pronunciation instruction: A literature review. International Journal of Research in English Education, 1(1), 1-6.
Hennink, M., & Kaiser, B. N. (2022). Sample sizes for saturation in qualitative research: A systematic review of empirical tests. Social science & medicine, 292, 114523. doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114523
Hismanoglu, M., & Hismanoglu, S. (2010). Language teachers’ preferences of pronunciation teaching techniques: traditional or modern? Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2(2), 983-989. doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2010.03.138
Hoang, N. T., Ngoc Han, D., & Le, D. H. (2023). Exploring chatbot AI in improving vocational students’ English pronunciation. AsiaCALL Online Journal, 14(2), 140–155. https://doi.org/10.54855/acoj.231429
Jafari, S., Karimi, M. R., & Jafari, S. (2021). Beliefs and practices of EFL instructors in teaching pronunciation. Vision: Journal for Language and Foreign Language Learning, 10(2), 147-166. doi.org/10.21580/vjv11i110812
Kumaravadivelu, B. (2006). TESOL methods: Changing tracks, challenging trends. TESOL Quarterly, 40(1), 59-81. doi.org/10.2307/40264511
Kusz, E., & Pawliszko, J. (2022). Use of L2 pronunciation techniques in and outside classes: Students’ preferences. Research in Language, 20(2), 215-230. doi.org/10.18778/1731-7533.20.2.06
Lintunen, P., & Mäkilähde, A. (2018). Short-and long-term effects of pronunciation teaching: EFL learners’ views. The pronunciation of English by speakers of other languages, 46-72. Cambridge Scholars Publishing
Monika, M., Winarti, N., & Yundayani, A. (2019). English pronunciation learning in EFL context: Students’ voice. Journal of English Language and Literature, 4(2), 68-73. doi.org/10.37110/jell.v4i02.82
Nguyen, L. T., Hung, B. P., Duong, U. T. T., & Le, T. T. (2021). Teachers’ and learners’ beliefs about pronunciation instruction in tertiary English as a foreign language education. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 739842. doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.739842
Pallant, J. (2011). SPSS survival manual: A step-by-step guide to data analysis using SPSS for Windows. Allen & Unwin.
Pawlak, M., Mystkowska-Wiertelak, A., & Bielak, J. (2015). Exploring advanced learners’ beliefs about pronunciation instruction and their relationship with attainment. In Waniek-Klimczak, E. & Pawlak, M. (Eds.), Teaching and Researching the Pronunciation of English (pp.3-22). Springer International Publishing. doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-11092-9_1
Quoc, T. X., Thanh, V. Q., Dang, T. D. M., Mai, N. D. N., & Nguyen, P. N. K. (2021). Teachers’ perspectives and practices in teaching English pronunciation at Menglish Center. International Journal of TESOL & Education, 1(2), 158-175. doi.org/10.11250/ijte.01.02.009.
Sağdıç, A., & Şahin, E. (2015). Sürdürülebilir kalkınma eğitimine yönelik inançlar: Ölçek geliştirme çalışması. Ahi Evran Üniversitesi Kırşehir Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 16(3), 161-180.
Sifakis, N. C. (2004). Teaching EIL—Teaching international or intercultural English? What teachers should know. System, 32(2), 237-250. doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2003.09.010
Szyszka, M. (2016). English pronunciation teaching at different educational levels: Insights into teachers’ perceptions and actions. Research in Language, 14(2), 165-180. doi.org/10.1515/rela-2016-0007
Tegnered, A., & Rentner, J. (2021). Teachers’ views on teaching English pronunciation: A phenomenographic study of upper-secondary teachers’ views and reported practices. [Unpublished Master’s Thesis]. Linköping Universitet.
The jamovi project (2024). Jamovi (Version 2.5) [Computer Software]. Retrieved from https://www.jamovi.org
Thomson, R. I., & Derwing, T. M. (2015). The effectiveness of L2 pronunciation instruction: A narrative review. Applied Linguistics, 36(3), 326-344. doi.org/10.1093/applin/amu076
Tsunemoto, A., Trofimovich, P., & Kennedy, S. (2023). Pre-service teachers’ beliefs about second language pronunciation teaching, their experience, and speech assessments. Language Teaching Research, 27(1), 115-136. doi.org/10.1177/1362168820937273
Uzun, T. (2022). Preservice English teachers’ attitudes and beliefs about learning and teaching pronunciation. Dil Dergisi, 173(2), 22-42. doi.org/10.33690/dilder.1040120
Üstünbas, Ü. (2018). Does pronunciation instruction make any sense? EFL learners and teachers' beliefs. International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction, 10(1), 71-84.
VERBI Software. (2021). MAXQDA 2022 [computer software]. Berlin, Germany: VERBI Software. Available from maxqda.com
Wahid, R., & Sulong, S. (2013). The gap between research and practice in the teaching of English pronunciation: Insights from teachers’ beliefs and practices. World Applied Sciences Journal, 21(2013), 133-142. doi.org/10.5829/idosi.wasj.2013.21.sltl.2147
Xuyen, N. T. (2019). Teaching and learning English pronunciation: Perceptions of English-majored students at Hufi. Proceedings of ELT Upgrades: A Focus on Methodology. 218-229.
Yağız, O. (2018). EFL language teachers' cognitions and observed classroom practices about L2 pronunciation: The context of Turkey. Novitas-ROYAL (Research on Youth and Language), 12(2), 187-204. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1195280.pdf
Yakut, İ. (2020). Promoting the correct production of English sounds in extensive reading-circle classes: explicit vs. implicit pronunciation training. Eurasian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 6(1), 101-118. doi.org/10.32601/ejal.710224
Yulia, M. F., & Saukah, A. (2021). Indonesian EFL teacher educators’ beliefs and classroom practices on the teaching of pronunciation: Evidence from a pilot study. Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan, 27(2), 73-80. doi.org/10.17977/um048v27i2p73-80
Yunus, M. M., Salehi, H., & Amini, M. (2016). EFL teachers' cognition of teaching English pronunciation techniques: A mixed-method approach. English Language Teaching, 9(2), 20-42. doi.org/10.5539/elt.v9n2p20

Year 2025, Volume: 12 Issue: 1, 126 - 145, 30.04.2025

Mehmet Gazan , Nurdan Gürbüz

https://doi.org/10.30900/kafkasegt.1512047

Abstract

References

Ahmad, J., & Nazim, M. (2014). Saudi EFL learners’ views on English pronunciation. Asian Journal of Humanities and Social Studies, 2(2), 355-366.
Almusharraf, A. (2022). EFL learners’ confidence, attitudes, and practice towards learning pronunciation. International Journal of Applied Linguistics, 32, 126–141. doi.org/10.1111/ijal.12408
Alsofyani, M., & Algethami, G. (2017). Exploring EFL teachers’ beliefs and practices regarding pronunciation teaching in a Saudi setting. Arab World English Journal, 8(4). doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol8no4.26
Atli, I., & Bergil, A. S. (2012). The effect of pronunciation instruction on students’ overall speaking skills. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 46, 3665-3671. doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.06.124
Aydın, S. Akyüz, S. (2017). A brief comparison of the current approaches in teaching pronunciation. Journal of Education and Practice, 8, 12-15. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED581298.pdf
Baker, A. (2013). Exploring teachers’ knowledge of second language pronunciation techniques: Teacher cognitions, observed classroom practices, and student perceptions. Tesol Quarterly, 48(1), 136-163. doi.org/10.1002/tesq.99
Bakla, A., & Demirezen, M. (2018). A discussion of the ins and outs of L2 pronunciation instruction: A clash of methodologies. Ana Dili Eğitimi Dergisi. 6(2), 475–495. doi.org/10.16916/aded.395607
Barcelos, A. M. F., & Kalaja, P. (2013). Beliefs in second language acquisition: Teacher. Guide to Print Pagination, 113, 1-6. doi.org/10.1002/9781405198431.wbeal0083
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. & (2021). Thematic analysis: A practical guide. Thematic Analysis, 1-100. Sage Publications
Buss, L. (2015). Beliefs and practices of Brazilian EFL teachers regarding pronunciation. Language Teaching Research, 1-19. doi.org/10.1177/1362168815574145
Caruth, G. D. (2013). Demystifying mixed methods research design: A review of the literature. Mevlana International Journal of Education (MIJE), 3(2), 112-122. doi.org/10.13054/mije.13.35.3.2
Celce-Murcia, M., Brinton, D., & Goodwin, J. M. (1996). Teaching pronunciation: A reference for teachers of English to speakers of other languages. Cambridge University Press.
Creswell, J. W. (2017). Karma Yöntem Araştırmalarına Giriş (M. Sözbilir, Çev.). Pegem Akademi.
Dao, N. A. D. (2018). Learner perception of L2 pronunciation instruction. The English Teacher, 47(2).
Derwing, T. M., & Rossiter, M. J. (2002). ESL learners’ perceptions of their pronunciation needs and strategies. System, 30(2), 155-166. doi.org/10.1016/S0346-251X(02)00012-X
Derwing, T. M., Munro, M. J., Foote, J. A., Waugh, E., & Fleming, J. (2014). Opening the window on comprehensible pronunciation after 19 years: A workplace training study. Language Learning, 64(3), 526-548. doi.org/10.1111/lang.12053
Diller, M. (2020). Pre-service Teacher Perceptions of Pronunciation Teaching: A Qualitative Investigation. [Unpublished Master’s Thesis]. University of Central Florida
Edo-Marzá, N. (2014). Pronunciation and comprehension of oral English in the English as a foreign language class: Key aspects, students’ perceptions and proposals. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 5(2), 262-273. doi.org/10.4304/jltr.5.2.262-273
Etikan, I., & Bala, K. (2017). Sampling and sampling methods. Biometrics & Biostatistics International Journal, 5(6), 00149.
Gilakjani, A. P. (2016). English pronunciation instruction: A literature review. International Journal of Research in English Education, 1(1), 1-6.
Hennink, M., & Kaiser, B. N. (2022). Sample sizes for saturation in qualitative research: A systematic review of empirical tests. Social science & medicine, 292, 114523. doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114523
Hismanoglu, M., & Hismanoglu, S. (2010). Language teachers’ preferences of pronunciation teaching techniques: traditional or modern? Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2(2), 983-989. doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2010.03.138
Hoang, N. T., Ngoc Han, D., & Le, D. H. (2023). Exploring chatbot AI in improving vocational students’ English pronunciation. AsiaCALL Online Journal, 14(2), 140–155. https://doi.org/10.54855/acoj.231429
Jafari, S., Karimi, M. R., & Jafari, S. (2021). Beliefs and practices of EFL instructors in teaching pronunciation. Vision: Journal for Language and Foreign Language Learning, 10(2), 147-166. doi.org/10.21580/vjv11i110812
Kumaravadivelu, B. (2006). TESOL methods: Changing tracks, challenging trends. TESOL Quarterly, 40(1), 59-81. doi.org/10.2307/40264511
Kusz, E., & Pawliszko, J. (2022). Use of L2 pronunciation techniques in and outside classes: Students’ preferences. Research in Language, 20(2), 215-230. doi.org/10.18778/1731-7533.20.2.06
Lintunen, P., & Mäkilähde, A. (2018). Short-and long-term effects of pronunciation teaching: EFL learners’ views. The pronunciation of English by speakers of other languages, 46-72. Cambridge Scholars Publishing
Monika, M., Winarti, N., & Yundayani, A. (2019). English pronunciation learning in EFL context: Students’ voice. Journal of English Language and Literature, 4(2), 68-73. doi.org/10.37110/jell.v4i02.82
Nguyen, L. T., Hung, B. P., Duong, U. T. T., & Le, T. T. (2021). Teachers’ and learners’ beliefs about pronunciation instruction in tertiary English as a foreign language education. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 739842. doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.739842
Pallant, J. (2011). SPSS survival manual: A step-by-step guide to data analysis using SPSS for Windows. Allen & Unwin.
Pawlak, M., Mystkowska-Wiertelak, A., & Bielak, J. (2015). Exploring advanced learners’ beliefs about pronunciation instruction and their relationship with attainment. In Waniek-Klimczak, E. & Pawlak, M. (Eds.), Teaching and Researching the Pronunciation of English (pp.3-22). Springer International Publishing. doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-11092-9_1
Quoc, T. X., Thanh, V. Q., Dang, T. D. M., Mai, N. D. N., & Nguyen, P. N. K. (2021). Teachers’ perspectives and practices in teaching English pronunciation at Menglish Center. International Journal of TESOL & Education, 1(2), 158-175. doi.org/10.11250/ijte.01.02.009.
Sağdıç, A., & Şahin, E. (2015). Sürdürülebilir kalkınma eğitimine yönelik inançlar: Ölçek geliştirme çalışması. Ahi Evran Üniversitesi Kırşehir Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 16(3), 161-180.
Sifakis, N. C. (2004). Teaching EIL—Teaching international or intercultural English? What teachers should know. System, 32(2), 237-250. doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2003.09.010
Szyszka, M. (2016). English pronunciation teaching at different educational levels: Insights into teachers’ perceptions and actions. Research in Language, 14(2), 165-180. doi.org/10.1515/rela-2016-0007
Tegnered, A., & Rentner, J. (2021). Teachers’ views on teaching English pronunciation: A phenomenographic study of upper-secondary teachers’ views and reported practices. [Unpublished Master’s Thesis]. Linköping Universitet.
The jamovi project (2024). Jamovi (Version 2.5) [Computer Software]. Retrieved from https://www.jamovi.org
Thomson, R. I., & Derwing, T. M. (2015). The effectiveness of L2 pronunciation instruction: A narrative review. Applied Linguistics, 36(3), 326-344. doi.org/10.1093/applin/amu076
Tsunemoto, A., Trofimovich, P., & Kennedy, S. (2023). Pre-service teachers’ beliefs about second language pronunciation teaching, their experience, and speech assessments. Language Teaching Research, 27(1), 115-136. doi.org/10.1177/1362168820937273
Uzun, T. (2022). Preservice English teachers’ attitudes and beliefs about learning and teaching pronunciation. Dil Dergisi, 173(2), 22-42. doi.org/10.33690/dilder.1040120
Üstünbas, Ü. (2018). Does pronunciation instruction make any sense? EFL learners and teachers' beliefs. International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction, 10(1), 71-84.
VERBI Software. (2021). MAXQDA 2022 [computer software]. Berlin, Germany: VERBI Software. Available from maxqda.com
Wahid, R., & Sulong, S. (2013). The gap between research and practice in the teaching of English pronunciation: Insights from teachers’ beliefs and practices. World Applied Sciences Journal, 21(2013), 133-142. doi.org/10.5829/idosi.wasj.2013.21.sltl.2147
Xuyen, N. T. (2019). Teaching and learning English pronunciation: Perceptions of English-majored students at Hufi. Proceedings of ELT Upgrades: A Focus on Methodology. 218-229.
Yağız, O. (2018). EFL language teachers' cognitions and observed classroom practices about L2 pronunciation: The context of Turkey. Novitas-ROYAL (Research on Youth and Language), 12(2), 187-204. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1195280.pdf
Yakut, İ. (2020). Promoting the correct production of English sounds in extensive reading-circle classes: explicit vs. implicit pronunciation training. Eurasian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 6(1), 101-118. doi.org/10.32601/ejal.710224
Yulia, M. F., & Saukah, A. (2021). Indonesian EFL teacher educators’ beliefs and classroom practices on the teaching of pronunciation: Evidence from a pilot study. Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan, 27(2), 73-80. doi.org/10.17977/um048v27i2p73-80
Yunus, M. M., Salehi, H., & Amini, M. (2016). EFL teachers' cognition of teaching English pronunciation techniques: A mixed-method approach. English Language Teaching, 9(2), 20-42. doi.org/10.5539/elt.v9n2p20

There are 48 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language	English
Subjects	Language Studies (Other)
Journal Section	Articles
Authors	Mehmet Gazan 0000-0002-7233-9033 Nurdan Gürbüz 0000-0003-1685-4644
Early Pub Date	April 6, 2025
Publication Date	April 30, 2025
Submission Date	July 8, 2024
Acceptance Date	March 25, 2025
Published in Issue	Year 2025 Volume: 12 Issue: 1

Cite

APA	Gazan, M., & Gürbüz, N. (2025). Teaching and Learning Pronunciation: EFL Learners’ Views and Instructors’ Practices. E-Kafkas Journal of Educational Research, 12(1), 126-145. https://doi.org/10.30900/kafkasegt.1512047

Download Cover Image

Article Files

Full Text

19386 19387