Foreign accents: suggested competencies for improving communicative pronunciation

Area of Science:

• Speech-Language Pathology
• Linguistics
• Second Language Acquisition

Background:

• Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are increasingly collaborating with English as a Second Language (ESL) professionals.
• Historically, accent intervention was considered outside the scope of SLP practice, but this view is evolving.
• Improving communicative competence is a core mission of speech pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce SLPs to the concept of "communicative pronunciation" as a framework for accent modification and reduction.
• Provide a rationale for SLPs intervening with foreign-accented adults.
• Outline effective instructional strategies and assessment principles for this population.

Main Methods:

• Literature review incorporating research from speech pathology and ESL fields.
• Discussion of the rationale, scope, and principles of effective pronunciation instruction.
• Suggestions for trainer preparation and literature searching.

Main Results:

• The concept of "communicative pronunciation" offers a broader scope for accent intervention.
• Pronunciation intelligibility is a relevant area for SLP practice, aligning with the goal of improved communicative competence.
• Intervention requires a defined scope, effective instruction, and appropriate assessment.

Conclusions:

• Pronunciation intervention for foreign-accented adults falls within the scope of speech-language pathology.
• Effective instruction should be based on the principles of "communicative pronunciation."
• Further research integrating speech pathology and ESL knowledge is encouraged.