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Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras 

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Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras 

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Phonetics and Phonology

Group:

Mercy Abigail Cerrato Torres - 2022100226•

Sherly Haritpzy Hernandez Avila - 2021102098

Sara Melissa Vasquez - 20221004809

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Common Errors of Spanish Speakers in English

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Common Errors of Spanish Speakers in English

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Introduction

Error analysis is a crucial aspect of language learning and teaching, particularly in understanding how learners acquire and use a new language. In this context, errors are viewed not merely as mistakes but as valuable indicators of a learner's developmental stage and the underlying processes of language acquisition. Through error analysis, teachers gain insights into learners' linguistic competence, identify patterns of errors, and tailor instructional strategies accordingly.

In language learning, errors are viewed as natural and inevitable occurrences that signify progress. They reflect the learner's attempt to apply rules and structures of the target language, often revealing areas of difficulty or incomplete understanding. Pronunciation errors, specifically, pertain to inaccuracies in the production of speech sounds, rhythm, intonation, or stress patterns. These errors can arise due to the influence of the learner's native language phonology, limited exposure to the target language, or lack of explicit instruction on pronunciation rules.

Pronunciation errors encompass a range of issues, such as misarticulation of specific sounds (e.g., substituting /θ/ with /s/ in English), incorrect stress placement (e.g., stressing the wrong syllable in words like "photograph" or "elephant"), or inadequate intonation patterns that affect comprehensibility and naturalness of speech. These errors can impede effective communication and may persist without targeted intervention.

To correct pronunciation errors, teachers employ various pedagogical approaches. Firstly, providing explicit instruction on phonetic features and pronunciation rules helps raise learners' awareness of correct speech patterns. Teachers can use drills, repetition exercises, and multimedia resources to reinforce correct pronunciation. Secondly, error correction techniques like modeling correct pronunciation, providing immediate feedback, and encouraging self-correction empower learners to recognize and rectify their errors. Additionally, teachers can implement communicative activities that promote meaningful oral practice, encouraging learners to use correct pronunciation in authentic contexts.

Error analysis in language learning recognizes errors as informative indicators of the learning process. Pronunciation errors specifically highlight challenges faced by learners in mastering the phonological aspects of a new language. Through targeted instruction and corrective feedback, teachers play a crucial role in facilitating accurate and intelligible pronunciation, ultimately enhancing learners' communicative competence and fluency in the target language.

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1. Long and Short Vowels

It is important to differentiate between short and long vowels, because long vowels mark stress in English words.  It is a common error in Spanish speakers since the accent in Spanish is marked by raising the voice and in English it is marked by lengthening the vowel, and depending on whether a short or long vowel is pronounced, the writing and meaning of the word changes, unlike in Spanish.

Example:

Bit (short pronunciation – Beet (long)

Hit (short) – heat (long

2. The “S” /z/ that vibrates

It is a common error in Spanish speakers because in Spanish the “S” and “Z” have different pronunciations without, which is difficult for a Spanish speaker to adapt to the complexity that these consonants may have depending on the word.

3. The “Th” (the sound ‘θ’ and ‘ð’)

The “Th” sound may seem complicated because it can vary depending on the words and the phonetic symbol they represent, this mainly falling on the memorization of the English words to be able to distinguish and also on the position of the mouth to produce the sounds.

ð: It is done through the use of vocal cords (voiced sound). This, though

θ: it is voiceless. Thing, thoughts, thanks

The two sounds carry the same position of the tongue.

4. “E” before words starting with “S”

Spanish words rarely begin with “s” followed by a consonant, causing Spanish speakers to unconsciously add the /e/ sound before a word that begins with “s.”

Example:

Special

Spanish

Star

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Read the instructions carefully, take notes in your notebook for better practice.

Long and Short Vowels

Exercise 1: Short vs. Long Vowels

Listen and watch the video videohttps://youtu.be/x4MivEQJvVI?si=UhjWJiFWzBPk1sFB, then identify whether the following words contain short or long vowels in English. Write 'short' or 'long' beside each word.

1. Hat: __________

2. Hate: __________

3. Bit: __________

4. Bite: __________

5. Cut: __________

6. Cute: __________

7. Can: __________

8. Cane: __________

9. Bet: __________

10. Beat: __________

Exercise 2: Short vs. Long Vowels in Sentences

Determine whether the following sentences use short or long vowels in the indicated words. Write 'short' or 'long' beside each word.

1. I like to eat pizza on Saturdays. (eat)

2. The cat sat on the mat. (cat)

3. She had a bad day at work. (bad)

4. I feel sad when it rains. (sad)

5. We will meet at the park at noon. (meet)

6. The frog leaped into the pond. (leaped)

7. He sent an email to his friend. (sent)

8. The sun sets in the west. (sets)

9. I will read a book before bed. (read)

10. The team won the game last night. (won)

The “S” /z/ that vibrates

The following video can help you learn to recognize the sound of /z/.

https://youtu.be/6Wl_N9FZC9U?si=CP_jz99R7whHs2fX

Exercise 1:

Identify whether the following words contain the /z/ sound or not. Write 'Yes' if they do and 'No' if they do not.

1. Buzz

2. Jazz

3. Quiz

4. Spoon

5. Maze

6. Laser

7. Cousin

8. Puzzle

9. Swirl

10. Freeze

Exercise 2:

Listen to the words carefully and identify whether they are pronounced with the /z/ sound correctly or if there is a pronunciation error. Write 'Correct' if the /z/ sound is pronounced correctly and 'Error' if there is a mispronunciation.

1. Rose

2. Makes

3. Pleased

4. Cries

5. Visits

6. Phase

7. Buzzing

8. Reason

9. Cues

10. Presents

The “Th” (the sound ‘θ’ and ‘ð’)

Exercise 1: Identifying "Th" Sounds

Listen to each word and determine whether it contains the voiced /ð/ sound or the voiceless /θ/ sound. Write 'ð' for voiced or 'θ' for voiceless beside each word.

1. Feather: __________

2. Brother: __________

3. Thought: __________

4. Through: __________

5. Think: __________

6. Bathe: __________

7. They: __________

8. Bath: __________

9. Teeth: __________

10. Smooth: __________

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate "Th" sound: /ð/ or /θ/.

1. I can't believe she __________ (voiced) such a kind gesture.

2. The __________ (voiceless) of going to the beach excites me.

3. Could you pass me the __________ (voiced) towel?

4. My __________ (voiceless) on the matter is quite different.

5. We need to gather all the __________ (voiced) before we start the experiment.

6. He has a strong __________ (voiceless) about the importance of education.

7. This is the __________ (voiced) time I've been to this restaurant.

8. The __________ (voiceless) of losing her keys was terrifying for Mary.

9. __________ (voiced) days are getting shorter as winter approaches.

10. She didn't have any __________ (voiceless) in the decision-making process.

“E” before words starting with “S”

Exercise 1: Identify Words with the Unnecessary "E" Sound.

Below are words that may or may not have the unnecessary "E" sound added before words starting with "S." Determine whether the "E" sound is correctly used. Write 'Correct' if the word is correctly spelled without the added "E" sound, and 'Incorrect' if the unnecessary "E" sound is present.

1. School

2. Square

3. Scale

4. Sky

5. Space

6. Spoon

7. Store

8. Skin

9. Sport

10. Speak

Exercise 2: watch, listen and repeat the words with the next video to practice your pronunciation, for a better improve take notes:

https://youtu.be/JmYJXQB4NfY?si=2eksKIpQLzKNM0e3

Repeat the next words as many times as necessary and next to the word write whether at the beginning the letter "S" has a unnecessary "E" sound or it does not have one.

1. Scential

2. Star

3. Some

4. Scene

5. stretching

6. Self

7. Seed

8. Stone

9. Score

10. Sky

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Reflecting on the process of identifying pronunciation errors in Spanish speakers and designing exercises for error correction has provided valuable insights into the intricacies of language learning and teaching. One of the key takeaways from this experience is the importance of keen observation and systematic analysis in detecting errors. By closely examining learners' speech patterns and identifying recurring errors, I gained a deeper understanding of the challenges they face in acquiring correct pronunciation. This experience highlighted the need for teachers to be proactive in error identification, as it serves as a foundation for effective instructional planning and intervention.

The importance of having good pronunciation allows us to have a better understanding of each other, what we call intellibility. The English language being a language in which complexity goes hand in hand, referring to the varieties of sounds, memorization and fluency that comes with being able to pronounce words; and as future teachers we ensure a clear and constant learning of these sounds accompanied by activities that encourage the student to practice their pronunciation.

In terms of teaching and error correction, I learned the significance of employing a variety of strategies to address pronunciation errors. From providing explicit instruction on phonetic features to implementing communicative activities for meaningful practice, there is a diverse range of approaches that can be tailored to meet learners' needs. Moreover, the importance of timely and constructive feedback cannot be overstated, as it empowers learners to recognize and rectify their errors independently. As a student, I plan to apply these insights by actively engaging in language practice and seeking feedback from peers and instructors to improve my own pronunciation skills.

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Brown, H. Douglas. 2000. Principles of Language Teaching and Learning. San Francisco: Longman.

Deterding, D.H., dan Poedjosoedarmo, G.R., 1998. The Sound of English Phonetics and Phonology for English Teachers in Southeast Asia. Singapore: Prentice Hall.

Common pronunciation errors in English. (s. f.). https://jakubmarian.com/common-pronunciation-errors-in-english/

El Blog para Aprender Inglés. (n/d). Blogdelingles.com. Recovered April 8th, 2024, from https://blogdelingles.com/10-errores-mas-comunes-en-la-pronunciacion-para-hispanoparlantes/

Θ / ð. (2016). English Pronunciation. Recovered on April 8th, 2024, from https://www.englishpronunciationmadrid.com/consonants/consonants/%CE%B8-d/

Pronunciation workshop - error analysis. (n/d). Google.com. Recovered on April 8th, 2024, from https://sites.google.com/view/pronunciation-workshop/error-analysis

Julien Miquel. (November 8th, 2014). How to Pronounce Z Letter in US American English [Vídeo]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Wl_N9FZC9U

Learn long and short vowels - basic English pronunciation lesson. (May 9th, 2020) [Vídeo]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/x4MivEQJvVI?si=5ww3p9cFmaq6HaUw

How to pronounce words that begin with “S” and a consonant. (March 1st, 2013). [Vídeo]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/JmYJXQB4NfY?si=Z7bAZ-BbkKw4j4yU