Phonetics : A Minor Error in Pronunciation

Possibly one of the most frustrating obstacles facing the second language learner is how to accurately pronounce the 'new' language they are acquiring.Many teaching materials still tend to rely on outdated or discredited methodology which only appeals to the student's intellect and expects almost instantaneous acquisition.This brief paper will analyze the pronunciation patterns of a young Arab learner studying English (herein L2) , and propose that for successful learning to take place a 'process approach' must be considered.Section 1 focuses on the learner's inability to consistently pronounce the dental fricatives and will identify the source of this problem.Section 2 examines a unit from a popular pronunciation text and evaluates how successful it would be in aiding the learner with his error (s) in pronunciation.Finally, an extended conclusion will suggest a number of activities that may help the learner, taking into consideration the 'process approach' to learning. Context & Analysis ContextThe learner was a Yemen national, male and in his early twenties.In anticipation of career advancement in the civil service, the learner had been directed to undertake a three month English intensive course in the U.K. In a 'level-check' during the admissions Phonetics A Minor Error in Pronunciation