Enhancing L2 sound learning through the integration of audio-visual information: Phonetic training in the classroom

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an audio-visual high variability phonetic training (AV-HVPT) approach in improving the pronunciation of English interdental sounds /θ, ð/ and vowel /ɪ/ among a group of Chinese graduates. A total of 70 participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one received AV-HVPT instruction (Class 1) and the other one received traditional teacher-led instruction (Class 2). The overall findings showed that Class 1 significantly improved /θ, ð/ pronunciation but Class 2 did not. No improvement in /ɪ/ pronunciation was observed in either group. This may suggest that the effectiveness of the AV-HVPT approach in the classroom might be limited in the learning of sounds with salient articulatory gestures.