Variant Pronunciation Patterns of Selected English Content Words in Connected Speech by Anambra State English Language Teachers

Abstract

English language teachers serve as models to their students in the use of the language they teach.Previous studies on the pronunciation patterns of second language speakers of English other thanthe English teachers have been done, but no study seems to concentrate on the pronunciationpatterns of English words by the English language teachers whom other speakers learn from.This study focuses of the pronunciation patterns of selected English words, mostly content words,realized by the Anambra State English language teachers (ASELT). A specially prepared passagecontaining selected target words was presented to fifty of the randomly selected teachers fromthe three districts of Anambra State. They read the passage and their renditions were recordedwith an audiotape. The recordings were further played and replayed for correct transcription ofsounds, analysis and discussion. The results of the analysis show that ASELT have variedpronunciation patterns for English words. For example, in ‘interpret’ four varieties in stressplacement: in.tæ'pri:t, in'tɜ:prit, 'in.'tæ'prit, in'tæ'prit were realized.