KOTESOL International Conference 2016
(Concurrent Session)
Tory Thorkelson, Hanyang University
Wayne Finley, Korea Polytechnic University
Pronunciation and Accent: Overcoming Misconceptions Among EFL Students While Improving Their Speaking
Abstract
Over the years, we as teachers have encountered many students who believe that one specific accent, the North American accent, is better than any other. In pursuing the perfect accent, they often devalue not only other English accents but also ignore the fact that everyone has an accent when they speak their own or another language. The purpose of the workshop and presentation will be to show teachers how to expose students to the many varieties of English and offer both activities and resources to help educators at all levels to broaden their students' understanding of the differences between accent and pronunciation in both practical and fun ways.
Biographicals
Tory Thorkelson (BA, B.Ed., M.Ed. in TESL/TEFL) is a proud Canadian who has been an active KOTESOL member since 1998 and has presented at or worked on many local and international conferences. He is a Past-President for Seoul Chapter and Past-President of KOTESOL (2008-2009) as well as an KTT Facilitator. His 9-5 job is as an Associate Professor for Hanyang University’s English Language and Literature Program. He has co-authored research studies (see ALAK Journal, December 2001& June, 2003 as well as Education International September 2004 V1-2) and a University level textbook, “World Class English”, with a team of fellow KOTESOL members. Currently, he is a Doctoral student in the Doctorate of Professional Studies program at Middlesex University in the UK.
Six years ago Wayne Finley was told to 'use less of the British accent' by a teacher-trainer, no less. Far from shying away from the accent, Wayne developed a 'teacher voice' and now uses that voice to teach students at Korea Polytechnic University and present at KOTESOL events. At the International Conference you can hear him speak with Tory Thorkelson on the importance of presenting a variety of accents to your students.
Return to the list of Concurrent Sessions at the KOTESOL 2016 International Conference
