Audacity Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

While mastering the segmental features of English is certainly important, especially when it comes to the functional load principle (Munro & Derwing, 2006), many claim that mastering the suprasegmental features (word stress, rhythm, and intonation) of English is more crucial to improving learner comprehensibility (Isaacs, 2008; Jenkins, 2000; Kang, 2010). Rhythm, created by the alternation between stressed and unstressed syllables, is one suprasegmental that has a large impact on comprehensibility, as “learners who use incorrect rhythm patterns or who do not connect words are at best frustrating to the native speaking listener” (Celce-Murcia, Brinton, Goodwin, & Griner, 2010, p. 163).
The present teaching tip is designed to help adult learners improve their perception and production of rhythm in English using Audacity and sitcom scenes. By creating appealing and useful activities that can be assigned as homework, teachers give learners the opportunity to be exposed to a variety of speakers, practice more, work in a comfortable environment, and work at their own pace. Also, by using a script as the basis for the exercises, teachers make the feedback process easier and more effective.