Strategies to Support Pronunciation with Blair Hongzhi Wang

Strategies to Support Pronunciation with Blair Hongzhi Wang

Author: TESOL Pop August 24, 2023 Duration: 13:50

PhD candidate Blair Hongzhi Wang shares highlights from her studies on Mandarin English speakers’ pronunciation and teaching strategies that can help learners develop their intelligibility.

In this interview, Blair talks about:

1. Vowel sounds Mandarin English speakers find challenging and why

2. The meaning of intelligibility and its relevance to research and teaching

3. How similar sounds between learners’ L1 and English doesn't always make learning easier

4. How gestures and perception-based activities can support learners in tackling sounds they find challenging.

While Blair's research is focused on Mandarin English speakers, the tips and teaching strategies she shares can be adapted to other sounds and the needs of your learners.

To learn more about Blair's studies, contact her here or visit the City, University of London website here. To watch this episode with closed captions on YouTube, click here.

References
Flege, J. E. (1995). 'Second Language Speech Learning Theory, Findings, and Problems', in Strange, W. (ed.) Speech Perception and Linguistic Experience Issues in Cross-Language Research. Timonium: MD York Press, pp.233-277

Wang, H. (2023, April 20) A Systematic Review: The Identification of Segmental Mandarin-Accented English Features. IATEFL Harrogate, UK

Passy, J. (2010) Cued Articulation: Consonants and Vowels (Revised Edition). ACER Press

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Credits

Podcaster & Producer Laura Wilkes

Audio-Video Editor Haven Tsang

With thanks to our inspiring guest, Blair Hongzhi Wang.


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Ever feel like the best teaching ideas come from a quick chat in the staffroom, but your schedule never allows for it? TESOL Pop captures that spark. Designed for the busy English language teacher, this mini podcast delivers compact, meaningful conversations with TESOL, TEFL, and ESL educators globally. Each episode is a focused interview, kept under fifteen minutes, packed with practical ideas and personal insights that can genuinely shift your approach in the classroom. You’ll hear stories about career pivots, reflections on what actually works with students, and clever uses of technology, all shared in a casual, accessible tone. It’s the audio equivalent of a refreshing coffee break with a colleague who gets it. The podcast understands that profound professional development doesn’t always require a lengthy seminar; sometimes, a single, well-timed insight is enough to reinvigorate your teaching. By tuning in, you join a global conversation that feels both personal and immediately useful, making it easy to integrate new perspectives into your daily routine without overwhelming your calendar.
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