The Impact of Picto- Pronunciation Instruction on developing the Pronunciation Ability of Iranian EFL Learners

Picto sounds created by Prince (1998) are images based on the position of mouth and tongue when uttering a letter. To verify their effectiveness for teaching purposes, this study attempted to investigate whether two instructional paradigms- symbol- based versus picture-based instructions distinctively affect on Iranian EFL learners’ pronunciation ability given also their proficiency level. The study utilized the KET, a pretest, and a posttest administered to two groups of elementary and pre-intermediate levels each divided into to two groups of control group and experimental ones. Group A (n = 40) received conventional instruction (symbol- based) only, while group B (n = 40) received picture- based instruction on pronunciation. The results showed that picto- pronunciation instruction had a more positive effect on EFL learners’ pronunciation ability. It enhanced their motivation, attitude and interest in using pictures in learning pronunciation as well. EFL teachers are suggested to use pictures in teaching pronunciation, for syllabus designers to take account them in their careers and finally for language researchers to either replicate or conduct further research investigations

Keywords:

Pronunciation , Picto- sound , Picto- pronunciation , symbol- based pronunciation