Pronunciation (skill)

Pronunciation is a language microskill, a speaking subskill, consisting of the ability to produce speech sounds that are intelligible to speakers of the target language, e.g. sounds that are intelligible as English to English speakers. It involves the correct articulation of phonemes, as well as mastery of suprasegmental features such as speech stress, speech rhythm, and intonation.

Non-native speakers usually speak foreign languages with a foreign accent. If their pronunciation is poor, this can make reduce their intelligibility. However, mediocre pronunciation is usually largely intelligible. It is important therefore for foreign language teachers to identify any foreign language learners with poor pronunciation and encourage them to improve.

Experienced language learners who want to start to learn a new language often try to learn to replicate its pronunciation system before they learn anything else. This means they don’t later have to unlearn poor habits.

Like any skill, pronunciation can be learnt and taught.