Perspectives: Teaching Suprasegmentals to Japanese Learners of English Through Electronic Visual Feedback

Page No.: 
315
Writer(s): 
Janet Anderson-Hsieh, Iowa State University

After discllssing the imporlance of suprasegmentals (stress, rhythm, and
intonation) in communication and the effectiveness of electronic visual feedback
(EVF) for their instntction, this paper explains the specific ways that EVF can
be lIsed to teach suprasegmentals to japanese learners of English. Contrasts
between English and japanese suprasegmentals are described and the difficulties
that Japanese learners demonstrate with English stress and intonation resulting
from these contrasts are discussed. Procedures and exercises for teaching stress
and intonation are explained, and examples of EVF graphs are presented.
Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of using EVF in japan are identified,
and it is concluded that EVF is a powerful tool for raising Japanese learners'
awareness of the important role of suprasegmentals in communication.

PDF: