ON TEACHING ‘GLOTTALIZATION’ TO EFL LEARNERS

Abstract

This paper deals with teaching ‘glottalization’ to advanced EFL learners as an important pronunciation skill or articulatory technique typical of spoken English with special reference to its behaviour within initial three-member /s/ consonant clusters of [spr], [str], [skr] type. An overview of ‘glottalization’ as an entire phonetic process is provided in terms of teaching the articulation mechanism of English fortis stops/plosives [p], [t], [k]. Special emphasis is placed on the major differences between English and Armenian sound systems. Taking into consideration that ‘glottalization’ is totally non-existent in Armenian, advanced learners of English are duly recommended some practical advice.