"Including Pronunciation Practice in All Language Classes: Why and How"
LRC Signature Speaker
Anne Violin-Wigent
Associate Professor of French and Director of the Basic Language Instruction Program, Michigan State University

Pronunciation instruction tends not to be included in language classes due to lack of time and/or training. In this presentation, attendees will learn a formula for teaching pronunciation in three simple steps. The presentation focuses on elements of pronunciation linked with meaningful grammatical distinctions. Examples are in/about French but the formula can easily be adapted to other languages. With these activities, in addition to improving their accent, their oral comprehension, and their confidence, students will gain a greater awareness of grammatical structure and use them more accurately (Martin & Jackson, 2016; Violin-Wigent, 2022).

Bio: Dr. Anne Violin-Wigent is an Associate Professor of French at Michigan State University. Her research currently focuses on the effectiveness of explicit instruction in the acquisition of a second language (in particular on the development of pronunciation) and on student retention in language programs past requirements. She has been serving as the French Language Director and Assistant to the Language Director for many years and has taught a wide variety of classes, including History of the French language, Evolution of French Gastronomy, Teaching Methods, and French linguistics and phonetics to name but a few. She has co-authored Sons et Sens: La prononciation du français en contexte, published in 2013 by Georgetown University Press. She is also actively involved in teacher professional development, with the Michigan World Language Association, and in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

This event will be held in person in G25 Stimson and will also be streamed live over Zoom (registration required). Join us at the LRC or on Zoom.

The event is free and open to the public.