Use of the international phonetic alphabet as a didactic resource in enhancing english pronunciation

Abstract

This research study aims to improve the pronunciation of affricate consonants in Third Year BGU students, Parallel B, at the Private Educational Unit Juana de Dios through a reinforcement class system that employs the International Phonetic Alphabet IPA. Students face difficulties in adequately articulating these consonants, making the use of IPA phonetic symbols essential for teaching oral production. The research is conducted within a quantitative paradigm with a pre-experimental design, where the researchers used data collection instruments such as observation, pedagogical tests, and teacher interviews. This allowed for the necessary information to be gathered from the study population, consisting of 30 Third Year BGU students The results obtained demonstrated that the reinforcement class system and phonetic instruction significantly improve the pronunciation of affricate consonants. Finally, it is recommended that English teachers incorporate the International Phonetic Alphabet IPA in their classes to improve the articulation of affricate consonants and carry out didactic activities that promote students' interest, motivation, and active participation.