Teaching Pronunciation to Gujarati Learners of English: Problems and Solutions

There are obvious issues with regard to teaching pronunciation to Gujarati Speakers of English (GSE). These issues have its root in the inherent difference between the phonology of Gujarati and English at both segmental and supra-segmental level. There is sufficient research evidence to prove that these phonological differences are largely responsible for problems in teaching English pronunciation. To add to this, issues concerning to speaker’s culture and identity also stand in the way of successful acquisition of pronunciation. Due to this phonological difference, GSE tend to show significant amount of negative L1 transfer while speaking in English. It is this presence of L1 transfer which renders the GSEs unintelligible in global communication. The present paper lists phonological as well as non-phonological issues which require attention while teaching pronunciation to GSE. Moreover, the paper also endeavors to provide pedagogical solutions for effective teaching of pronunciation considering geopolitical realties of Gujarat. Besides, the paper also aims at proposing solutions considering educational practices in Gujarat state. The proposed solutions will largely focus on reduction of L1 by effective teaching of pronunciation aimed at enhancing international intelligibility of GSEs.