Luận văn a study on modification of english final sounds in connected speech problems faced by the high school students and solutions

LIST OF TABLES AND CHARTS List of tables Table 1: The problems in listening to connected speech ‘Table 2: The reasons causing, difficulties in listening to connected speech Table 3: The

VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOE UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

FACULTY OF POST GRADUATE STUDIES

-s0Lica

TRỊNH PHƯƠNG THẢO

A STUDY ON MODIFICATION OF ENGLISH

FINAL SOUNDS LN CONNECTED SPEECUI — PROBLEMS FACED BY

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND SOLUTIONS

(Nghiên cứu về sự biến thể của các âm cuối Tiếng Anh trong lời nói Hên kết

—những vẫn để mã học sinh trung học phổ thông đối mặt

và cách giải quyết)

M.A MINOR PROGRAMME THESIS

Field: English Teaching Methodology Code: 60140111

HANOI — 2016

VIETNAM NATIONAT, UNIVERSITY, HANOT UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

FACULTY OF POST GRADUATE STUDIES

~ee -=-82EElCa-

TRỊNH PHƯƠNG THẢO

ASTUDY ON MODIFICATION OF ENGLISIL FINAL SOUNDS IN CONNECTED SPEECH — PROBLEMS FACED BY

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND SOLUTIONS

(Nghién ciru vé su bién thể của các âm cudi Tiéng Anh trong lời nói Hên kết

— những vẫn đỀ mà học sinh trung học phổ thông đổi mặt

và cách giải quyét)

‘OR PROGRAMME TIIESIS

Field: English Teaching Methodulogy Code: 60140111

Supervisor: Dr Duong Thi Nụ

HANOT - 2016

LIST OF TABLES AND CHARTS

List of tables

Table 1: The problems in listening to connected speech

‘Table 2: The reasons causing, difficulties in listening to connected speech Table 3: The major challenges in teaching listening to connected speech

Table 4: The avtivilies and techniques in teaching connected speech

List of charts

Chart 1: The roles of leaching and learning modification in connected speech Chart 2: the students’ knowledge about connesting sounds

Chart 3: The frequency of teaching and being taught connecting sounds

Chatt 4; The frequency of connected specch correction

Chart 5: ‘The situation of practicing listening to connecting sounds

Chart 6 The students’ percentage of correct answers in total

Chart 7: Students’ wrong answers on cach task

vi

ABSTRACT

Connected speech is the area on which little research has been done and is not taught in high school English education in Vietnam Yet teaching connected speech

is essential for listening comprehension as well as pronunciation

The researcher realized Vietnamese students deal with a lot of difficulties caused by modification of final sounds in connected speech Therefore, the purpose

of this study is to present an overview of connected speech, especially the

modification of final sounds such as lniking, assimilation and clision, to Fmd oul the

problems in listening to connected speech and give some suggestion in teaching and learning,

The study has been conducted in the arca of listening skill It focuses on the attitudes towards the learning listening and the difficulties in teaching and learning, listening to connected speech of the students of grade 11 in Hermann Gmeiner Iligh School, Hai Phong,

{tis hoped that this thesis will make contribution to solve some of the existing, problems of inadequate listening competence of the students in Hermann Gmeiner High School,

1H

TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION

INTRODUCTION

II Researclh questions 5 3 22h 022120.1011 1.ee 2

TV Scope of the study 2

VL Methods of the study cccccssccsssiansssessseesussecseniseeeneee 3

DEVELOPMENT

CHAPTER I: LITERATURE REVIEW

1.1 Definition of connected speech

ounsidered one of the biggest challenges because it may lead lo wisunderstandings

of listeners and sometimes bring unexpected effects or even communication breakdown

Speech in every language is defined by a large varicty of pronunciation features that work together to create its specific sound English is usually described

as a very melodic, singsong language It is characterized by a continuous rhythmic stream of sound with frequent interaction between stressed and unstressed syllables and sound adjustments at word boundaries Although individual sounds are important, when speaking English naturally, the sounds blend together, some words flow together forming a continuous stream of speech Final sounds are joined with initial sounds of following words to produce connected speech This is essential for speaking English fluently and communicating efficiently, but this is

also a big problem [or the learners, especially when lisiening to talural language

1.2 Practical rationale

Ta ngh school English education in Vietnam, cormected speech is not taught

systematically in any lessons of any English textbooks However, the role of connected speech is very important for not only pranunciation but alsa listening comprehension Unfortunately, in Vietnam, this [cature seca to be rather neglected

by teachers of English and only advanced leamers are capable of producing good comected speech

As an English teacher working al Hermarn Gmeinier high school, the aulhior

also sees the simular present situation of pronunciation teaching and listening

teaching ‘the researcher finds many problems concerning connected speech that the students face in listening The students do not recognize words they know while

listening Some learners identify the wrong words that they are listening to The

anodification of ending sounds in connected speech may be one of the main factors preventing the leamers from listening comprehension

For all reasons above, T find it essential to choose this topic for study

Hopefully, the research will find out the problems that the students face in listening connected speech and recommend some strategies to help the students and teachers

al Hennann Giemer high school overcome the dilfieullics

11 Aims of the study

The main aim of the study is to improve students’ ability in listening English wilh modilication of ending sounds in connected speech

‘The study is to achieve these objectives:

« Finding oul the problems in coumccted specch thal grado 11-sludenls al Herman Gmeiner high school may face in listening comprehension

« Explaining the reasons of these problems and suggesting some solutions

TH Research questions

The above — mentioned objectives can be claborated into the following

research questions

« What are the problems about the modification of final sounds in connected

speech that grade 11-students at Hermann Gmeiner may face when listening? What are the causes of those problems?

LV Scope of the study

The sludy is implemented among yrads-11 students al Hermann Greiner high school in Hai Phong The author mainly focuses on studying some students’ problems

in listening when they face the modification of ending sounds in connected speech and suggesls some solutions for them

Y Significance

The result of the study will hopefully be of great significance in giving some

solutions and strategies to help Ingh school students improve (heir speaking and

TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION

INTRODUCTION

II Researclh questions 5 3 22h 022120.1011 1.ee 2

TV Scope of the study 2

VL Methods of the study cccccssccsssiansssessseesussecseniseeeneee 3

DEVELOPMENT

CHAPTER I: LITERATURE REVIEW

1.1 Definition of connected speech

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

For the completion of this thesis, I have received great assistance and support

from many people without whom the work could not have been fulfilled

Tirst and foremost, 1 would like to express my deepest gratitude and my

profound appreciation to my supervisor, Dr Duong Thi Nu, from Vietnam National

University, Hanoi - University of Languages and International Studies for her guidance, precious suggestions, invaluable critical feedback and encouragement in the process of vompleting this Uhesis

J would also like to express my sincere thanks to Dr Huynh Anh ‘Tuan, The

Head of Faculty of Post Graduate Studies and all his staff members who have been

of greal help My great Gaamks go to all the Icoturers of Faculty of Post Graduate

Studies, University of Languages and international Studies, Vietnam National

University, TTanoi for their interesting lectures and suggestions for the topic of my study,

‘Thanks are also due to my students at grade 11 in Llermann Gmeiner Iligh

School, Hai Phong for their assistance and cooperation in completing the

questionnaires

Last but not least, I would like to give my deepest gratitude to my parents

and my friends for their moral support and encouragement throughout my training

course

The study still has limitations, therefore all the suggestions and

recormnendations would be warmly welcomed.

LIST OF TABLES AND CHARTS

List of tables

Table 1: The problems in listening to connected speech

‘Table 2: The reasons causing, difficulties in listening to connected speech Table 3: The major challenges in teaching listening to connected speech

Table 4: The avtivilies and techniques in teaching connected speech

List of charts

Chart 1: The roles of leaching and learning modification in connected speech Chart 2: the students’ knowledge about connesting sounds

Chart 3: The frequency of teaching and being taught connecting sounds

Chatt 4; The frequency of connected specch correction

Chart 5: ‘The situation of practicing listening to connecting sounds

Chart 6 The students’ percentage of correct answers in total

Chart 7: Students’ wrong answers on cach task

vi

LIST OF TABLES AND CHARTS

List of tables

Table 1: The problems in listening to connected speech

‘Table 2: The reasons causing, difficulties in listening to connected speech Table 3: The major challenges in teaching listening to connected speech

Table 4: The avtivilies and techniques in teaching connected speech

List of charts

Chart 1: The roles of leaching and learning modification in connected speech Chart 2: the students’ knowledge about connesting sounds

Chart 3: The frequency of teaching and being taught connecting sounds

Chatt 4; The frequency of connected specch correction

Chart 5: ‘The situation of practicing listening to connecting sounds

Chart 6 The students’ percentage of correct answers in total

Chart 7: Students’ wrong answers on cach task

vi

2.3.1 Listening ÂESE cài nen

CHAPTER TV: DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIO!

1 Reoapitulation SH HH HH H0 are ¬—

2 Limitations and recommendations for further study 38

TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION

INTRODUCTION

II Researclh questions 5 3 22h 022120.1011 1.ee 2

TV Scope of the study 2

VL Methods of the study cccccssccsssiansssessseesussecseniseeeneee 3

DEVELOPMENT

CHAPTER I: LITERATURE REVIEW

1.1 Definition of connected speech

2.3.1 Listening ÂESE cài nen

CHAPTER TV: DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIO!

1 Reoapitulation SH HH HH H0 are ¬—

2 Limitations and recommendations for further study 38

teaching ‘the researcher finds many problems concerning connected speech that the students face in listening The students do not recognize words they know while

listening Some learners identify the wrong words that they are listening to The

anodification of ending sounds in connected speech may be one of the main factors preventing the leamers from listening comprehension

For all reasons above, T find it essential to choose this topic for study

Hopefully, the research will find out the problems that the students face in listening connected speech and recommend some strategies to help the students and teachers

al Hennann Giemer high school overcome the dilfieullics

11 Aims of the study

The main aim of the study is to improve students’ ability in listening English wilh modilication of ending sounds in connected speech

‘The study is to achieve these objectives:

« Finding oul the problems in coumccted specch thal grado 11-sludenls al Herman Gmeiner high school may face in listening comprehension

« Explaining the reasons of these problems and suggesting some solutions

TH Research questions

The above — mentioned objectives can be claborated into the following

research questions

« What are the problems about the modification of final sounds in connected

speech that grade 11-students at Hermann Gmeiner may face when listening? What are the causes of those problems?

LV Scope of the study

The sludy is implemented among yrads-11 students al Hermann Greiner high school in Hai Phong The author mainly focuses on studying some students’ problems

in listening when they face the modification of ending sounds in connected speech and suggesls some solutions for them

Y Significance

The result of the study will hopefully be of great significance in giving some

solutions and strategies to help Ingh school students improve (heir speaking and

ounsidered one of the biggest challenges because it may lead lo wisunderstandings

of listeners and sometimes bring unexpected effects or even communication breakdown

Speech in every language is defined by a large varicty of pronunciation features that work together to create its specific sound English is usually described

as a very melodic, singsong language It is characterized by a continuous rhythmic stream of sound with frequent interaction between stressed and unstressed syllables and sound adjustments at word boundaries Although individual sounds are important, when speaking English naturally, the sounds blend together, some words flow together forming a continuous stream of speech Final sounds are joined with initial sounds of following words to produce connected speech This is essential for speaking English fluently and communicating efficiently, but this is

also a big problem [or the learners, especially when lisiening to talural language

1.2 Practical rationale

Ta ngh school English education in Vietnam, cormected speech is not taught

systematically in any lessons of any English textbooks However, the role of connected speech is very important for not only pranunciation but alsa listening comprehension Unfortunately, in Vietnam, this [cature seca to be rather neglected

by teachers of English and only advanced leamers are capable of producing good comected speech

As an English teacher working al Hermarn Gmeinier high school, the aulhior

also sees the simular present situation of pronunciation teaching and listening

ounsidered one of the biggest challenges because it may lead lo wisunderstandings

of listeners and sometimes bring unexpected effects or even communication breakdown

Speech in every language is defined by a large varicty of pronunciation features that work together to create its specific sound English is usually described

as a very melodic, singsong language It is characterized by a continuous rhythmic stream of sound with frequent interaction between stressed and unstressed syllables and sound adjustments at word boundaries Although individual sounds are important, when speaking English naturally, the sounds blend together, some words flow together forming a continuous stream of speech Final sounds are joined with initial sounds of following words to produce connected speech This is essential for speaking English fluently and communicating efficiently, but this is

also a big problem [or the learners, especially when lisiening to talural language

1.2 Practical rationale

Ta ngh school English education in Vietnam, cormected speech is not taught

systematically in any lessons of any English textbooks However, the role of connected speech is very important for not only pranunciation but alsa listening comprehension Unfortunately, in Vietnam, this [cature seca to be rather neglected

by teachers of English and only advanced leamers are capable of producing good comected speech

As an English teacher working al Hermarn Gmeinier high school, the aulhior

also sees the simular present situation of pronunciation teaching and listening

teaching ‘the researcher finds many problems concerning connected speech that the students face in listening The students do not recognize words they know while

listening Some learners identify the wrong words that they are listening to The

anodification of ending sounds in connected speech may be one of the main factors preventing the leamers from listening comprehension

For all reasons above, T find it essential to choose this topic for study

Hopefully, the research will find out the problems that the students face in listening connected speech and recommend some strategies to help the students and teachers

al Hennann Giemer high school overcome the dilfieullics

11 Aims of the study

The main aim of the study is to improve students’ ability in listening English wilh modilication of ending sounds in connected speech

‘The study is to achieve these objectives:

« Finding oul the problems in coumccted specch thal grado 11-sludenls al Herman Gmeiner high school may face in listening comprehension

« Explaining the reasons of these problems and suggesting some solutions

TH Research questions

The above — mentioned objectives can be claborated into the following

research questions

« What are the problems about the modification of final sounds in connected

speech that grade 11-students at Hermann Gmeiner may face when listening? What are the causes of those problems?

LV Scope of the study

The sludy is implemented among yrads-11 students al Hermann Greiner high school in Hai Phong The author mainly focuses on studying some students’ problems

in listening when they face the modification of ending sounds in connected speech and suggesls some solutions for them

Y Significance

The result of the study will hopefully be of great significance in giving some

solutions and strategies to help Ingh school students improve (heir speaking and

2.3.1 Listening ÂESE cài nen

CHAPTER TV: DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIO!

1 Reoapitulation SH HH HH H0 are ¬—

2 Limitations and recommendations for further study 38

LIST OF TABLES AND CHARTS

List of tables

Table 1: The problems in listening to connected speech

‘Table 2: The reasons causing, difficulties in listening to connected speech Table 3: The major challenges in teaching listening to connected speech

Table 4: The avtivilies and techniques in teaching connected speech

List of charts

Chart 1: The roles of leaching and learning modification in connected speech Chart 2: the students’ knowledge about connesting sounds

Chart 3: The frequency of teaching and being taught connecting sounds

Chatt 4; The frequency of connected specch correction

Chart 5: ‘The situation of practicing listening to connecting sounds

Chart 6 The students’ percentage of correct answers in total

Chart 7: Students’ wrong answers on cach task

vi

teaching ‘the researcher finds many problems concerning connected speech that the students face in listening The students do not recognize words they know while

listening Some learners identify the wrong words that they are listening to The

anodification of ending sounds in connected speech may be one of the main factors preventing the leamers from listening comprehension

For all reasons above, T find it essential to choose this topic for study

Hopefully, the research will find out the problems that the students face in listening connected speech and recommend some strategies to help the students and teachers

al Hennann Giemer high school overcome the dilfieullics

11 Aims of the study

The main aim of the study is to improve students’ ability in listening English wilh modilication of ending sounds in connected speech

‘The study is to achieve these objectives:

« Finding oul the problems in coumccted specch thal grado 11-sludenls al Herman Gmeiner high school may face in listening comprehension

« Explaining the reasons of these problems and suggesting some solutions

TH Research questions

The above — mentioned objectives can be claborated into the following

research questions

« What are the problems about the modification of final sounds in connected

speech that grade 11-students at Hermann Gmeiner may face when listening? What are the causes of those problems?

LV Scope of the study

The sludy is implemented among yrads-11 students al Hermann Greiner high school in Hai Phong The author mainly focuses on studying some students’ problems

in listening when they face the modification of ending sounds in connected speech and suggesls some solutions for them

Y Significance

The result of the study will hopefully be of great significance in giving some

solutions and strategies to help Ingh school students improve (heir speaking and

TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION

INTRODUCTION

II Researclh questions 5 3 22h 022120.1011 1.ee 2

TV Scope of the study 2

VL Methods of the study cccccssccsssiansssessseesussecseniseeeneee 3

DEVELOPMENT

CHAPTER I: LITERATURE REVIEW

1.1 Definition of connected speech

ounsidered one of the biggest challenges because it may lead lo wisunderstandings

of listeners and sometimes bring unexpected effects or even communication breakdown

Speech in every language is defined by a large varicty of pronunciation features that work together to create its specific sound English is usually described

as a very melodic, singsong language It is characterized by a continuous rhythmic stream of sound with frequent interaction between stressed and unstressed syllables and sound adjustments at word boundaries Although individual sounds are important, when speaking English naturally, the sounds blend together, some words flow together forming a continuous stream of speech Final sounds are joined with initial sounds of following words to produce connected speech This is essential for speaking English fluently and communicating efficiently, but this is

also a big problem [or the learners, especially when lisiening to talural language

1.2 Practical rationale

Ta ngh school English education in Vietnam, cormected speech is not taught

systematically in any lessons of any English textbooks However, the role of connected speech is very important for not only pranunciation but alsa listening comprehension Unfortunately, in Vietnam, this [cature seca to be rather neglected

by teachers of English and only advanced leamers are capable of producing good comected speech

As an English teacher working al Hermarn Gmeinier high school, the aulhior

also sees the simular present situation of pronunciation teaching and listening

2.3.1 Listening ÂESE cài nen

CHAPTER TV: DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIO!

1 Reoapitulation SH HH HH H0 are ¬—

2 Limitations and recommendations for further study 38

ABSTRACT

Connected speech is the area on which little research has been done and is not taught in high school English education in Vietnam Yet teaching connected speech

is essential for listening comprehension as well as pronunciation

The researcher realized Vietnamese students deal with a lot of difficulties caused by modification of final sounds in connected speech Therefore, the purpose

of this study is to present an overview of connected speech, especially the

modification of final sounds such as lniking, assimilation and clision, to Fmd oul the

problems in listening to connected speech and give some suggestion in teaching and learning,

The study has been conducted in the arca of listening skill It focuses on the attitudes towards the learning listening and the difficulties in teaching and learning, listening to connected speech of the students of grade 11 in Hermann Gmeiner Iligh School, Hai Phong,

{tis hoped that this thesis will make contribution to solve some of the existing, problems of inadequate listening competence of the students in Hermann Gmeiner High School,

1H

ounsidered one of the biggest challenges because it may lead lo wisunderstandings

of listeners and sometimes bring unexpected effects or even communication breakdown

Speech in every language is defined by a large varicty of pronunciation features that work together to create its specific sound English is usually described

as a very melodic, singsong language It is characterized by a continuous rhythmic stream of sound with frequent interaction between stressed and unstressed syllables and sound adjustments at word boundaries Although individual sounds are important, when speaking English naturally, the sounds blend together, some words flow together forming a continuous stream of speech Final sounds are joined with initial sounds of following words to produce connected speech This is essential for speaking English fluently and communicating efficiently, but this is

also a big problem [or the learners, especially when lisiening to talural language

1.2 Practical rationale

Ta ngh school English education in Vietnam, cormected speech is not taught

systematically in any lessons of any English textbooks However, the role of connected speech is very important for not only pranunciation but alsa listening comprehension Unfortunately, in Vietnam, this [cature seca to be rather neglected

by teachers of English and only advanced leamers are capable of producing good comected speech

As an English teacher working al Hermarn Gmeinier high school, the aulhior

also sees the simular present situation of pronunciation teaching and listening

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

For the completion of this thesis, I have received great assistance and support

from many people without whom the work could not have been fulfilled

Tirst and foremost, 1 would like to express my deepest gratitude and my

profound appreciation to my supervisor, Dr Duong Thi Nu, from Vietnam National

University, Hanoi - University of Languages and International Studies for her guidance, precious suggestions, invaluable critical feedback and encouragement in the process of vompleting this Uhesis

J would also like to express my sincere thanks to Dr Huynh Anh ‘Tuan, The

Head of Faculty of Post Graduate Studies and all his staff members who have been

of greal help My great Gaamks go to all the Icoturers of Faculty of Post Graduate

Studies, University of Languages and international Studies, Vietnam National

University, TTanoi for their interesting lectures and suggestions for the topic of my study,

‘Thanks are also due to my students at grade 11 in Llermann Gmeiner Iligh

School, Hai Phong for their assistance and cooperation in completing the

questionnaires

Last but not least, I would like to give my deepest gratitude to my parents

and my friends for their moral support and encouragement throughout my training

course

The study still has limitations, therefore all the suggestions and

recormnendations would be warmly welcomed.

LIST OF TABLES AND CHARTS

List of tables

Table 1: The problems in listening to connected speech

‘Table 2: The reasons causing, difficulties in listening to connected speech Table 3: The major challenges in teaching listening to connected speech

Table 4: The avtivilies and techniques in teaching connected speech

List of charts

Chart 1: The roles of leaching and learning modification in connected speech Chart 2: the students’ knowledge about connesting sounds

Chart 3: The frequency of teaching and being taught connecting sounds

Chatt 4; The frequency of connected specch correction

Chart 5: ‘The situation of practicing listening to connecting sounds

Chart 6 The students’ percentage of correct answers in total

Chart 7: Students’ wrong answers on cach task

vi

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

For the completion of this thesis, I have received great assistance and support

from many people without whom the work could not have been fulfilled

Tirst and foremost, 1 would like to express my deepest gratitude and my

profound appreciation to my supervisor, Dr Duong Thi Nu, from Vietnam National

University, Hanoi - University of Languages and International Studies for her guidance, precious suggestions, invaluable critical feedback and encouragement in the process of vompleting this Uhesis

J would also like to express my sincere thanks to Dr Huynh Anh ‘Tuan, The

Head of Faculty of Post Graduate Studies and all his staff members who have been

of greal help My great Gaamks go to all the Icoturers of Faculty of Post Graduate

Studies, University of Languages and international Studies, Vietnam National

University, TTanoi for their interesting lectures and suggestions for the topic of my study,

‘Thanks are also due to my students at grade 11 in Llermann Gmeiner Iligh

School, Hai Phong for their assistance and cooperation in completing the

questionnaires

Last but not least, I would like to give my deepest gratitude to my parents

and my friends for their moral support and encouragement throughout my training

course

The study still has limitations, therefore all the suggestions and

recormnendations would be warmly welcomed.

TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION

INTRODUCTION

II Researclh questions 5 3 22h 022120.1011 1.ee 2

TV Scope of the study 2

VL Methods of the study cccccssccsssiansssessseesussecseniseeeneee 3

DEVELOPMENT

CHAPTER I: LITERATURE REVIEW

1.1 Definition of connected speech

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

For the completion of this thesis, I have received great assistance and support

from many people without whom the work could not have been fulfilled

Tirst and foremost, 1 would like to express my deepest gratitude and my

profound appreciation to my supervisor, Dr Duong Thi Nu, from Vietnam National

University, Hanoi - University of Languages and International Studies for her guidance, precious suggestions, invaluable critical feedback and encouragement in the process of vompleting this Uhesis

J would also like to express my sincere thanks to Dr Huynh Anh ‘Tuan, The

Head of Faculty of Post Graduate Studies and all his staff members who have been

of greal help My great Gaamks go to all the Icoturers of Faculty of Post Graduate

Studies, University of Languages and international Studies, Vietnam National

University, TTanoi for their interesting lectures and suggestions for the topic of my study,

‘Thanks are also due to my students at grade 11 in Llermann Gmeiner Iligh

School, Hai Phong for their assistance and cooperation in completing the

questionnaires

Last but not least, I would like to give my deepest gratitude to my parents

and my friends for their moral support and encouragement throughout my training

course

The study still has limitations, therefore all the suggestions and

recormnendations would be warmly welcomed.

LIST OF TABLES AND CHARTS

List of tables

Table 1: The problems in listening to connected speech

‘Table 2: The reasons causing, difficulties in listening to connected speech Table 3: The major challenges in teaching listening to connected speech

Table 4: The avtivilies and techniques in teaching connected speech

List of charts

Chart 1: The roles of leaching and learning modification in connected speech Chart 2: the students’ knowledge about connesting sounds

Chart 3: The frequency of teaching and being taught connecting sounds

Chatt 4; The frequency of connected specch correction

Chart 5: ‘The situation of practicing listening to connecting sounds

Chart 6 The students’ percentage of correct answers in total

Chart 7: Students’ wrong answers on cach task

vi

ABSTRACT

Connected speech is the area on which little research has been done and is not taught in high school English education in Vietnam Yet teaching connected speech

is essential for listening comprehension as well as pronunciation

The researcher realized Vietnamese students deal with a lot of difficulties caused by modification of final sounds in connected speech Therefore, the purpose

of this study is to present an overview of connected speech, especially the

modification of final sounds such as lniking, assimilation and clision, to Fmd oul the

problems in listening to connected speech and give some suggestion in teaching and learning,

The study has been conducted in the arca of listening skill It focuses on the attitudes towards the learning listening and the difficulties in teaching and learning, listening to connected speech of the students of grade 11 in Hermann Gmeiner Iligh School, Hai Phong,

{tis hoped that this thesis will make contribution to solve some of the existing, problems of inadequate listening competence of the students in Hermann Gmeiner High School,

1H

ABSTRACT

Connected speech is the area on which little research has been done and is not taught in high school English education in Vietnam Yet teaching connected speech

is essential for listening comprehension as well as pronunciation

The researcher realized Vietnamese students deal with a lot of difficulties caused by modification of final sounds in connected speech Therefore, the purpose

of this study is to present an overview of connected speech, especially the

modification of final sounds such as lniking, assimilation and clision, to Fmd oul the

problems in listening to connected speech and give some suggestion in teaching and learning,

The study has been conducted in the arca of listening skill It focuses on the attitudes towards the learning listening and the difficulties in teaching and learning, listening to connected speech of the students of grade 11 in Hermann Gmeiner Iligh School, Hai Phong,

{tis hoped that this thesis will make contribution to solve some of the existing, problems of inadequate listening competence of the students in Hermann Gmeiner High School,

1H

ABSTRACT

Connected speech is the area on which little research has been done and is not taught in high school English education in Vietnam Yet teaching connected speech

is essential for listening comprehension as well as pronunciation

The researcher realized Vietnamese students deal with a lot of difficulties caused by modification of final sounds in connected speech Therefore, the purpose

of this study is to present an overview of connected speech, especially the

modification of final sounds such as lniking, assimilation and clision, to Fmd oul the

problems in listening to connected speech and give some suggestion in teaching and learning,

The study has been conducted in the arca of listening skill It focuses on the attitudes towards the learning listening and the difficulties in teaching and learning, listening to connected speech of the students of grade 11 in Hermann Gmeiner Iligh School, Hai Phong,

{tis hoped that this thesis will make contribution to solve some of the existing, problems of inadequate listening competence of the students in Hermann Gmeiner High School,

1H

teaching ‘the researcher finds many problems concerning connected speech that the students face in listening The students do not recognize words they know while

listening Some learners identify the wrong words that they are listening to The

anodification of ending sounds in connected speech may be one of the main factors preventing the leamers from listening comprehension

For all reasons above, T find it essential to choose this topic for study

Hopefully, the research will find out the problems that the students face in listening connected speech and recommend some strategies to help the students and teachers

al Hennann Giemer high school overcome the dilfieullics

11 Aims of the study

The main aim of the study is to improve students’ ability in listening English wilh modilication of ending sounds in connected speech

‘The study is to achieve these objectives:

« Finding oul the problems in coumccted specch thal grado 11-sludenls al Herman Gmeiner high school may face in listening comprehension

« Explaining the reasons of these problems and suggesting some solutions

TH Research questions

The above — mentioned objectives can be claborated into the following

research questions

« What are the problems about the modification of final sounds in connected

speech that grade 11-students at Hermann Gmeiner may face when listening? What are the causes of those problems?

LV Scope of the study

The sludy is implemented among yrads-11 students al Hermann Greiner high school in Hai Phong The author mainly focuses on studying some students’ problems

in listening when they face the modification of ending sounds in connected speech and suggesls some solutions for them

Y Significance

The result of the study will hopefully be of great significance in giving some

solutions and strategies to help Ingh school students improve (heir speaking and