The importance of teaching the IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet)
Nowadays, second language learners have different options that help them to make their learning easier. Some of them learn English informally by listening to music, watching TV shows, movies, or reading short stories; and some of them prefer taking particular classes. Whatever the method you use, you must remember something very important: The Internartional Phonetic Alphabet It was developed in the 19th cenctury by the International Phonetic Association. The IPA's maing purpose is to improve second language learner's skills in phonetics, writing, reading, and pronunciation. This alphabet was written by using symbols, letters and diacritics. Why should I learn it? The IPA is the right answer when it comes to learning the correct pronunciation of the words. It doesn't mean that you should have a native accent, but you must learn how to pronounce correctly. Some English teachers will use the literal pronunciation, that's not correct at all! For example: apple. It is not...