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The importance of English rhythm from the French learner’s perspective : bridging the gap between theory and practice

Decorte, Remy
(2017)

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Decorte_48421400_2017.pdf
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Details

Supervisors
Meunier, Fanny
Faculty
Faculté de philosophie, arts et lettres
Degree label
Master [120] en langues et lettres modernes, orientation germaniques
Abstract
This dissertation demonstrates the importance of rhythm in English speech and particularly on intelligibility. It also aims at highlighting the rhythmic difficulties French learners of English may encounter in oral production. The concept of linguistic rhythm is defined from two different perspectives: perceptively and scientifically (acoustically). The theoretical and practical rhythmic knowledge of French learners in their last year of secondary education is tested and the coverage received by pronunciation (and more specifically rhythm) in course books is examined. French learners appear to score badly both theoretically and practically. It is also concluded that course books do not provide enough rhythm-based activities. The implementation of such activities is thus the final objective of this dissertation. Many activities are specifically developed for French learners. Experiments are made with secondary school students and yield some promising results.