THE ROLE OF TONGUE TWISTERS IN THE PROCESS OF TEACHING PHONETICS

Abstract

The aim of every foreigner is to acquire speaking skills of this or that foreign language, to become fluent speakers of the foreign language. Successful communication is impossible without good pronunciation skills. Therefore, teaching phonetics has a great importance. English is a global language and it is very popular in Georgia. English is taught from the very early age. Learning English starts at kindergartens and continues up to University level. In spite of such a long period, foreign language learners have difficulties in communication. A correct speech is essential to avoid misunderstanding while spreading the information. One of the reasons why Georgian students can’t talk English fluently is poor pronunciation, differences in Georgian and English sound systems. Georgian students have difficulties in pronouncing certain sounds, especially in differenciating between [v] – [w], [ð ] – [θ ], [g] – [ŋ], [s] – [ʃ]. Tongue twisters that are combination of sounds are hard to pronounce but are very helpful to overcome speech difficulties, develop the ear and tongue and improve pronunciation. Tongue twisters are implemented in pronunciation class from the first course at Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University. Students reported that most of them have never used English tongue twisters before; If they used tongue twisters at an early stage of studying English, they were very simple and short. Students found teaching process with tongue twisters useful and interesting. The class became active, fun and challenging. All levels and ages enjoyed them. Tongue twisters worked well as a warm up to get students speaking, and practice pronouncing difficult sounds in English. The article is devoted to show all modern methods of teaching English with tongue twisters that are frequently used by English teachers in practical courses. The aim of the study is to investigate what problems the students faced while acquiring good pronunciation and speaking skills and how tongue twisters assisted.