Foreign Language Speaking Fluency in Twi and English

Developing Fluency in Foreign Language Speech

One of the most sought-after foreign language skills is that of fluency in speaking. A number of effective methods are currently in practical use but this one as illustrated in the following video offer a unique twist on common practice. That is, the phrase is first presented in English by a native English speaker. Then the phrase in the target foreign language, Twi from Ghana, is pronounced by three native speakers of Twi (also known as Akan). Each foreign language native speaker pronounces the phrase is a different manner and speed expanding the foreign language learner and listener's listening comprehension skills.

Regional English Varieties of the USA

Think about this: A commonly spoken American English phrase like "Hi, how are you?" will sound somewhat different when spoken by native English speakers from different regions and backgrounds of the USA. Distinctive regional speech is quite noticeable by even limited proficiency English language learners from areas such as North eastern or "Bostonian" English. Mid-Atlantic regional English (which is what I speak), the Southern regional English of states from Virginia to Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and Arkansas; the "Texas Drawl" of Texas and parts of Louisiana or the flat-vowelled English pronunciation of the mid-western USA, among other distinctive regional English varieties of the USA.

Providing Foreign Language Learning Examples

Providing English as a foreign language learners with concurrent examples of common usage speech could actually go a long ways towards accelerating development of listening comprehension and colloquial speech pronunciation. Samples as needed can be gleaned from the internet, YouTube and other video repository sites, movies and music, depending on what you need and to what extent. Historical footage of speeches, oratory and documentary clips of famous people can also expand the repertoire of the enterprising foreign language learner or aspiring English language teaching professional.

Check out this sample video to see how this is accomplished in actual practice. Remember, if you have access to native English or other foreign language speakers, you can also film your own pronunciation videos and post them online for others to appreciate, enjoy and use.

Watch this foreign language pronunciation Video:




Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an EFL Teacher Trainer, Intellectual Development Specialist, author and speaker. He has written ESP, foreign language learning, English language teaching texts and hundreds of articles used in more than 135 countries. Get your FREE E-book, “If you Want to Teach English Abroad, Here's What You Need to Know" by requesting the title at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com Need a blogger or copywriter to promote your school, institution, service or business or an experienced writer and vibrant SEO content for your website, blog or newsletter? Then E-mail me for further information.