Pronunciation Teaching Materials

Abstract Whether printed or electronic, textbooks are often used as primary materials in second‐ and foreign‐language teaching. However, general‐skills textbooks presenting the four important language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) have been critiqued for the ways they introduce pronunciation, and many teachers have been dissatisfied with the materials. This is alarming, as many teachers are insecure about teaching pronunciation to begin with. In this entry, I explore pronunciation teaching materials in general‐skills textbooks and beyond to underline the variety of materials that are available to teachers. As general‐skills textbooks do not seem sufficient sources for pronunciation teaching materials, I will not only draw on materials from specialized pronunciation textbooks but also present online sources and discuss utilizing tools and authentic materials for teaching pronunciation. Teaching material is understood broadly here; anything that can be utilized in teaching and learning is seen as material. Thus, the entry reveals that pronunciation teaching materials are found not only in textbooks but also among materials that were not originally designed for teaching purposes. In addition, I discuss some directions for systematic development of pronunciation teaching materials and emphasize evaluation and research as an essential part of the development process.