Understanding Fast Speech with Online Videos and Quizzes
For English learners, fast speech can pose a significant challenge, often leaving them struggling to keep up with the natural flow of conversation. Despite years of study, learners may find themselves comfortable with the clear and slow-paced English of the classroom, yet overwhelmed by the rapid and fluid speech of native speakers. This is largely due to the reductions and contractions commonly used in fast speech, such as "gonna" for "going to" or "didja" for "did you." Fortunately, these patterns can be taught and mastered with the right resources.
Research supports the effectiveness of direct implicit instruction on fast-speech reductions, which has been shown to significantly improve comprehension. For instance, studies have demonstrated that lessons focusing on reduced forms can enhance students' performance on both dictation and listening comprehension tests, with benefits extending even a month after instruction.
Utilizing Online Resources for Effective Learning
To aid in the comprehension of fast speech, a variety of online resources are available. The Minnesota English Language Program at the University of Minnesota has developed a series of five concise videos that explain different aspects of fast speech, including blending, flap, H elision, syllable elision, and common fast phrases. Each video, approximately one minute long, uses oral explanations, visual cues, and examples to illustrate these phenomena.
For example, the "Dropping the H Sound" video helps students understand when the /h/ sound is typically omitted in words like "he," "him," and "her." Similarly, the "Blending Sounds" video demonstrates how combinations of sounds can transform, such as /t/ + /y/ resulting in /ch/, making "not yet" sound like "nochet."
Interactive Quizzes for Reinforcement
Each video is accompanied by an audio quiz that allows students to practice listening to sentences containing these reductions and checking their comprehension. For those seeking a greater challenge, a sixth quiz mixes all five types of reductions, providing a comprehensive review.
These resources, initially designed for international students at U.S. universities, are versatile enough to be used anywhere by teens or adults aiming to improve their listening skills. Teachers can share the URL with students, encouraging them to engage with the videos and quizzes independently or as part of a structured lesson plan.
Implementing in the Classroom
Instructors can integrate these resources into their lessons through a series of steps:
- Warm-up: Engage students by discussing examples of fast speech they've encountered in media.
- Video Explanation: Show a video and have students note examples of the featured reduction.
- Comprehension Checks: Discuss examples and identify patterns in syllable reduction.
- Application: Group students to practice identifying and applying reductions in various words.
- Listening Practice: Assign quizzes as classwork or homework to reinforce learning.
- Assessment: Create custom quizzes to test students' understanding and application of fast speech.
Additional Practice Opportunities
For further practice, YouGlish.com offers an extensive database of YouTube videos where students can hear real-life examples of fast speech. By searching for specific words or phrases, students can listen to multiple speakers and observe how syllables are dropped or blended in different contexts.
By incorporating these resources and techniques, educators can effectively prepare students to recognize and understand fast speech, equipping them with the skills necessary to navigate real-world English conversations with confidence.
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