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LISTENING TO DIFFERENT ENGLISH VARIETIES AND ACCENTS
Yusupova Zarina Anvar qizi
Jizzakh branch of National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek
The faculty of Psychology the department of Foreign language:
Philology and teaching language: English. Student of group 103-23
Teshaboyeva Nafisa Zubaydulla qizi
Scientfic advisor
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14271984
Abstract:
Listening comprehension is an essential skill in any language learning process,
as it enables learners to understand spoken communication in real-world contexts. However,
many learners struggle with understanding native speakers due to a lack of awareness of
pronunciation patterns. Pronunciation awareness plays a critical role in improving listening
comprehension , as it helps learners better decode the natural flow of speech. This article
explores why pronunciation awareness is vital for effective listening and how it enhances
overall language comprehension. The results highlighted that familiarity with World English
(WEs) plays a crucial role in improving listening comprehension and reducing biases against
non-native English accents.
Keywords:
Accent,
variety, rhoticity, intonation, stress, slang, idioms, dialect,
comprehension, exposure, pronunciation, phonetic sounds.
Introduction
Listening to different English varieties and accents is a great way to improve your
language skills and get more comfortable with the diversity of the language. English is spoken
in various accents across the world , each with its own unique sounds, rhythms, and
intonations. Here are some example of English varieties and accents you might explore:
1.
British English
Received Pronunciation: Often considered the “standard” British accent, associated with
formal speech and educated speakers. It is commonly heard in the media , especially in news
broadcasting.
Cockney: A working-class accent from East London, known for features like the
dropping of “h” sounds and “ rhyming slang”.
Scouse: The accent of Liverpool, famous for its unique intonation and the use of a strong
“r” sound.
2.
American English:
General American : Often considered a “neutral’ accent, common in media and television
. It lacks strong regional characteristics by the “drawl” or lengthening of vowel sounds.
New York Accent: Known for the dropping of the “r” at the end of words and the distinct
“aw” sound in words like “ coffee”.
Midwestern Accent: Often associated with the “standard” American accent, heard in
states like Illinois and Ohio, it is known for its clear pronunciation of vowels.
3.
Australian English
Australian accents can vary from region to region nut are generally characterized by the
“flattening” of vowel sounds and the use of diphthongs
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Some famous variations include Broad Australian English ( strong accent, often
associated with rural areas) and Cultivated Australian English.
Expose yourself to different accents:
To become comfortable with various accents, expose yourself to different English-
speaking sources such as movies, TV shows, podcasts and radio programs. Listen to content
from different English-speaking countries like the United States, the United Kingdom,
Australia, Canada and New Zealand. The more you expose yourself to different accents , the
better you will become at understanding them.
Focus on listening practice:
Regular listening practice is crucial for enhancing your ability to comprehend different
accents. Engage in activities like listening to podcasts, audiobooks, or English radio stations.
Additionally, you can utilize online resources specifically designed of different accents and
exercise to improve your listening skills.
Develop an Ear for Pronunciation:
Play close attention to the pronunciation of words in different accents. Familiarize
yourself with the specific vowel and consonant sounds, intonation patterns and stress
patterns associated with each accent. Focus on individual sounds that may differ from your
native accent and practice reproducing them to improve your overall listening
comprehension.
Utilize subtitles and transcript:
When watching movies or TV shows in English , consider using subtitles in the beginning
to help you follow along with the dialogues. As you become more comfortable , gradually
reduce reliance on subtitles. Use transcripts or subtitles as a toll to improve your
understanding of specific words or phrases that may be challenging in a particular accent.
Pay attention to context and non-verbal cues:
Understanding accents goes beyond just listening to words. Pay attention to the context,
non-verbal cues, and div language of the speakers. These factors can provide additional
information to help you interpret the meaning correctly, even if you miss certain words or
phrases.
Challenges and Opportunities :
While participants acknowledged the value of listening different accents, they also noted
challenges such as frustration when unable to understand certain speech patterns. These
challenges highlight the need for structured practice and gradual curriculum designers can
address these issues by selecting audio materials that represents a balance of familiarity and
novelty, gradually increasing the complex of accents over time.
Improve your vocabulary
Expanding your vocabulary is essential for understanding different accents and varieties
of English. Learning new words and idiomatic expressions will enable you to comprehend the
intended meaning , even if the accent may initially pose a challenge. Regularly practice
vocabulary-building exercises and incorporate new words into your daily conversations and
writing.
Conclusion
Understanding accents and varieties of English is crucial for success in the PTE Listening
section. By exposing yourself to different accents, practicing listening regularly , focusing on
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pronunciation , utilizing subtitles and transcript , pay-attention to context and non-verbal
cues, improving note-taking skills, expanding vocabulary, seeking language exchange
opportunities, utilizing online resources and remaining calm and focused , you can enhance
your ability to understand diverse accents and achieve a higher score in the PTE Listening
test. Remember, with practice perseverance , you can overcome the challenges associated
with different accents and excel in the exam.
References:
1.
Teshaboyeva Nafisa Zubaydullayevna “ Teaching vocabulary in ELS classroom”
2.
Anne Anderson and Tony Lynch (1988). Listening. Oxford University Press
3.
Jack Richards, Designing instructional materials for teaching listening comprehension, in
‘The Language Teaching Matrix’, Cambridge, 1990
4.
Mary Underwood (1989). Teaching Listening. Longman
5.
Penny Ur (1984), Teaching Listening Comprehension, Cambridge
6.
Musayeva, S. I. (2024). ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF INTERACTIVE
METHODS INTRODUCING THE СLT (СOMMUNIСATIVE LANGUAGE TEACHING)
APPROACH. World Scientific Research Journal, 32(1), 217-219.
7.
Musayeva, S. I., & Mengliyeva, S. S. (2022). Kursantlarning madaniyatlararo
rivojlantirish.
8.
Magnus Wilson. Discovery Listening – improving perceptual processing. ELT Journal
Volume 57/4 (October 2003)
