THE ROLE AND PLACE OF PRONUNCIATION IN TEACHING ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

Abstract

Pronunciation plays a critical yet often underemphasized role in language education, influencing both oral and written communication. This article explores the importance of pronunciation in enhancing clarity, comprehension, and fluency in speaking, while also affecting spelling, punctuation, and the overall structure of written texts. The article highlights how accurate pronunciation ensures effective communication, boosts learner confidence, and facilitates better understanding of phonetic patterns in writing. It also examines practical teaching strategies, such as phonetic training, listening exercises, and minimal pair activities, that can help learners improve their pronunciation skills. Ultimately, the article argues for a balanced approach to language teaching that integrates pronunciation instruction with grammar and vocabulary to foster comprehensive communicative competence.