Abstract:
This study investigates the problems in the teaching and learning of Spanish
pronunciation amongst Cantonese students and at the same time proposes
solutions for both teachers and students. The subjects in the present study are
Cantonese students who learn Spanish in Hong Kong and in New Zealand, and the
teachers who teach them. Through the use of two questionnaires, which were
designed based on first hand experience, readings on phonology, sociolinguistics
and language teaching and learning, teachers and students were asked to comment
on the difficulties encountered in the process of teaching and learning Spanish
sounds from different aspects. It was predicted that students would have problems
not only in particular sounds but also in adapting to the present way that Spanish
was taught. In addition, it was anticipated that what students expected their
teachers to do in order to help them would not correspond with the teachers'
opinions. Based on the problems identified from the literature review and the
results of the questionnaires, suggestions were given to both teachers and students
to make teaching and learning more efficient.
