Pronunciation is an essential part of learning English because it affects both speaking and listening. Students need to pronounce language clearly enough to be understood, but they also need to recognise sounds, stress and connected speech when other people speak.

Teaching pronunciation does not mean trying to make students sound like native speakers. The main objective should be intelligibility: helping learners communicate clearly and understand a wide range of English speakers.

Pronunciation should therefore be integrated naturally into everyday lessons rather than treated only as an occasional separate activity. Vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening and speaking all provide opportunities to work on pronunciation.