Pronunciation in course books: English as a lingua franca perspective

Abstract

Abstract In recent decades there has been a growing interest in the use of English as a lingua franca (ELF), for example identifying the lingua franca core (LFC), or pronunciation features important for intelligibility in ELF contexts. While some analyses of course books (CBs) have shown ELF research findings are not yet reflected in these materials, few studies have focused specifically on pronunciation in CBs, and none from an ELF perspective. Consequently, this study analysed to what extent pronunciation syllabi of six globally published CBs follow the LFC, and what beliefs informed the CB authors’ choice of pronunciation features. The results show that LFC features represent only between 5 and 33 per cent of the pronunciation syllabi. While most authors were aware of the LFC and eager to focus on intelligibility, they either did not think it was important to follow the LFC or could not do so due to publisher’s demands.