2017/02/12 Samuel Nfor

Improving Pronunciation through an Applied Drama Project

by Samuel Nfor

Nfor (the N is silent) presented results from a study which investigated Japanese students studying English who participated in an applied drama project emerged with improved pronunciation skills. Students’ sketches were recorded and transcribed to identify pronunciation problems so as to make informed interventions in a series of lessons and were again recorded and transcribed after the intervention to assess progress made in addressing the original pronunciation problems. The study also used questionnaires and interviews at the start and end of the course to gauge students’ enthusiasm and to analyse their self-assessment. The study concluded that language taught through applied drama supplied a motivation for positive change in the students'; pronunciation of English.

After a break, Nfor led participants in various drama-based activities including rhythm-based group chants and a charades-like pantomime game. To finish, he led a wide-ranging discussion about teaching and correcting pronunciation, goals of pronunciation instruction, and pronunciation role-models.

Samuel Nfor worked as an actor and high school English literature teacher in his native Cameroon. He moved to Japan in 2001 on a scholarship from the Government of Japan and studied Noh and Kyogen. Over the years, he has appeared in some stage performances in Tokyo but teaching ESL is his main activity in Japan. He currently teaches at Tsukuba and Dokkyo universities part time.