Investigating the Effectiveness of a Signal-based Approach in Improving Learners’ Decoding of Connected Speech The Case Study of Second-year Students, University of M’sila

Authors

  • Mohamed LAOUBI University of Mentouri Constantine I

Keywords:

top-down, bottom-up listening comprehension, diagnostic approach, connected speech decoding

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of connected speech (CS) instruction in improving learners’ decoding of spoken English. It follows the trend of a balanced listening session that focuses on both top-down and bottom-up modes. It attempts to integrate CS instruction into the listening comprehension lessons following a diagnostic approach that uncovers CS features which may cause comprehension breakdown. An experimental group (N= 19) received listening lessons with an extended post-listening phase to address the CS features diagnosed as problematic during listening. A control group (N= 19) received similar lessons without specific focus on CS. The pre-test results revealed that CS aspects pose serious obstacles in decoding and segmenting speech for the participants, with a possible negative interference from top-down processing. The experimental group has shown a statistically significant improvement after the treatment. A post-treatment interview revealed positive reactions to the instruction, and a reported relative improvement in listening comprehension.

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Author Biography

Mohamed LAOUBI, University of Mentouri Constantine I

Faculty of Letters and Languages

Department of Foreign Languages

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Published

2019-06-30

How to Cite

LAOUBI, M. (2019). Investigating the Effectiveness of a Signal-based Approach in Improving Learners’ Decoding of Connected Speech The Case Study of Second-year Students, University of M’sila. Journal of Human Sciences , 30(3), 119–134. Retrieved from https://revue.umc.edu.dz/h/article/view/3033

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