Pygmalion

Written By: George Bernard ShawPresentation By: Jackie Gibbs

The Myth

Pygmalion and Galatea Pygmalion- Greek sculptor from Cyprus

He was disgusted by some local prostitutes, and lost all interest in women; he saw them as flawed creatures

He dedicated his time to creating a sculptor of a woman (ironically) named Galatea

It was thought that he wanted to correct the flaws he saw in women

Pygmalion and Galatea

After he finished his creation he fell in love with her

He would caress her, kiss her, bring her gifts and decorate her in jewelry

He fell in love with something that could not return it

Pygmalion and Galatea

He went to the temple of Aphrodite and asked for Galatea to be real

Aphrodite sent a signal of three flames shooting up from the offering Pygmalion burnt

When he returned to his studio, the statue was alive

Phonetics

What is it? Phonetics: the study and classification of speech sounds

Pronunciation

Western philologists and linguists studied grammar and vocabulary much longer than pronunciation;

grammar and vocabulary were better understood by most language teachers than pronunciation.

wasn’t systemically studied until the beginning of the 20th century.

Two Approaches to Teaching

Intuitive-imitative approach: (Used mostly before the 19th Century) The learner listens and imitates sounds and rhythms without the intervention of stated information.

Analytical-linguistic approach: Utilizes information and tools, such the phonetic alphabet, charts, and other aids for listening, imitation and production. (Ex. The phonograph)

Higgins’s Method- Direct

Gained popularity in the 1800’s and early 1900’s

pronunciation is taught through intuition and imitation (like through a teacher or recording)

Quick History

The Reform Movement

Part of the 1890’s Reform Movements

Influenced by Henry Sweet, Wilhelm Viëtor and Paul Passy

These men est. the Phonetic Alphabet which was/is used internationally.

Henry Sweet

Wilhelm Viëtor

Paul Passy

International Organization Standards

The spoken language is primary and should be taught first

The findings of phonetics should be applied to language teaching

Teachers must have solid training in phonetics

Learners should be given phonetic training to establish good speech habits

Modern Day

The goal of pronunciation is to not make learners sound like native speakers of the English language, but to not reduce their ability to communicate.

Fin