Seminar Series 2026: Developing pronunciation teaching for international intelligibility: Principles and pedagogy by Dr Jim Chan
Developing pronunciation teaching for international intelligibility: Principles and pedagogy
25th February 2026, 12-1PM, King George VI Building, Lecture Theatre 6
Speakers: Jim Chan, University of Leeds
Abstract
The nativeness and intelligibility principles are two contradictory perspectives that have influenced L2 pronunciation research and pedagogy. While a native-speaker ideology is often found in English language education, researchers have argued that pronunciation learning and teaching should prioritise features essential for intelligibility in international communication, where L2 speakers are the main interlocutors. This session will showcase—using Hong Kong English (HKE)—a framework for developing a teaching approach, beginning with a local variety and refining it towards one that enhances international intelligibility (see monograph, Chan & Lo, 2026). It will also discuss principles for applying the intelligibility perspective to ELT and the corresponding pedagogical recommendations. The developmental sequence includes (1) understanding the global–local sociolinguistic context, (2) identifying features and variations of the local variety, (3) exploring current learning and teaching practices (curricula and assessment, school practices, teachers’ perceptions and practices), (4) determining priorities in pronunciation teaching based on the intelligibility principle, and (5) integrating teaching priorities in pronunciation learning and teaching at the curriculum, institutional, and classroom levels. Moving beyond the longstanding native-speaker ideology, this approach enables any English variety to effectively engage in international communication by considering various contextual factors, including language use, attitudes, and identity; ELT targets; variations in the speech community; and existing educational policy and practice. It applies to ELT contexts worldwide where English is used as an international language.
Chan, J.Y.H., & Lo, M. M. (2026). Developing pronunciation teaching for international intelligibility: Insights from Hong Kong English. Multilingual Matters.
Biography of the speakers
Jim Y.H. Chan is Lecturer in the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences at Newcastle University. Before he moved to the UK, he was Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Hong Kong. His research interests include English as a lingua franca (ELF), World Englishes (WE), Teaching English as an international language (EIL) (e.g., materials design, assessments, pedagogies), language use, attitudes and identities, phonology, bilingual education and collaborative online international learning (COIL) Some of his recent work has been published in TESOL Quarterly, Language Teaching Research, World Englishes, International Journal of Applied Linguistics, Language and Education, System, Language Assessment Quarterly, Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, Journal of English as a Lingua Franca, Asian Englishes, RELC Journal and The Journal of Asia TEFL.