Fried Persimmons and Dried Oysters or Why Teaching Pitch Accent Matters: A Practical Guide for Teachers of Japanese as a Foreign Language

Abstract

Pitch accent plays an important role in Japanese by contrasting segmental homophones, e.g., [ha.ʃi] LH (=Low+High pitch) ‘bridge’ vs HL ‘chopsticks’, distinguishing verbal conjugations (e.g., [ta.be.ɾɯ] LHL ‘eat’ vs [ta.be.ta] HLL ‘ate’), parsing syntax, and characterizing language variety (e.g., regional, generational). As such, correctly realizing pitch accent is important to ensure intelligibility when speaking. Yet, pitch accent is largely ignored in Japanese as a Foreign Language classrooms. In response, this paper advocates greater emphasis on pitch accent through boosting awareness, exploiting rules, and focusing on intelligibility. A systematic approach considering second language phonology and pronunciation practice is promoted to supplement courses: metalinguistic awareness, a progression from focus on form to function (Celce-Murcia et al., 2010), repetition with attention to form while being communicative (Gatbonton & Segalowitz, 1988), and integration of the full scope of pronunciation (i.e., perception, production, patterns, phonological processes).