DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2789-6919/47/15-19
Yegana Mammadova
Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University
PhD in Pedagogy
https://orcid.org/00000-0001-8319-8849
yeganememmedova.doc@gmail.com
Formation of Correct Speech and Pronunciation Habits in Preschool Age: Methods and Approaches
Abstract
The native language plays a fundamental role as both a tool and a source in the intellectual and moral upbringing of preschool-aged children. Typically, children begin to speak around the age of two and by six or seven years old, they can effectively communicate with those in their environment. A key focus in speech development is nurturing proper literary pronunciation. This area of work is especially critical for fostering fluent oral communication. Efforts to teach correct sound articulation should be approached carefully and methodically. Such activities are grounded in the phonetic and orphoepic rules of the language, ensuring that words are pronounced in accordance with accepted linguistic norms. Elements such as phonemic awareness, breath control, modulation of vocal tone, and appropriate use of intonation are integral parts of developing speech sound culture. A child who struggles with accurate pronunciation—even with a broad vocabulary and correct grammar—may still be difficult to understand. For this reason, attention must be given from an early age to the phonetic quality of speech and to forming habits of clear articulation. Prior to entering school, children should be able to distinguish sounds by ear, pronounce every sound in the language accurately, identify the number and sequence of letters and sounds in words and recognize words that vary by a single sound.
Keywords: native language, articulation, phonemic listening, speech culture, methodology