7. The Role of Cartoon Films in Pronunciation Practice
Pronunciation ability can be achieved in some ways. The use of audio-visual media will provide some important aspects in stimulating students’ motivation in
producing the correct pronunciation. In many subjects, cartoons can open up range of worthwhile learning activities Wittich and Schuller, 1953: 138. They also state their
opinion that classroom using films has many values, for example, pupil interest is heightened, more learning is accomplished, the retention of learned material is more
permanent, and interest in reading increase 1953:404.
C. Basic Assumption
In learning a foreign language, in this case English, high school students face some difficulties in pronouncing English words intelligibly. It happens because of the
differences between their mother tongue sound system and English sound system. Most of the students have unintelligible pronunciation. Their pauses while reading
English dialogues reflect their low ability in pronouncing the correct and intelligible pronunciation. Their pauses while reading also reflect their low inner motivation and
their lack confidence. So, it needs an appropriate way to make interesting and motivating learning process.
Cartoon film is one of entertainment media that can also be used as teaching media. Unlike other film types, cartoon films have special characteristics that are
close to children’s imagination. They are fun, colourful, and attractive. Cartoon films’ characters have a strong influence to children. Some children are inspired by
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particular cartoon films character; some others are even addicted to it. Usually the character is a hero that always does a good deed. Familiar characters such as Batman,
Detective Conan, Spiderman, et cetera are children’s idol and children’s role model
as well. They will easily copy something their idols do, say, and wear. The bad impact of this phenomenon is that the children will follow bad thing in the certain
cartoon films such as violence and rude utterance. But the good news is that they will be motivated to do a good deed. They are also excited to tell their experience during
watching their favourite cartoon film because it makes them relax. Considering the underlying assumptions above, the writer tries to relate the
advantages of cartoon films in language learning to improve students’ pronunciation ability. Considering the students’ characteristics as young learners, the writer assumes
that there are some similarities between children young learners and cartoon film. Children are unique and have their own characteristics which are similar to the nature
of cartoon film. Teachers who teach children have to take these characteristics, so that the learning process will run successfully and effectively.
Cartoon films are very familiar to children. Beside for entertainment, cartoon film might also be used in education. The combination of audio stimuli and video
stimuli presented in cartoon film will help the children understand the material about the correct pronunciation comprehensively. Besides, the writer assumes that by
listening and imitating the target language in the cartoon films –based on the
pronunciation teaching theory, the students’ pronunciation ability will be increased.
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Cartoon films are also considered to be appropriate media to create relax and fun class atmosphere.
Due to the evidences above, and taking the advantages of cartoon film into account, the writer tries to apply cartoon film as a teaching aid in teaching
pronunciation to children. By looking at the theory, all about cartoon film, and relating them to
students’ pronunciation ability, the writer assumes that by using cartoon film, the students’ pronunciation ability will be improved.
D. Hypothesis
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