expressing one-self in words, acquired through listening and reading.
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While the definition of speaking ability is “the ability to produce sentences, to express, to
state, or to deliver thoughts, ideas and feelings. Speaking is human behaviors which use physics: psychological, neurological, semantic, and linguistic and in
general it can be considered as a tool of social control”.
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Referring to the definitions above, we may conclude that speaking is giving oral expression to thoughts, opinions, or feelings in a variety of contexts by
using speech organs that is built up from previous experience of language use.
2. Elements of Speaking
In speaking, it is very important for student to acquire the ability to express their ideas and opinions. Consequently, this competency should be
mastered by the learners of language. According to Jeremy Harmer, there are two elements of speaking. First, language features, consists of:
1. Connected speech is the modifying in sounds production or utterances such as assimilation, omission, addition, weakened through contraction
and stress patterning 2. Expressive devices are the alteration of the speed, volume, and stress of
utterances to show the feeling. The use of this device contributes the ability to convey meaning.
3. Lexis and grammar related to the ability to use a number of common lexical phrases, especially in the performance of certain language
functions. 4. Negotiation language is the ability to get benefits from the negotiatory
language we use to seek clarification and to show the structure of what we are saying.
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The second element of speaking is mental or social processing, consists of:
9
Henry Guntur Taringan, Berbicara Sebagai Suatu Keterampilan Berbahasa, Bandung: Angkasa, 1990 p. 3
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Maidar G. Arsjad and Mukti U.S., Pembinaan Kemampuan Berbicara, Jakarta: Erlangga, 1988, p. 23
11
Jeremy Harmer, The Practice of English Language Teaching. London: Pearson Education Limited, 2001, p. 269.
1. Language processing: the ability to process language in their own heads and put it into coherent order so that it comes out in forms that are not
only comprehensible, but also convey the meanings that are intended. 2. Interacting with others. This means that speaking also involves a good
deal of listening, and understanding of how the other participants are feeling.
3. Information processing: the ability to process the information the moment we get it.
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Therefore, the English teacher should consider these elements of speaking in teaching speaking to their students, so that they will have a good
ability in speaking. Furthermore, as explained by Arthur Hughos that for assessing spoken English production, teachers have to asses students’ pronunciation,
grammar, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.
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Although his theory does not mention explicitly about the element of speaking, however the implementation to
assess the spoken English production is dealing with the elements of speaking itself. Of course grammar and vocabulary here should be based on the curriculum
and students’ expectations.
3. The Aim of Teaching Speaking
