Questions the importance of the alternation in Received Pronunciation (RP) between clear and dark "l" in English-as-a-Second-Language pronunciation textbooks. The characteristics of the phoneme in non-RP accents are examined as well as three other allophones of "l"--vocalic, absorbed, and dropped. (Author/CB)

Examines several aspects of functional load in English that may be relevant for assessing the relative importance of segmental features of learners' speech. Implications for the use of functional load in pronunciation drill books are discussed. (Author/CB)

Investigates the usefulness of standards, targets/goals, and norms for pronunciation teaching in English. Proposed features of pronunciation models are examined critically, and a polymodel approach is recommended. (31 references) (Author/OD)

This article argues that minimal pairs do not merit as much attention as they receive in pronunciation instruction. There are other aspects of pronunciation that are of greater importance, and there are other ways of teaching vowel and consonant pronunciation. (13 references) (VWL)