Oral production in the Foreign Language classroom: Teachers, Reflections and Suggestions

Abstract

The teaching of foreign languages has proved to be as necessary as the current globalized world demands more and varied codes to keep communication between individuals from different places. Thus, we could state that English has become a kind of 'lingua franca' which, somehow, enables communication at a higher level as its influence expands to every corner on Earth. However, the oral production is still considered the most difficult linguistic skill to be developed, according to most foreign language learners. Therefore, as foreign language teachers, we need to inquire into those reasons why our pupils do not feel comfortable when speaking in English; what our part is respect to that circumstance and what we can do to solve it. Then, the following pages seek to promote a reflective thinking and provide certain alternatives to ease the process of speaking and interacting orally in the class of English as a Foreign Language.