The voice of the modern language teacher: a research project

Abstract

Trainee-teachers of French at Homerton College, Cambridge, displayed signs of above-average voice problems, prompting the Head of Modern Languages and the college voice specialist to investigate the phenomenon. Trainees were videoed and submitted to voice-profile analysis, using both English and French in studio and classroom conditions. Findings confirmed the hunch that there is a tendency for English teachers of French to use a higher vocal pitch when speaking the second language. Another observation was that teachers tend not to adapt fully to the vocal characteristics of the spoken French language, such as lip-rounding. More research needs to be done on voice strain experienced by teachers of foreign languages, not just French. Individual teachers should be aware of their own vocal health and of the detrimental effect which a strained and over-pitched voice can have on themselves and on their students.