Sobre la necesidad de la teoría en la práctica

Abstract

In foreign language programs; theoretical courses are sometimes eliminated as unnecessary. Theory; however; can and should be a basis for formulating more effective teaching strategies than the current ones. Aspiration of initial voiceless consonants in English is always considered with respect to the consonants/p/; /t/; and/k/. Nevertheless; the basis of the theory of distinctive features lead us to prefer an aspiration rule which would apply to all voiceless consonats (also to /ě/; /f/; /ɵ/; /s/; /š/; /h/ and /W/). The hypothesis seems correct; but suggests an experiment to perform to test; or support; this result.This would be a case of the theory guiding us toward  relevant forms of research; however; it also shows us what to teach in order to improve the students' pronunciation of English. It is unlikely that a researcher would do experiments on these phenomena; or even become
aware of the facts; without his considering the theoretical and practical implications of the theory.