The Spanish Vowels: The Great Forgotten in the Spanish Classroom

Abstract

In this article, we explore how vowel pronunciation in Spanish is often overlooked in language instruction, despite its critical role in learner comprehension and communication. Our study identifies the most common vowel errors among English-speaking learners—vowel reduction, vowel alternation, and diphthongization—and presents a series of classroom activities to help students develop both perception and production skills. By implementing explicit vowel instruction and structured practice, we aim to improve students' pronunciation accuracy, boost their confidence, and encourage more meaningful interactions with native speakers. The proposed activities are adaptable across different proficiency levels, ensuring flexibility for instructors.