Native-like Pronunciation in English. The Bone of Contention in Foreign Language Teaching and Learning?

This paper aims at exploring some of the sides of the teaching and learning of pronunciation, a controversial topic, in an attempt at elucidating conceptions, establishing referential points and suggesting possible solutions and logical procedures when addressing the teaching and learning of English as a foreign language, specifically when approaching pronunciation, one of the key components of language. Pronunciation is linked to the primacy of oral over written language, thus being a priority in the learning process and a necessary primary teaching objective when dealing with the speaking skill. It is also a component of the so-called linguistic (or grammatical) competence language learners are supposed to incorporate to their general competences, one of which is communicative competence, so they can complete their learning goals according to the Common European Framework of Reference for teaching foreign languages.