Suggestions for Teaching Spanish voiced stops /b, d, ɡ/ and their lenited allophones [β̞, ð̞, ɣ̞]

This chapter discusses the phonemes /b, d, ɡ/ by explaining the distribution of their allophones and how lenition influences their phonetic, articulatory, and acoustic characteristics. The L2 acquisition portion of the chapter is based on research involving L1 English-speaking learners and their varying levels of success in navigating Spanish lenition, while considering the effects of variables such as task type, proficiency level, context of learning, and explicit instruction. The suggested pedagogical interventions are couched in the S-PACE framework, which combines elements of two other models to form its own communicative, form-focused approach within specific contextual settings. The latter sections of the chapter present detailed forms of practice through material corresponding with each phrase of the S-PACE model. Finally, an Appendix that elaborates upon the pedagogical commentary provided in the main text is provided at the end of the chapter.