The "sandhi variation" and Second Language Listening

          I am currently working on my thesis proposal and though i have already determined the area that i would focus on (applied linguistics), I am still very much hanging in the air as to what direction my study is heading to. Lisnguistics is such an overwhelming field of study and there are so many issues and problems that are very much au courant. A simple task of choosing a topic for my thesis is already driving me into hopeless bouts of confusion. After days and nights (and wee hours in the morning) of research and internet diving (surfing would be an understatement) i have decided to do an investigation that would provide answers to a hypothesis i have postulated a few years back (the effect of sandhi variation on second language listening).

          My greatest frutration in my years of experience in teaching ESL/EFL is the lack of effective and substantial material for the improvement of second language listening specifically suited for beginner students. L2 learners with less knowledge of the English phonology and lexicons find it quite stressful using the available listening materials.

to be finished....