As another language learner, and having watched others learn, I do not feel
that "pronunciation first" is the key to learning the language well. All of
my experience says that delaying producing the language is beneficial. If
the learner focuses on trying to understand the spoken and written language,
accumulating words and phrases, and simply getting used to the language, the
learner will do better when she starts to speak. I am a strong believer in
the silent period approach and there is a fair amount of evidence out there
to support it.

This avoids putting the learner in a situation where she will fail and feel
stupid. It is very difficult to pronounce what you do not yet hear clearly.
It is pointless to demand performance early when this performance will be
easier later.

I would be interested in the views of others.
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