This article makes two points about foreign language: (1) proper pronunciation is indispensable to initial accuracy and comprehension, as well as to later study of literature and culture; and (2) the best approach to pronunciation is based on the native language as a contrastive model. Taking as an example the learning of German by Afrikaans-speaking South African students, the author claims that patterns in the mother tongue are too pervasive to be ignored, and so they must be exploited by the construction of a relative phonology which points up differences between the two languages. No matter what the system of instruction and regardless of the native tongue, this method is applicable, although the phonological differences will of course vary from language to language. Once the contrastive approach is adopted, the student will more easily be able to master sounds foreign to his ear and will also have a better understanding of patterns in his own language. (RS)