Phonetics

Description

This course introduces learners to the study of speech sounds. It covers the sounds of speech, their description (phonetics), their organization (phonology), and interaction with morphology (morphophonology). Learners will develop skills in perceiving, articulating and transcribing vowel and consonant sounds using IPA symbols. They will also be acquainted with the distinguishing features of both consonants and vowels, as well as syllable structure and division. The course touches upon pronunciation differences between main English accents. The concept of stress is also tackled with view to its effect on rhythm. Furthermore, learners are familiarized with the main aspects of connected speech and their effect on pronunciation. The course also discusses the functions of intonation and the use of different intonation patterns.

Program

Humanities

Objectives

• By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1.1 explain the movement and functions of speech organs.
  1.2 compare and contrast English consonants and vowels using relevant phonetic terms.
  1.3 identify the components of a syllable and the rules used for syllabification.
  1.4 list the features of stressed syllables and types of stress.
  1.5 recognize various aspects of connected speech.
  1.6 discuss different functions of intonation and describe intonation patterns and their uses.
  2.1 use appropriate phonetic terminology to describe various consonants and vowels.
  2.2 distinguish basic differences between American and British accents.
  2.3 analyze syllable structure and divide given words into syllables.
  2.4 assign correct word stress.
  2.5 illustrate phonetic changes occurring in connected speech.
  2.6 determine the suitable intonation pattern for a given utterance.
  3.1 transcribe vowel and consonant sounds using IPA symbols.
  3.2 draw diagrams of syllable structures and divide words into syllables.
  3.3 demonstrate appropriate phonetic notations to indicate stress and intonation patterns.
  3.4 comment on different English accents, particularly British and American.
  3.5 assess pronunciation errors by non-native speakers.
  3.6 predict changes in pronunciation taking place in connected speech.
  4.1 interpret IPA symbols and different phonetic notations.
  4.2 produce correct pronunciation of English words and phrases.
  4.3 integrate appropriate phonetic terminology in discussions and academic writing.
  4.4 demonstrate their use of the features of connected speech in producing smooth utterances.
  4.5 write a short term paper elaborating on a phonetic topic of their choice.
  4.6 give an oral presentation on a selected topic relevant to phonetics.