Practical English Phonetics and Phonology

This course aims at improving one's spoken English and listening skills/ability through the understanding of the important theories and applications concerning the pronunciation and speech of English. The course is divided into two parts

Part I - Phonetics

English phonemes will be explained in terms of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The topics include vowels, diphthongs and consonants in respect of the manner and the place of articulations. The application of phonetic symbols in dictionaries. After this stage, participants are expected to be able to pronounce every word shown in a dictionary.

Part II - Fluency

The differences in accent between General British (RP ) and General American, Australian and other accents of spoken English. Stress and weak form of words. Sound changes in connected speech: assimilation, elision and linking. Include intonation and voice control.

The course is especially useful for those who want to improve their pronunciation and listening skills. Working adults, university students, teachers, parents, students going to study abroad (USA, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand) and people taking English exams (IELTS, TOEFL etc.) will find the course valuable.