English Phonetics and Phonology: An Introduction (Cambridge Introductions to the English Language)

By: Frank Lorenz

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Synopsis: English Phonetics and Phonology provides a detailed yet accessible foundational account of the science of speech sounds. Suitable for introductory courses, this textbook presents the key knowledge to comprehend the nature and function of consonant and vowel sounds as well as other characteristics of spoken language, such as stress, rhythm and intonation. With a focus on the sound system of English, examples from other languages are explored and included throughout, allowing students to better understand English sounds in contrast to these languages. Readers will discover what can be measured in speech and learn the basic functions of Praat. This hands-on-approach encourages students to make their own recordings and perform simple measurements to support their learning. While each of the fourteen chapters can be covered in one seminar, instructors can easily tailor them to fit 10–12 weeks of teaching in a phonetics or linguistics module. With no prior phonetic or linguistic knowledge needed, this textbook is suitable for first year undergraduate students, or anyone interested in developing a fundamental and sustained knowledge of the sound structure of the English language.