Phonology and Pronunciation Teaching

Module code: EN7524

This module will provide you with an introduction to the formal description of the English sound system, based on pedagogic as well as descriptive models. You'll learn about consonant and vowel sounds in isolation (segmental phonology) and sounds in connected speech (supra-segmental aspects), to improve your awareness of how the English sound system works, and to enable you to apply this knowledge to your own teaching.

During the module you'll look at key concepts, terminology and approaches in phonology and pronunciation teaching, and discuss contemporary issues and debates within the field. You'll learn how to conduct phonological analysis of English native and learner languages, including phonemic transcription, and how to analyse and assess your learners’ pronunciation difficulties and needs.

Topics covered

• Speech production and the consonants of English
• The vowels of English
• Phonemes in English
• Phonemic transcription
• The syllable
• Word stress in English
• Connected speech
• Intonation
• Teaching pronunciation