GIMÉNEZ FLORENCIA
Libros
Título:
Getting Pronunciation Straight. A theory and Practice Handbook (2nd Ed)
Editorial:
Todo en copias
Referencias:
Lugar: Córdoba; Año: 2010 p. 38
ISSN:
978-987-05-8497-1
Resumen:

This handbook is about English pronunciation. More specifically, it is about the sound system of English and the characterization and patterning of its individual vowel and consonant sounds. Therefore, it contains an objective description of English sounds together with the most useful usage rules that regulate permitted sound ordering and organization. The handbook is also about the symbolic representation of English sounds and, therefore, it also provides theoretical explanations and practical indications of how to develop pronunciation skills through transcription skills.

 

The collection of chapters brought together in this handbook is the result of the collaborative work of the instructors in charge of the subject English Pronunciation Practice. This subject is part of the first year curricula at the School of Languages and is meant to introduce learners to the study of the phonological component of the English language. The present work was born out of years of professional practice and came to replace the material its authors have been using with learners in a piecemeal fashion. It has been compiled in such a way that the basic conceptual information (in the form of rules and related explanations of use) and the more practical aspects of the subject are presented in one single useful compendium.

 

Together, these chapters are supposed to fulfil a twofold function. In the first place, they will give learners enrolled in the subject a comprehensive idea of some of the fundamental knowledge necessary to understand (and acquire) the pronunciation of English. Secondly, they will serve as a basis for further understanding of the theoretical and practical contents of the other subjects that deal with the area of English Phonetics in the curricula.

 

The contents have been arranged so that they match the topics dealt with in the units of the current syllabus. Chapter one provides a general introduction to the study of the components of English pronunciation. It also explains why the learning of English sounds over other speech aspects takes instructional priority in English Pronunciation Practice. Chapter two gives a brief description of the anatomy of speech together with indications about the classification and representation of English sounds. Chapter three contains aspects to be considered in the relationship between pronunciation and spelling. Chapter four discusses the morphophonemic rules of most plural morphemes and present and past tense morphemes of regular verbs. Chapter five is a presentation of weak and strong forms of pronunciation and how they should be employed in spoken English and in written pronunciation tasks. Chapter six contributes an explanatory and practical framework for the study of allophones in English.

 

The exercises included in each chapter have been devised in order for you to focus on the target phonological forms explicitly and implicitly and are meant for both classroom and home practice. We encourage you to work on these exercises extensively with the help of the dictionary and in a way that personal involvement and participation are achieved. We also advise you to rely on your ability to complete them. In the final part of the handbook, the authors have included an appendix with a correct model version of an exercise included to practise phonemic transcription and a performance sheet to promote self-monitored learning.