1st Edition
Pronunciation for English as an International Language From research to practice
Pronunciation plays a crucial role in learning English as an international language, yet often remains marginalised by educators due to a lack of required phonetic and phonological knowledge. Pronunciation for English as an International Language bridges the gap between phonetics, phonology and pronunciation and provides the reader with a research based guide on how best to teach the English language. The book follows an easy to follow format which ensures the reader will have a comprehensive grasp of each given topic by the end of the chapter. Key ideas explored include:
• Articulation of English speech sounds and basic transcription
• Connected speech processes
• Current issues in English language pronunciation teaching
• Multimedia in English language pronunciation practice
• Using speech analysis to investigate pronunciation features
Using the latest research, Pronunciation for English as an International Language will facilitate effective teaching and learning for any individual involved in teaching English as a second, foreign or international language.
1. Introduction and Theoretical Paradigms 2. Articulation of English Speech Sounds and Basic Transcription 3. Acoustics of English Speech Sounds 4. Vowels 5. Consonants 6. Connected Speech Processes 7. Stress 8. Rhythm 9. Intonation 10. Current Issues in EIL Pronunciation Teaching 11. Multimedia in EIL Pronunciation Practice 12. Using Speech Analysis Software to Investigate Pronunciation Features 13. Bibliography on Phonetic Features and EIL Pronunciation Teaching
Biography
Ee-Ling Low is Professor of English Language & Literature and Head, Office of Strategic Planning and Academic Quality at the National Institute of Education, Singapore.
"This book offers a comprehensive resource for teachers, student-teachers and researchers, providing the necessary concepts and skills needed to develop sound practices for the teaching of pronunciation." -- Professor Jack C Richards
"This book’s greatest strength is in connecting the research and terminology in EIL, WE and ELF. ELF currently dominates pronunciation discussions, but rarely is the historical background of ELF evident, even though that historical background (EIL and WE) is alive and well (as in Nelson, 2011). Second, the topical organization of pronunciation research in each chapter will help researchers push forward research in particular areas. Some of these chapters are particularly valuable, such as the chapter on rhythm, an area that is especially difficult to research but which is critical in discussions of EIL." -- John M. Levis, Iowa State University
