Transcribing the Sound of English
A Phonetics Workbook for Words and Discourse

Enjoy developing skills in phonetics with easy explanations, 'can't-go-wrong' exercises, audio back-up, real life talk and words to intonation.

Paul Tench (Author)

9780521166058, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 11 August 2011

202 pages
24.4 x 17.3 x 1.3 cm, 0.4 kg

'Tench's course supplements existing descriptive works on English phonetics and is ideal for autonomous learners, regardless of their level. It cannot be regarded merely as a practice book, as it puts transcription skills in a wider context and shows the value of being analytical and attentive to detail, qualities indispensable in academic research. Given the current paucity of transcription training material for university-level courses, it is a very welcome arrival on the scene. It is also a hugely enjoyable read.' English Language and Linguistics

Do you have a fear of transcription? Are you daunted by the prospect of learning and handling unfamiliar symbols? This workbook is for students who are new to linguistics and phonetics, and offers a didactic approach to the study and transcription of the words, rhythm and intonation of English. It can be used independently or in class and covers all the pronunciation details of words, phrases, rhythm and intonation. Progress is deliberately gentle with plenty of explanations, examples and 'can't go wrong' exercises. In addition, there is an associated website with audio recordings of authentic speech, which provide back-up throughout. The audio clips also introduce students to variations in accents, with eleven different speakers. Going beyond the transcription of words, the book also ventures into real discourse with the simplification systems of colloquial English speech, rhythm and intonation.

Introduction
Part I. Words ... : Why transcribe?
1. Vowels
2. Consonants
3. Word stress
4. Allophones
5. Accents
6. Phrases
Part II. … and Discourse: 7. Rhythm
8. Intonation: tonality
9. Intonation: tonicity
10. Intonation: tone
11. Intonation: secondary tone
12. Intonation.

Subject Areas: Phonetics, phonology [CFH]