Course Description:
This course gives a broad definition of Phonetics and Phonology and the differences between the two disciplines. It focuses on articulatory phonetics and the technical terms required for the description and classification of speech sounds, speech production mechanisms and speech sound symbols. It also deals with the manner in which vowels and consonants are produced
and the parameters used in their description. The main thrust of the course is on the application of phonetic science to the teaching of proper pronunciation. Practical exercises in phonetic transcription and articulation will be emphasized. Familiarity with the IPA chart and the IPA system of transcription is stressed. Prerequisite ENGL 1301
Methodology:
The methodology of any modern language teaching presupposes participatory method. Thus, through presentations of various recorded texts, the teacher will present grammatical sentences, using questions leading from particular statements to general ones in order to explain the phonetic and phonological rules. Some exercises and activities involve the observation and identification of prosodic features and their semantic functions, or of the relations between them; others call for the manipulation or completion of sentences in various meaningful ways; phonetic transcription are sometimes proposed for discussion between pairs or groups of students; mini-projects are suggested for individual or collective research by students based on their own reading, experiences and materials gathered outside the class. Some speaking and listening exercises involve the interpretation of meanings and intentions which are inferred from the use of particular forms and structures within contexts. The different areas of phonetics (articulatory, auditory and corrective phonetics) lend themselves to a wide variety of practical linguistic activities limited only by the time factor.
Evaluation:
The types of evaluation which will be used range from short quizzes (10%), attendance (10%), home or class assignments (10%), mid-semester exam (30%) and final examination (40%).
- Teacher: Rukundo Polly