Phonetics and phonology is the study of human speech sounds. This introductory lecture builds on ‘Introduction to English linguistics: Theory and structure’ and together with it and ‘Introduction to English linguistics: English in use’, covers the core curriculum in English linguistics.
The lecture will consider the various types of phonetics, their difference to phonology, the working of the human speech apparatus, and the rules according to which languages combine sounds to form meaningful words. The phonemic system of English will be given particular attention, especially in its RP and GA incarnation, but regional and social variation will also be addressed. The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), in particular its application to English, will be taught and exemplified in class.
NB: It is strongly recommended that students attend the ‘Theory and structure’ lecture together with this lecture in their first term, before registering for ‘English in use’ in their second term.