TLÜ ÕIS

English Phonetics and Varieties of English

Course code

GRA6302.HT

old course code

Course title in Estonian

Inglise keele foneetika ja inglise keele variandid

Course title in English

English Phonetics and Varieties of English

ECTS credits

6.0

Assessment form

Examination

lecturer of 2023/2024 Spring semester

Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.

lecturer of 2024/2025 Autumn semester

Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.

Course aims

To introduce students to the basic aspects of phonetics, study the sound system of English, explore the relationship between the phonology and orthography of English, provide systematic practice in transcribing English words. To introduce regional variation of the English language, to identify and characterise the main varieties of English (phonological features, differences in grammar and lexis) and discuss the future of English.

Brief description of the course

The first part of the course focuses on the sound system of English, e.g., the production of speech sounds, the phoneme, the stress, intonation and functions of intonation. The second part of the course gives an overview of the main varieties of English in the world. The topics covered include the development of standard languages, the relation of the two main varieties of English: British and American English; regional variation in the British Isles and in North America; the spread of English in the world; English in New Zealand and Australia; English-based pidgins and creoles; second language varieties of English.

Learning outcomes in the course

Upon completing the course the student:
- will know the technical terminology used in discussions of each topic, will be able to identify a wide variety of segment types and knows how they are produced, and will be able to transcribe a text.
- will demonstrate knowledge of English varieties in the world, will be able to place and characterise the main varieties, demonstrate factual knowledge of the phonological, grammatical and lexical variation found in English.
- will also be able to demonstrate an understanding of the interplay of regional and social variation and its relation to historical change.

Teacher

Rita Anita Forssten

Study programmes containing that course