Online Assignment #4

Dear Students,
   In our previous session, we reviewed the high front vowels and became familiar with the rest of the front vowels.  Here are some useful videos for you to watch and practice.
1. The /e/ sound  (as we have discussed for some phoneticians they categorized this sound as a diphthong, Rachel in her youtube channel also sees it as a diphthong.)

2. The [ɛ] vowel sound:

3. The /æ/ vowel sound:

In the comment section below, answer the following questions:

  After pronouncing these videos, 

1. Which of the previous vowel sound do you consider more similar to Spanish and why?   

 2. Which one do you consider different and why?

Online Assignment #3: High Front Vowels

Hello Dear Students,
Today we had the opportunity to practice high front vowels.  Watch the following videos and practice high front vowels: (Canadian English)

High Front Lax Vowel:

American English /i/ and /I/   pronounced by Rachel on her youtube channel:
High Front Tense Vowel:

High Front Lax Vowel:

After watching the videos,  Please answer the following questions in the comment section below:

1. Do you notice any difference between Canadian and American English? Yes or No? 

2. Do you think your pronunciation is closer to American or Canadian?  Why?

Online Assignment #2

Dear Students,
  Below, you will find the links to a couple of IPA Charts.  They are interactive.  Click on each sound and you will listen to it.  Practice them.  Make sure you only click on the sounds that belong to the English Language
IPA Consonants
IPA Vowels

After practicing, please answer the following questions:
1.  What would be the most difficult consonant sound for you?  Why?
2. What would be the most difficult vowel sound for you?  Why?

Post your answer in the comment section below.

Regards,
Prof. Eva

Online Assignment #1

You can find many definitions of what is phonetics, and it is really hard to decide which one is the best.  That’s why I chose six definitions that in their particular way address important aspects of what is phonetics and what studying phonetics involves.
Here they are:

1. Phonetics is the study of the articulatory and acoustic properties of the sounds of human language.
2. The branch of linguistics that deals with the sounds of speech and their production, combination, description, and representation by written symbols.
3. The system of sounds of a particular language.
4. Phonetics (from the Greek: φωνή, phōnē, “sound, voice”) is a branch oflinguistics that comprises the study of the sounds of human speech.^[1] It is concerned with the physical properties of speech sounds (phones): their physiological production, acoustic properties, auditory perception, and neurophysiological status.
5. The study of speech sounds, their production and combination, and their representation by written symbols.
6. The description and analysis of the sounds of a particular language.

Now you have an idea what is phonetics.  Now, I encourage you to write a paragraph about what do you think learning Phonetics is important for you as a B.A. in English student?  Just click on the post a comment section.

Welcome to Phonetics 2

Welcome to our Phonetics Class Blog, a space where I would like to give you the opportunity to find useful material to learn about English Phonetics and improve your pronunciation.

     Let me tell you a short story about how I started teaching Phonetics. Some years ago, I was asked to teach my first phonetics course, I was thrilled to share with my students a subject that I thought was going to be fun and easy.   Unfortunately, I was totally wrong.  My students that quarter struggled a lot to master the main phonetic concepts, there were times when I sensed that they could not understand what I was talking about.   I felt even worse when most of my students failed their first mid-term.   I have to be honest I felt like a complete failure as a teacher.   How was that possible?  I tried really hard to teach them the best I could.  I really couldn’t believe it.

     One day, I decided to make some changes, used different strategies that might help them to learn phonetics and enjoy the learning process.   I spent a lot of time online trying to find things that have proven to be successful with other teachers or things that even though were not closely related to phonetics may be useful.   Thank God,  my new approach was a success!!!   My students began learning the concepts, and even enjoyed the subject.  I felt so proud of them, and I felt relieved.

     Right now, I am teaching Phonetics again, and I would like to have an online space where you can come and practice, even from home.  I hope that you find the experience relevant and useful for the improvement of your English language skills.

Bye for now,

Prof. Ramos

Course Syllabus

Hello,
Click the link below, you will find the course syllabus:
Phonetics 2 Syllabus

Let's get ready to discuss it.

Regards,
Prof. Eva

Contact Info

Hello,
Below there is a link where you will be required to write your contact information.  A number from this list will be assigned to you.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1PfQraoXRNIQUdimUid_KNeeaZRYMTnjPferRJL0lkMM/edit?usp=sharing

Regards,
Prof. Eva