English Pronunciation Practice A Practical Course for Students of English By Wang Guizhen Faculty of English Language & Culture Guangdong University of Foreign Studies

Objectives of the Course This course is intended to help the students to improve their English pronunciation, including such elements as 1) the correct pronunciation of individual phonemes and words in English 2) the rhythmic patterns of the English language 3) patterns and functions of English intonation, so that the students will be able to communicate more effectively with good pronunciation and intonation.

Course content 1.English phonemes: correct discrimination and pronunciation 2.Stress of English words and sentences: basic rules and functions 3.English rhythmic patterns: basic features and functions 4. English intonation: structures, functions and use

Textbook 《英语语音教程》 An English Pronunciation Course 王桂珍 编著 高等教育出版社 2000

Reference books 1. Cruttenden, A., Gimson ’ s Pronunciation of English, Edward Arnold Limited & Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press, Gimson, A.C., An Introduction to Pronunciation of English, London: Arhold, O ’ Connor, J. D. Better English Pronunciation, Cambridge University Press, 1967

Assessment 1. Written Exam (30%): Discrimination of phonemes and the meaning of sentences, marking of the prominence and intonation of sentences. 2. Oral Exam (70%): Reading of short passages and dialogues, oral interview, etc.

English West Germanic language About 325 million native speakers: Britain, 56 million the USA, 232 million Canada, 24 million Australia & New Zealand 17 million The sole official language in more than two dozen countries The most important language of commerce The most widely learned second language

Elements of good English pronunciation to pronounce correctly the individual speech sounds of English to pronounce correctly the speech sounds in their combinations in isolated words as well as in sentences to speak fluently with correct rhythm, including the correct placement of stresses and pauses and the transition of sounds according to the context to speak with appropriate intonation according to the context

Syllable & Stressed Syllable What is a syllable? A word part and the basic unit of English rhythm What is a stressed syllable? ba NAAAAna Syllable 1 Syllable 2 Syllable 3 (short) (long) (short)

Stressed Syllables & Unstressed Syllables Stressed syllables are strong syllables. Unstressed syllables are weak syllables. Stressed syllables: are long have a pitch change have full vowel sounds. Unstressed syllables: are short often have a reduced vowel sound.