Describing Spoken English: An Introduction

by Charles W. Kreidler

Overview

Describing Spoken English provides a practical and descriptive introduction to the pronunciation of contemporary English. It presumes no prior knowledge of phonetics and phonology.
Charles Kreidler describes the principal varieties of English in the world today. Whilst concentrating on the phonological elements they share, the author sets out specific differences as minor variations on a theme. Although theoretically orientated towards generative phonology, theory is minimal and the book is clear, comprehensive and accessible to undergraduate and postgraduate students of linguistics and English Language. Numerous exercises are included to encourage further study.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781134747078
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/11/2002
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	256
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Charles W.Kreidler is Emeritus Professor of Linguistics at Georgetown University. His publications include The Dynamics of Language (1971) and The Pronunciation of English (1989).

Table of Contents

Preface, Symbols and typographic conventions 1 The pronunciation of English 1.1 Dialects 1.2 English outside of England 1.3 Differences and commonalities 1.4 Plan of this book 2 Speech 3 The structure of language 4 English consonants 5 English vowels 6 Syllables 7 Strong and weak syllables 8 Word stress 9 Stress in compound words and phrases 10 The role of accent in discourse 11 Intonation 12 Morphemes that vary in form

Editorial Reviews

'This is an excellent introductory account of English phonetics and phonology. The book is well written and well organized.' - Functions of Language

From the Publisher