English Phonetics and Phonology
Department of English Language & Literature
First Term 2013/2014
Course Title: English Phonetics and Phonology
Course Number: 2231222
Meeting Time: 10:00 – 11:00
Instructor’s Name
Office Hours
Office Phone Number
Email Address
Dr. Raya Kalaldeh
Mon-Wed: 11:00-12:30
5355000 ext. 24771
r.kalaldeh@ju.edu.jo
Course Summary:
This course introduces students to English phonetics and phonology. The main focus is on
articulatory phonetics. First, students will learn how to correctly articulate, describe, and
transcribe English speech sounds; consonants and vowels.The International Phonetic Association
(IPA) symbols are introduced and used in transcription. Students will also learn the main
differences between British English and American English, particularly in vowels. Second, the
stress patterns of English words are introduced and the concepts of syllable, foot, and rhythm are
presented. Third, proper intonation patterns of English utterances are introduced according to
sentence mode (statement, yes-no question, wh-question, declarative questions, and
exclamations). Finally and if time allows, students will learn how to annotate English utterances
using the latest framework currently used for transcribing intonation (the auto-segmental
metrical approach). Examples and commentary on other varieties of English such as Irish
English (IrE), Scottish Standard English (SSE), and Urban varieties of American English are
discussed throughout the course.
Course Objectives:
By the end of the course students are expected to:

Understand how speech sounds are produced and articulated and be able to describe
vowels and consonants of the English language.

Be familiar with the International Phonetic Association (IPA) symbols and capable of
transcribing English utterances whether single words or sentences.

Understand the concepts of syllable and word stress and be able to identify the stressed
syllable in any given English word.

Understand the concepts of foot and rhythm.

Be familiar with the major phonological differences between the two reference varieties
of English; British English and American English.

Recognize that there are different accents and dialects of English which results in various
pronunciation and phonological rules.

Understand how intonation works and be familiar with functions of the major pitch
accents in English (British and American).
Textbook:

Carr, P. 2013. English phonetics and phonology: an introduction.2nd Ed. UK: Oxford.
Blackwell publishing Ltd.
Additional Readings and References:

International Phonetic Association. 1991. Handbook of the international phonetic
association. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Ladefoged, P. 1993. A course in phonetics, 3rded. New York: Hartcourt Brace College
Publishers.

Roach, P. 2010. English phonetics and phonology: a practical course.Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press.

Wells, J. C. 1982. Accents of English. rpt. 1996 Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press.

http://international.ouc.bc.ca/pronunciation/
Methodology:
Students are advised to have a file/folder as they will be given worksheets and material from
different references throughout the course. Exercises in phonetic description and transcription
will provide a means of illustrating and practising the basic principles introduced. There will be
several PowerPoint presentations and relevant video screening throughout the course. Students
are advised to consult any of the major British or American dictionaries to check their
pronunciation and transcription. As most electronic dictionaries do not use the IPA symbols, the
use of such dictionaries is discouraged. Students are advised to read the relevant material before
attending class to better grasp the basic concepts discussed. Students should have access to the
contents of this course available on the E-course.
Course Plan:
This course plan is subject to modifications. Students will be notified of any changes beforehand.
Week
Dates
Lectures
Topic
1.
15/9 – 19/9
3
English Phonetics: Consonants (i)
2.
22/9 – 26/9
3
English Phonetics: Consonants (ii)
3.
29/9 – 3/10
3
English Phonetics: Vowels (i)
4.
6/10 – 10/10
3
English Phonetics: Vowels (ii)
Eid Al-Adha
5.
20/10 – 24/10
3
The Phonemic Principle
6.
27/10 – 31/10
3
The Phonemic Principle
7.
3/11 – 7/11
3
English Phonemes
8.
10/11 – 14/11
3
English Syllable Structure
9.
17/11 – 21/11
3
English Syllable Structure
10.
24/11 – 28/11
3
Rhythm and Word Stress in English
11.
1/12 – 5/12
3
English Intonation
12.
8/12 – 12/12
3
English Intonation
13.
15/12– 19/12
3
Variation in English Accents
14.
22/12 – 26/12
3
Variation in English Accents
15.
29/12 – 2/1
3
Revision Week
Course Policy:

You are expected to be in class on time. Students coming late are allowed to enter but
will be counted as absent. The same applies to leaving class early. No exceptions.

Participation and students’ involvement are crucial to the success of the course. All
students are expected to read the assigned materials before lectures in order to fully
engage in the discussions.

The University allows students to be absent SEVEN times during the semester. These
times include those with an excuse. If you exceed this limit, you will not be allowed to sit
for the final exam. The only excuse that would remove your absence from your record is
in case of a conflict with another course (a scheduled written exam).

No make-up exams. In case of absence in exams because of sickness, only reports issued
directly from a public clinic or hospital will be accepted. Medical reports from private
practiced doctors or private hospitals will not be accepted even if they are stamped by the
university’s clinic. Reports should be produced within a week of the date of the exam. No
exceptions.
Course Evaluation:
Examination
Grading
Date
Time
Venue
Quiz
20%
31st of October
10 - 11
Lecture venue
10 - 11
Lecture venue
th
Midterm
30%
28 of November
Final
50%
In January 2014
Lecture venue