BENG103
English Language: Phonetics and Phonology

ECTS Value: 5 ECTS

Contact Hours: 25

Self Study Hours: 60

Assessment Hours: 32

 

Overall Objectives and Outcomes

This module will introduce course participants to the foundational principles of phonetics and phonology within the English Language. In doing so, this module aims to develop aspiring educators’ appreciation of the distinctive features of the English language whilst preparing them to teach pronunciation, support students’ literacy development and address learner diversity.

Within this module, participants will develop skills to enable them to engage in the phonological transcription of the English language whilst acquiring a thorough knowledge on phonological concepts, the IPA, the production of sound, prosody and the application of phonetics and phonology in English Language Teaching.

By the end of this module, the learner will be able to:

Competences

  • a)Develop a thorough knowledge of phonetics and phonology and their application to the classroom;
  • b)Evaluate the role of phonetics and phonology in supporting learner language development;
  • c)Assess learner language and modify teaching to address specific challenges in pronunciation for English language learners;
  • d)Implement classroom activities which foster a positive learning experience for learners’ pronunciation.
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Knowledge

  • a)Recall transcription conventions used in the International Phonetic Alphabet;
  • b)Identify articulatory and acoustic properties of English speech sounds;
  • c)Distinguish foundational concepts such as phonemes, allophones and distinctive features;
  • d)Explain the features of English prosody including intonation, stress and rhythm;
  • e)Identify common patterns such as assimilation, elision and linking in connected speech and their impact on pronunciation;
  • f)Identify ethical considerations in language teaching related to accent variation, linguistic diversity, and avoiding discriminatory attitudes toward speech patterns;
  • g)Compare different teaching techniques for addressing phonological challenges in the English language classroom;
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Skills

  • a)Transcribe speech sounds within the English language using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA);
  • b)Analyse syllable structures and placement of stress in English words and sentences;
  • c)Apply effective strategies for the teaching of pronunciation and phonics to English language learners;
  • d)Integrate knowledge of connected speech into strategies for teaching language fluency;
  • e)Justify analytical conclusions about phonetic or phonological features using structured, evidence-based arguments;
  • f)Design lesson plans incorporating phonetic and phonological concepts to enhance language development.
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Assessment Methods

This module will be assessed through: Lesson Plan, Assignment and Forum Participation

Suggested Readings

Core Reading List

  1. Bauer, L. (2023). English Phonetics, Phonology and Spelling for the English Language Teacher. Routledge.
  2. Carley, P., Mees, I.M., and Collins, B. (2025). Practical English Phonetics and Phonology: A Resource Book for Students. 5th Routledge.
  3. Carr, P. (2019). English Phonetics and Phonology: An Introduction. 3rd Wiley Blackwell.
  4. McMahon, A. (2020). Introduction to English Phonology. 2nd EUP.

Supplementary Reading List

  1. Brinton, L.J. and Brinton, D.M. (2010). The Linguistic Structure of Modern English. USA: John Benjamins Publishing Company.
  2. Carley, P., Mees, I.M., and Collins, B. (2025). Practical English Phonetics and Phonology: A Resource Book for Students. 5th Routledge.
  3. Ogden, R. (2017). An Introduction to English Phonetics. 2nd EUP.
  4. Roach, P. (2009). English Phonetics and Phonology: A Practical Course. 4th Cambridge University Press.
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