Practical English Phonetics and Phonology

Practical English Phonetics and Phonology is a comprehensive introduction to the core concepts of phonetics and phonology, designed for students with no prior background in the subject. This fourth edition presents key topics such as the phoneme, syllable structure, speech production, vowel and consonant possibilities, glottal settings, stress, rhythm, intonation, and the nuances of connected speech, making the material both accessible and practical for daily application. Revised and reorganized for clarity, the book is structured into self-contained sections that guide readers through an engaging learning process. It incorporates classic readings from established names in the field and outlines the sound systems of six major languages, including Spanish, French, Italian, German, Polish, and Japanese. Enhanced by a companion website featuring recordings from genuine speakers representing 25 accent varieties - from regions such as Britain, Ireland, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Singapore, and West Africa - the edition also includes updated descriptions of modern English sounds and expanded discussions on intonation, complemented by new readings from renowned scholars. Written by experienced educators and researchers, this best-selling text is ideally suited for both language students and those training for TEFL certification.