Practical English Phonetics and Phonology

Practical English Phonetics and Phonology is an accessible and engaging textbook that offers a comprehensive introduction to the core concepts of phonetics and phonology. Designed to accommodate students with no prior background in the subject, this edition features a versatile “two-dimensional” approach organized into four self-contained sections: Introduction, Development, Exploration, and Extension. The book covers essential topics including phoneme analysis, syllable structure, speech production, and the wide array of vowel and consonant sounds, as well as discussions on stress, rhythm, intonation, and the intricacies of connected speech. It also incorporates classic readings from leading figures in the field and explores the sound systems of six key languages: Spanish, French, Italian, German, Polish, and Japanese. This fourth edition has been thoroughly reorganized with updated descriptions of modern English sounds - now reflecting the term General British (GB) - and an expanded treatment of intonation accompanied by fresh recordings. Additional enhancements include new readings by David Crystal and John Wells, and a companion website featuring samples from 25 accent varieties alongside transcriptions, study questions, and further reading recommendations. Authored by experienced teachers and researchers, Practical English Phonetics and Phonology has become an essential resource for students of English linguistics and those preparing for TEFL certification.