Course: English Phonetics

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Course title English Phonetics
Course code KAA/EPH1
Organizational form of instruction Seminar
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study 1
Semester Winter and summer
Number of ECTS credits 5
Language of instruction English
Status of course Compulsory
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Course availability The course is available to visiting students
Lecturer(s)
  • Šimáčková Šárka, Mgr. Ph.D.
  • Podlipský Václav Jonáš, Mgr. Ph.D.
  • Kopecký Daniel, Mgr.
Course content
Tentative syllabus: Learning the ropes (using the PCs and software). Vowels 1: Monophthongs. Broad / narrow transcription. Vowels 2: Diphthongs. Consonants. IPA diacritics. Phonological rules & connected speech. RP. GA. Transcription exercises.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Dialogic Lecture (Discussion, Dialog, Brainstorming), Work with Text (with Book, Textbook), Observation, Demonstration
  • Attendace - 18 hours per semester
  • Preparation for the Course Credit - 5 hours per semester
  • Homework for Teaching - 77 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
One aim of this course is to develop theoretical knowledge of phonetics and apply it to actual speech material. The second aim is to improve students' practical competence. Students are trained in perception/comprehension of English speech and in phonetic transcription (using IPA) of authentic utterances by speakers of the standard varieties of English (RP, GA) as well as their description on the segmental and prosodic levels. KAA/EPH1 (seminar) and KAA/EPH2 (lecture): - The courses partially overlap in content but differ in format. - Seminar (EPH1): emphasizes computer-based practical exercises and individualized feedback. - Lecture (EPH2): provides a coherent and more in-depth explanation of phonetic phenomena. - The courses are not dependent on each other and have no prescribed order.
Students will * develop knowledge of phonetics * be able to describe basic varieties of English (RP, GA) * improve in using IPA for phonetic transcription * improve their skill in perceiving English speech * gain a better knowledge of speech acoustics
Prerequisites
No prior specialized knowledge is required. A sound knowledge of English is necessary (the language of instruction is English).

Assessment methods and criteria
Student performance, Systematic Observation of Student, Written exam

To receive course credit before the exam, a minimum score of 75% is required. The score is based on: - active participation - tests on the assigned readings - transcriptions prepared at home - the midterm test To pass the exam, a written test must be completed.
Recommended literature
  • Brazil, D. (1994). Pronunciation for advanced learners of English.
  • Cruttenden, A. (2014). Gimson's Pronunciation of English.
  • Ladefoged, P. (2006). A Course in Phonetics.
  • Volín, J. (2003). IPA Based Transcription for Czech Students of English. Praha: Karolinum.
  • Wells, J.C. Longman Pronunciation Dictionary.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): English Philology (2025) Category: Philological sciences 1 Recommended year of study:1, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): English Philology (2025) Category: Philological sciences 1 Recommended year of study:1, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): English Philology (2025) Category: Philological sciences 1 Recommended year of study:1, Recommended semester: -