Post-Basic Level Pronunciation

Syllabus for Pronunciation of English Language

Chapter 1: Introduction to English Pronunciation

• Phonetics and phonology: Definitions and their importance in language learning
• The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA): An overview and its use in representing sounds
• Articulatory features: Place, manner, and voicing of sounds

Chapter 2: Vowels

• Monophthongs:
  • Short vowels: /æ/, /ɛ/, /ɪ/, /ɒ/, /ʌ/
  • Long vowels: /eɪ/, /iː/, /oʊ/, /ɑː/, /uː/
• Diphthongs: /aʊ/, /eɪ/, /oʊ/, /əʊ/, /aɪ/
• Schwa and reduced vowels: /ə/ and /ɚ/
• Practice exercises: Minimal pair drills, vowel identification

Chapter 3: Consonants

• Plosives: /p/, /b/, /t/, /d/, /k/, /g/
• Fricatives: /f/, /v/, /θ/, /ð/, /s/, /z/, /ʃ/, /ʒ/
• Affricates: /tʃ/, /dʒ/
• Nasals: /m/, /n/, /ŋ/
• Liquids: /l/, /r/
• Glides: /w/, /j/
• Practice exercises: Consonant identification, minimal pair drills

Chapter 4: Stress and Intonation

• Word stress:
  • Rules for word stress
  • Practice exercises: Identifying stressed syllables
• Sentence stress:
  • The role of stress in conveying meaning
  • Practice exercises: Identifying stressed words in sentences
• Intonation:
  • Rising and falling intonation patterns
  • Practice exercises: Using intonation to express emotions and questions

Chapter 5: Connected Speech

• Assimilation:
  • Examples and practice exercises
• Elision:
  • Examples and practice exercises
• Linking:
  • Examples and practice exercises
• Practice exercises: Connected speech drills

Chapter 6: Common Pronunciation Errors and Strategies

• Common errors made by learners
• Strategies for improving pronunciation:
  • Shadowing
  • Minimal pair drills
  • Tongue twisters
  • Recording and self-assessment
• Practice exercises: Error correction, pronunciation improvement activities

Chapter 7: Regional Accents and Dialects

• Introduction to regional variation
• Common regional accents (e.g., British, American, Australian)
• Key differences in pronunciation
• Practice exercises: Listening to and identifying different accents

Chapter 8: Pronunciation in Different Contexts

• Pronunciation in academic settings
• Pronunciation in business settings
• Pronunciation in informal settings
• Practice exercises: Role-playing and simulations

Chapter 9: Using Technology for Pronunciation Practice

• Language learning apps and websites
• Pronunciation training software
• Online pronunciation resources