Pronunciation is an essential component of language as spoken communication. We distinguish between phonetics, which studies the physical processes by which sounds are made, and phonology, which is the study of how sounds function and pattern in systems that represent words, phrases, grammar and discourse. 

The module is intended to cover a presentation of the role that pronunciation plays in our society and culture, including poetry, advertising and entertainment, and the description of the consonants, vowels and stress patterns of English words, the simplification processes (assimilation, etc.) of phrases, rhythm and intonation, in Southern England Standard Pronunciation (formerly known as ‘RP’) but also with reference to differences in other accents. 

(a)   Identify and interpret phonetic and phonological phenomena and use the relevant descriptive terminology; 

(b)   Evaluate the use of prosody in different discursive, social, cultural contexts; 

(c)   Transcribe words and passages using appropriate phonemic and phonetic symbols; 

(d)   Analyse the systems of intonation and assess their contribution to meaning in interactive discourse; 

(e)   Theoretically classify speech sounds both at the phonemic level and the more abstract distinctive feature level;  

(f) Sustain a critical argument that is responsive to the particular conventions of the genre 

The module will be delivered through a mix of large group and small group sessions, including, where relevant, asynchronous materials such as lecture recordings. Full details on the delivery mode of this module will be available on Learning Central at the start of the academic year – and may be, in part, determined by Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidance.   

In this module students will practice and develop their abilities to: 

(a)   transcribe speech phonemically; 

(b)   transcribe speech phonetically; 

(c)   communicate in formal academic prose; 

(d)   co-operate on tasks in small sized groups; 

(e)   critically peer assess their fellow students’ work; 

(f)    extrapolate knowledge to a practical problem 

(g)    the module is also relevant to all the employability pathways 

A blend of coursework and portfolio assessments.

• Pronunciation as point of public interest; 

• Brief survey of the way that English speech sounds are produced and heard; 

• Spelling and pronunciation; 

• Description of the consonants, vowels and stress patterns of English words; 

• Phonemes and Distinctive features; 

• Simplifications and rhythm in phrases; 

• How accents differ within Britain and Ireland; 

• The use of speech sound, rhythm and intonation in poetry, advertising and entertainment. 

• Introduction to intonation in discourse