English Phonetics and Phonology: Introduction to Consonants

Introduction: This week we begin our study of the English consonant system. We will learn what consonants are, how they can be classified, and also learn the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) symobls that are used to represent them. Follow your professor's instructions to complete the tasks below.

Task 1: Say it Three Times Fast

Let's warm up with a few simple tongue twisters. These are really short but challenging phrases to pronounce. Do it like this. Choose the first phrase. Say each word slowly. Now say the whole phrase. Now repeat the same phrase 3 times as fast as you can. Have fun!

• Toy Boat
• Red Leather, Yellow Leather
• Unique New York
• Irish Wristwatch

Task 2: Reading Reaction

Discuss the following questions regarding the homework assignments from last week.

• Think about the diagnostic test that you completed, how many of the questions were you able to answer? 
• What did you think about the textbook pages that you read?
• What was difficult about reading? 
• Were you able to complete the study guide? 
• Read the following keywords and phrases from the reading. What can you say about them?
• Phoneme
• Minimal Pair
• Orthography vs Transcription
• Syllable
• Consonant
• Parts of the Vocal Tract
• Articulators
• Manners of Articulation

Task 3: Classifying Consonants

Click on your group worksheet below and follow the instructions in the shared document.

• Group 1: CLICK HERE
• Group 2: CLICK HERE
• Group 3: CLICK HERE
• Group 4: CLICK HERE
• Group 5: CLICK HERE