English Phonetics and Phonology - Week 7: Practice Individual Vowel Sounds

Introduction: ello everyone and welcome to the Week 7 of the course English Phonetics and Pholology for the Bachelor's in English Teaching at ULACIT term IIIC 2023. This week we will continue our study of the English vowel system by reviewing relevant theory from last week and doing several activities to become aware of the subtle differences between the phonemes /i/, /ɪ/, /u/, /ʊ/, /ɑ/, /ɛ/, /æ/. 

Today's Goals: 

• Interpret transcriptions of simple poems and write them in Standard English.
• Review key concepts related to the English vowel system.
• Complete a guided exploration task to practice /i/, /ɪ/, /u/, /ʊ/, /ɑ/, /ɛ/, /æ/.

Guiding Questions: 

• How can English vowels be classified and described?
• Which English vowels are hardest for Spanish native speakers to pronounce?

Task 1: /rid ðʌ poʊəmz/

Let's start by reviewing some of the Limerick transcriptions you did last week. Click on your group link below and follow the instructions in the document.

• Group Link: CLICK HERE 

Task 2: /wʌt dɪd ju lɝn frʌm ðʌ ˈvɪdioʊ tæsk?/

Discuss your answers to the Video Analysis task from last week.

• What did you learn about the design of the Cardinal Vowel Chart? Explain in your own words what the chart is, how it is designed, what its sections are, and their purposes.
• What is somehting that you learned in this video that helped deepen your understanding of vowels?

Task 3: /hændz ɑn præktɪs/

We have many vowel sounds and symbols to learn. The best way to get better at this is to practice. Open your group document below and complete the tasks with your partners. 

• Group Link: CLICK HERE

Resources:

Dale, P. & Poms, L. (2005). English Pronunciation Made Simple. Pearson Education.