The Sounds of Language - 9781138457775

Taylor & Francis

Phonetics is the scientific study of sounds used in language. This study considers the two most influential accents in English: the British and the American. In particular, it examines how the sounds of English are made, asking: What do we do with our bodies to produce each different sound? > Phonetics is the scientific study of sounds used in language- how the sounds are produced, how they are transferred from the speaker to the hearer and how they are heard and perceived. The Sounds of Language provides an accessible, general introduction to phonetics with a special emphasis on English. Focusing on the phonetics of English, the first section allows students to get an overall view of the subject. Two standard accents of English are presented- RP (Received Pronunciation), the standard accent of England, and GA (General American), the standard accent throughout much of North America. The discussion is arranged so that students can read only the RP or GA portions, if desired. Sixtee.