Research Topics in Language Studies
Unit 2 (The sounds of language): weeks 3 & 4 -readings and notes
The reading material for the final 2 weeks of unit 2 are as follows
Seminar notes - provided below
For a relatively brief overview of the major differences between different British and Irish accents - Hughes and Trudgill 1997: chapter 5 (copies supplied at seminar - master copy in Arts office box)
For information about the phonetics of connected speech - Avery and Ehrlich 1992: chapter 6 (copies supplied at seminar - master copies supplied in Arts office box)
Possible extension readings (definitely NOT required readings).
For a detailed discussion of variation in English pronunciation (both British and American varieties as well as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa) see Wells 1982a: chapter 2 - pp 117- 168 and Wells 1982b. The Wells books, however, go into much more detail than is required for this course. May, however, be of assistance if you're having trouble with the sound of a particular accent. Both Wells books are available on short-term (overnight) loan from the library.
