Fundamentals of Phonetics: A Practical Guide for Students

by Larry H. Small

Fundamentals of Phonetics uses in-text exercises and supplemental audio recordings (available in the Pearson eText) to teach the practical skills necessary to successfully perform phonetic transcription of individuals using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Students learn about the transcription of consonants and vowels, connected speech, and individuals with speech sound disorders. A chapter on speech acoustics introduces spectrograms and the acoustic characteristics of speech sounds. Students also learn how to transcribe individuals who display regional and ethnic dialectal variation of speech, including those who have learned to speak English as a second language. The 5th Edition is updated with current census data, new material on key concepts in phonetic transcription, and a new section on the application of speech acoustics in clinical practice. Pedagogical aids ― including new chapter summaries, learning objectives, exercises, and artwork ― help students learn, process, and practice the material.

Genres: Linguistics, School, Textbooks, Nonfiction

416 pages, Paperback

First published November 12, 1998

Reviews

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of having Dr. Small as the professor for my phonetics class years ago. I couldn't have asked for a better text to learn phonetics with. Years later, while I don't do it all that often, I can transcribe speech with ease when needed. This is a fantastic book for anyone learning what can be a daunting and confusing subject.

[Susie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the examples in this book were inconsistent with sounds and many times was not consistent with the way the northeast speakers sound so I found it difficult at times to understand his text. Many times throughout the course, our professor told us to ignore his text and would correct errors from the readings.

[Cherish Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4☆ Would recommend)
To be honest, phonetics is not my strong suit. However, this book was very helpful. The practices that come with the book were a life saver.

[Kerianne]

good book

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practice exercises were extremely helpful.