Applying Phonetics: Speech Science in Everyday Life

by Murray J. Munro

A unique and accessible introduction to the field of phonetics through real-life applications and practical examples

The dynamic field of phonetics, the science of the structure and function of human speech, has seen exciting technological innovations and new applications in recent years. Applying Phonetics introduces students to the field through a unique exploratory approach that highlights practical applications and focuses on the diverse ways in which the speech sciences influence daily life. Requiring no prior knowledge of linguistics, this accessible, student-friendly textbook introduces the key concepts in phonetics and explains their relevance to contemporary applications. Even students who have completed introductory linguistics courses will discover plenty of new material in this volume.

Rather than immediately delving into complex theoretical information, the text presents a brief overview of basic concepts and then uses applications--speech synthesis, forensic speech science, language teaching--to explain the details. This unique approach increases student interest and comprehension, clearly demonstrating how speech science is beneficial to society. Engaging, easily-relatable topics include speech anatomy and physiology, the nature of normal and disordered speech development, the origins of speech, and speech applications in forensics, music, drama, film, and business. Written by a respected expert with over 25 years' experience teaching linguistics and phonetics, this textbook

Explores the wide-ranging applications of phonetics areas such as accessibility, computer speech, education, the fine arts, and business Demonstrates how practical problems have been addressed through phonetics, such as the use of speech analysis for forensic purposes Presents real-life case studies that illustrate fundamental phonetics concepts Includes exercises and activities, discussion questions, an extensive glossary, further readings, and a companion website Applying Phonetics: Speech Science in Everyday Life is an ideal text for undergraduate students with no prior knowledge of linguistics, as well as those needing to expand their knowledge of phonetic principles. It will appeal to students in education, computer science, cognitive science, biology, psychology, business, and music.

286 pages, Paperback

Published March 7, 2019

About the author

Dr. Munro completed his Ph.D. under the supervision of Terrance Nearey. He was also a SSHRC Post-doctoral Fellow in James Flege’s speech lab at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. His chief area of interest is Applied Phonetics, with a focus on the perception and production of speech by second language learners. Together with his colleague Tracey Derwing (University of Alberta), he carries out research on speech intelligibility, fluency, foreign accent, and oral language development in Canadian immigrants. Their work has been extensively supported by SSHRC and has appeared in such journals as Applied Linguistics, Journal of Phonetics, Language and Speech, Language Learning, Speech Communication, and Studies in Second Language Acquisition.