Learning outcome

Upon completion of the course the student should

• be familiar with the basic terminology of English phonetics and phonology, and be able to apply this terminology to actual linguistic examples
• recognize the individual sounds of English and their articulation, learn to use phonemic transcription, and account for the basic patterns of English stress and intonation
• identify the main differences between standard British and standard American pronunciation, as well as some other varieties of English around the world
• be able to utilize the comparisons between Norwegian and English so that the student’s own spoken English has less interference from Norwegian pronunciation and intonation

Course Description

The Sounds of English provides an introduction to the individual sounds (vowels and consonants) and sound patterns (in particular syllables, stress, rhythm, and intonation) in modern English.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The teaching is organized in lectures and seminars, with four hours of instruction per week. In the lectures, the individual themes will be clarified and examined. In the seminar lessons, the students will be given the opportunity to work with exercises on specific themes and take part in active discussions.

Assessment Methods

• Written exam, 5 hours, counts 100% (graded mark)
• Work requirement (1), home assignment (pass/non pass)
• Work requirement (2), home assignment (pass/non pass)
• Work requirement (3), at least 75% attendance in seminars (required for the student to be allowed to take the exam)

All parts must be passed.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean