Describing Spoken English: An Introduction (Routledge Grammar) [Paperback]

Charles W. Kreidler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 7, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0415150957 | ISBN-13: 978-0415150958 | Edition: 1

Describing Spoken English provides a practical and descriptive introduction to the pronunciation of contemporary English. It presumes no prior knowledge of phonetics and phonology.
Charles Kreidler describes the principal varieties of English in the world today. Whilst concentrating on the phonological elements they share, the author sets out specific differences as minor variations on a theme. Although theoretically orientated towards generative phonology, theory is minimal and the book is clear, comprehensive and accessible to undergraduate and postgraduate students of linguistics and English Language. Numerous exercises are included to encourage further study.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'This is an excellent introductory account of English phonetics and phonology. The book is well written and well organized.' - Functions of Language --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (May 7, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415150957
• ISBN-13: 978-0415150958
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,400,105 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Describing Spoken English : An Introduction, March 31, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Describing Spoken English: An Introduction (Routledge Grammar) (Paperback)

This is the textbook I have chosen for the English phonetics course I teach. The book covers all the aspects of English phonetics and phonology in an easy to follow style. An interesting feature of this book is Kreidles's approach to differences across dialects of English as viariations on the same theme. The book discusses all of the aspects of English phonology: segments (consonants and vowels), syllables, phonological processes (assimilation, elision, weak forms, etc), word stress, phrase stress and intonation. A summary and a discussion are found at the end of each chapter. There are also several exercises with key in the book which makes it suitable for self-study.