Gimson's Pronunciation of English [Paperback]

A. C. Gimson (Author), Alan Cruttenden (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 21, 1994 | ISBN-10: 0340582650 | ISBN-13: 978-0340582657 | Edition: 5

This book is the standard reference book on English pronunciation. First published in 1962, its scope and authority have never been rivaled. This fifth edition is the most comprehensively revised edition to date. The book's treatment of world Englishes, especially American English, has been expanded, increasing its international appeal. The content has been thoroughly revised and extended, in particular the sections on language teaching and the measurement of sounds. The reviser, Alan Cruttenden, is a well known phonetician who studied with Gimson at University College, London.

Editorial Reviews

Review

It is beyond doubt that this book remains the most authoritative introduction to English phonetics...with this new edition, Cruttenden has contributed his part to safeguarding the place the book merits for the coming years. -- Linguistics If one could use the phrase 'classic text' at this point in the history of phonetics literature, A.C. Gimson's An Introduction to English Pronunciation would aptly fit the description. Cruttenden's reputation as a phonetician plainly shows throughout the book. Once I started reading it, I could not help but wonder if perhaps Erasmus was mistaken when he said "as no one is so good that he cannot be made better, so no book is so complete that it cannot be improved"(letter to John Botzheim, 1523). -- Revista Alicantina de Estudios Ingleses This updated edition of Gimson's classic will maintain its status as the foremost description of British varieties of English pronunciation. -- International Phonetic Association 20030529 This latest edition of Gimson's Pronunciation of English does an excellent job in bringing this classic up to date. Cruttenden's new edition will ensure that Gimson's Pronunciation of English will maintain its position as the most comprehensive and authoritative introduction to English phonetics for years to come. It thus remains an indispensable reference book for anyone involved in studying or teaching the pronunciation of English. -- English Language Teaching Journal 20021001 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Alan Cruttenden, Reader in Phonetics, University of Manchester.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Hodder Education Publishers; 5 edition (July 21, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0340582650
• ISBN-13: 978-0340582657
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,978,415 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book, but only for advanced learners, April 27, 2008

By 

Beppe "Beppe" (Italy) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gimson's Pronunciation of English (Paperback)

This book is strongly recommended only if you are an advanced learner (both in English and in phonetics) and you are looking for a book that helps you to achieve native-like competence in English pronunciation. Note that the book focuses on Received Pronunciation (that is the most prestigious variety spoken in the UK), and only somewhat cursory references are made to other pronunciations (like General American). Note also that sound knowledge of phonetics is required because you might not agree with the author on some issues, such as how he deals with English accentuation.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gimson's Pronunciation of English, April 20, 2001

By 

Melika Suljkanovic (Beaumont, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gimson's Pronunciation of English (Paperback)

I find the Gimson's Pronunciation of English by Alan Cruttenden to be an excellent book. English language is not my native language. Hence, it was very hard for me to understand the English pronunciation. This book helped me to understand the basics of English Phonetics. By understanding the English phonetics I was able to improve my pronunciation enormously. I can strongly recommend this book to everyone.