English Pronunciation in a Global World

Week 1: What is important in English pronunciation?

Start date:

1.20Reflection discussion

IntroductionWe will discuss important issues in English pronunciation in a global world: intelligibility (understandability), credibility and personal identity. We will also outline the learning objectives of week 1.

1.1Welcome to the course! Week 1 article

1.2Brainstorming about English pronunciation in a global world discussion

1.3Introduction to week 1 video (05:48)

1.4English pronunciation features: intelligibility, credibility and identity article

Sharing our English pronunciations and experiences speaking EnglishYou and your fellow students will share your English pronunciations and experiences speaking English. This hands-on exposure and exchange of information will raise your awareness of variation in English pronunciation.

1.5Sharing our English pronunciations exercise

1.6Sharing our experiences speaking English exercise

Needs assessmentThe goal of the needs assessment is to identify your current needs regarding English pronunciation. We will use the results of the needs assessment to determine directions for your learning in the course.

1.7What English pronunciation features are difficult for you? exercise

1.8Listening Practice in Real English exercise

1.9Self-evaluation quiz

Setting goals for your English pronunciationYou have discussed, shared and reflected on a number of issues regarding English pronunciation in a global world. You will now set personal English pronunciation goals that you would like to achieve in this course.

1.10Setting personal goals regarding English pronunciation discussion

Making a recording of your English pronunciationYou will make an audio-recording of your English pronunciation. Your recording will be peer-reviewed by another learner in the course. You will, in turn, peer-review the recording of another learner.

1.11Making a recording of your English pronunciation assignment

1.12Peer Assignment Review assignment review

1.13Peer Review Reflection assignment reflection

One major difference between English accents: rhoticityYou will watch a video that explains the feature of rhoticity. Rhotic and non-rhotic accents will be illustrated in the word list and in the reading passage. You will also practise a (non-)rhotic accent in two exercises.

1.14The notion of rhoticity explained video (05:16)

1.15The word list in non-rhotic and in rhotic pronunciation exercise

1.16The reading passage in non-rhotic and in rhotic pronunciation exercise

1.17Words in rhotic and non-rhotic pronunciation exercise

1.18A fun exercise for practising (non)rhotic pronunciation discussion

Ask your educator questions onlineYou will have the opportunity to consult with your educator and your mentors online. You can discuss the goals that you have set for your English pronunciation, ask them for advice, or raise any other questions that you may have.

1.19Ask your educator questions online discussion

ReflectionAt the end of the first week you will reflect on what you have learnt in the past week and the outlook for the next three weeks.