Description

This course explores the pronunciation and structure of English in context. In terms of pronunciation, basic intonation and stress patterns are described, as well as changes occurring in the pronunciation of words when language is used in conversations.

The grammar component of this course introduces concepts from Halliday’s systemic model of functional grammar: how information structure, semantic roles, and interpersonal relations interact with formal grammatical categories to produce texts.

On completion of this course, students should

• have a basic understanding of the relationship between suprasegmental aspects of pronunciation and the meanings they convey
• have a basic understanding of concepts associated with functional grammar, in particular the importance of context and function in explaining grammatical forms

Deterding, D.H. and Poedjosoedarmo, G.R. (1998). The Sounds of English: Phonetics and Phonology for English Teachers in Southeast Asia. Singapore: Prentice Hall: Simon & Schuster (Asia) Pte. Ltd.

Deterding, D.H. and Poedjosoedarmo, G.R. (2000). Grammar Basics 2: Phrases and Functional Grammar for English Teachers in Southeast Asia. Singapore: Prentice Hall: Simon & Schuster (Asia) Pte. Ltd.

Locke, G. (1995). Functional English Grammar : An Introduction for Second Language Teachers. Cambridge University Press.

Teaching Format: 2 hours lecture, 1 hour tutorial per week (tutorials begin in second week)

Assessment: There will be one test (30%), and a final examination (70%).

Coordinator: Low Ee Ling, e-mail: ellow@nie.edu.sg

Lecturer/Tutor: David Deterding e-mail: dhdeter@nie.edu.sg; Paul Doyle; e-mail: pdoyle@nie.edu.sg