This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the phonetics and phonology of English in straightforward language, suitable for non-specialist readers. It is especially intended for students in Southeast Asia who are preparing to be English teachers, so in most cases where examples from non-English languages are given, the languages are those found in Southeast Asia. In addition, for each of the major languages of East and Southeast Asia, there is a chapter giving a brief description of its sound system. These chapters enable students to make a comparison between the sounds of English and those of languages they are likely to use or hear.
In the modern world, most students are likely to come into contact with more than one variety of English. This book therefore provides a description of the two major standard accents of English that students are likely to hear on radio, TV and in films: Southern Standard British (SSB) and General American (GA).