importance of phonetics and Phonology ASAP

What is the importance of using phonetics and phonology in teaching English for foreign students?

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by dmt_mst

What is the importance of using phonetics and phonology in teaching English for foreign students?

These fields would help foreign students learn how to pronounce English words and sentences. :wink:

[Tdol]

It depends on how you do it. Many students don't have much interest in learning phonemic symbols. Teaching in the UK, I do find that they way words change in spoken English is very important for students to understand native speakers, especially unstressed forms.

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by tdol

It depends on how you do it. Many students don't have much interest in learning phonemic symbols. Teaching in the UK, I do find that they way words change in spoken English is very important for students to understand native speakers, especially unstressed forms.

That's an excellent point. I am actually a bigger fan of "phonics" than I am of "phonetics". The various vowel and consonant sounds can be taught without the use of elaborate symbols.

[Tdol]

I agree, but teaching the mechanics of the sound changes is useful. I rarely use symbols to explain things.

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by tdol

I agree, but teaching the mechanics of the sound changes is useful. I rarely use symbols to explain things.

It takes longer to explain the symbols. +|