KEEP CALM AND TEACH / LEARN ENGLISH PHONOLOGY - A handbook for teachers and students (by Eddie Dan)
By
EDDIE DAN
PREFACE
Phonology, which is indisputably one of the most interesting yet difficult subjects to teach/learn, is an important component in the teaching/learning of English pronunciation.
While having a rich vocabulary and a good knowledge of grammar rules is essential for effective communication, being able to properly pronounce words and understand other speakers can, not only contribute a lot to leaving a good first impression, but also be of critical importance in certain situations.
In this regard, non-native speakers will have to make the extra effort to learn “connected speech”, the most overlooked aspect of pronunciation, in order to be able to communicate effectively with native speakers, which essentially involves word linking (which at its simplest, happens when the ending sound of a word blends into the beginning sound of another word), among other features related thereto.
As regards accents, while it is commonly thought that an accent is a reflection of the unique background of each individual and hence one should take pride in one’s individual accent and style, however, having a particularly strong accent may cause difficulties in communicating with native English speakers, which may in turn create barriers in business, or affect job/educational advancement and even one’s self esteem.
It is for these reasons that people who speak with a strong non-native accent should consider neutralising, rather than changing their accent entirely, in order to improve their English communication skills.
The sections of this handbook are carefully categorised to provide step-by-step explanations and examples, to facilitate methodical and optimum teaching/learning of proper pronunciation, connected speech, stress, rhythm and intonation, and move the learner’s English speaking to the next level !
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eddie Dan is an English as a Second Language (ESL) pronunciation coach who believes that non-native speakers of English of any age who have experienced the frustration of being misunderstood and/or being unable to understand native speakers can benefit from specialist coaching to help them move forward.
A lawyer by profession who holds a law degree from the University of London, and a certified ESL teacher, Eddie started noticing from a young age the difficulties faced by non-native speakers in producing and comprehending English sounds, especially in connected speech, even after years of learning the language.
He uses his experience as a professional voice/tvc actor and emcee and his early career training in news presenting to deliver engaging training courses to help his students develop their communication skills in English and thus be more efficient and effective in their studies and/or jobs.
Best known for his rapid-learning techniques, his students are from all walks of life and of all ages - professionals and blue-collar workers, students and retirees.
Eddie, who lives in multilingual Malaysia, dreams of the discovery of a wonder pill that could one day help adults learn a new language like a child.
Phonology, which is indisputably one of the most interesting yet difficult subjects to teach/learn, is an important component in the teaching/learning of English pronunciation.
While having a rich vocabulary and a good knowledge of grammar rules is essential for effective communication, being able to properly pronounce words and understand other speakers can, not only contribute a lot to leaving a good first impression, but also be of critical importance in certain situations.
In this regard, non-native speakers will have to make the extra effort to learn “connected speech”, the most overlooked aspect of pronunciation, in order to be able to communicate effectively with native speakers, which essentially involves word linking (which at its simplest, happens when the ending sound of a word blends into the beginning sound of another word), among other features related thereto.
As regards accents, while it is commonly thought that an accent is a reflection of the unique background of each individual and hence one should take pride in one’s individual accent and style, however, having a particularly strong accent may cause difficulties in communicating with native English speakers, which may in turn create barriers in business, or affect job/educational advancement and even one’s self esteem.
It is for these reasons that people who speak with a strong non-native accent should consider neutralising, rather than changing their accent entirely, in order to improve their English communication skills.
The sections of this handbook are carefully categorised to provide step-by-step explanations and examples, to facilitate methodical and optimum teaching/learning of proper pronunciation, connected speech, stress, rhythm and intonation, and move the learner’s English speaking to the next level !
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eddie Dan is an English as a Second Language (ESL) pronunciation coach who believes that non-native speakers of English of any age who have experienced the frustration of being misunderstood and/or being unable to understand native speakers can benefit from specialist coaching to help them move forward.
A lawyer by profession who holds a law degree from the University of London, and a certified ESL teacher, Eddie started noticing from a young age the difficulties faced by non-native speakers in producing and comprehending English sounds, especially in connected speech, even after years of learning the language.
He uses his experience as a professional voice/tvc actor and emcee and his early career training in news presenting to deliver engaging training courses to help his students develop their communication skills in English and thus be more efficient and effective in their studies and/or jobs.
Best known for his rapid-learning techniques, his students are from all walks of life and of all ages - professionals and blue-collar workers, students and retirees.
Eddie, who lives in multilingual Malaysia, dreams of the discovery of a wonder pill that could one day help adults learn a new language like a child.
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