Teaching and learning English as a second language presents certain challenges, not least as regards pronunciation. As a teacher in a classroom filled with students from different language backgrounds it is not an easy task to teach good pronunciation to all individuals. Different language backgrounds contribute to a unique set of difficulties, as all languages have their own set of sounds, which are not always compatible with those found in English.
Needless to say, a prerequisite for teaching pronunciation is that the teachers themselves are comfortable with their pronunciation of English. This book deals with phonetics and the pronunciation of English, giving, among other things, an overview of the sound system of English, information on stress and intonation, and a discussion of sociolinguistics in relation to pronunciation. A special section is devoted to learners with different first languages and their specific challenges.
The book is primarily intended for teachers of young learners of English. An interactive version of the book is available on the book’s website, which gives the opportunity of listening to the entire book read aloud by native speakers.