Spoken English for Nonnative Speakers (380-0-20)

Instructors

Jennifer Alexandra Alexander
847/491-5831
Swift 006
Office Hours: by appt

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-410: Tues, Thurs 4:30PM - 5:50PM

Overview of class

Have you ever wondered how native American English speakers disambiguate words like "produce" (noun) vs. "produce" (verb)? Or the direct object in the phrase "Please call ‘em" ("them") vs. "Please call ‘im" ("him")? Or the statement "They are here." vs. the question "They are here?" If so, you're in the right place! This course will focus on American English prosody: sentence rhythm, linking and reduction, word stress, focus and emphasis, and intonation (how pitch modulation signals meaning in an utterance). By working on these aspects of your speech, you can become more fluent and intelligible to native- and non-native listeners alike.

Class Materials (Required)

Title: Well Said, 4th Edition by Linda Grant
ISBN (13): 978-1-305-64136-5