SEMESTER-II UNIT-2 THE PRONOUNCIATION NEW SYLLABUS

UNIT-2 THE PRONOUNCIATION

PHONETIC SYMBOLS CONSONANTS AND VOWELS WITH ILLUSTRATION IN USE

Phonetic symbols are used to represent the sounds of spoken language. Consonants and vowels each have their own set of symbols in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Here’s a brief overview of some common consonants and vowels, along with their IPA symbols and illustrations:

CONSONANTS:

Plosives:

/p/ as in “pat”
/b/ as in “bat”
/t/ as in “top”
/d/ as in “dog”
/k/ as in “cat”
/g/ as in “go”

Fricatives:

/f/ as in “fan”
/v/ as in “van”
/s/ as in “sun”
/z/ as in “zip”
/ʃ/ as in “she”
/ʒ/ as in “measure”

Affricates:

/tʃ/ as in “chat”
/dʒ/ as in “judge”

Nasals:

/m/ as in “mat”
/n/ as in “net”
/ŋ/ as in “sing” (Note: This sound is represented by “ng” in English)

Liquids:

/l/ as in “let”
/r/ as in “red”

Semivowels/Glides:

/w/ as in “wet”
/j/ as in “yes”

VOWELS

Monophthongs:

/i/ as in “see”
/ɪ/ as in “sit”
/e/ as in “say”
/ɛ/ as in “set”
/æ/ as in “cat”
/a/ as in “father”
/ɑ/ as in “far”
/ɔ/ as in “thought”
/o/ as in “go”
/u/ as in “food”
/ʊ/ as in “book”

Diphthongs:

/eɪ/ as in “day”
/aɪ/ as in “night”
/ɔɪ/ as in “boy”
/aʊ/ as in “house”
/oʊ/ as in “go”

Illustrating the exact sounds with written words is challenging, as pronunciation varies between individuals and accents. The best way to learn and understand these sounds is to listen to native speakers or use online resources that provide audio examples of each phoneme. Phonetic symbols are a valuable tool for linguists, language learners, and teachers to accurately represent and describe the sounds of spoken language.

LISTENING AND COMPREHENSION -INTERPRETATION OF TEXTS BASED ON THE QUESTION ANSWER.INTERACTION AMONG STUDENTS

Listening and comprehension activities involving interpretation of texts through question-answer interactions can be highly effective for language learners. Here’s a suggested approach for such activities, especially in an interactive classroom setting among students:

1. Select a Relevant Text:

Choose a text that aligns with the language proficiency level of the students.
Ensure the text is interesting and relevant to their interests or the curriculum.

2. Pre-listening Activities:

Engage students in pre-listening activities to activate prior knowledge related to the topic.
Introduce key vocabulary and concepts to enhance comprehension.
Set a purpose for listening by posing questions related to the text.

3. Listening Task:

Play the audio or read the text aloud, depending on the available resources.
Encourage active listening by instructing students to take notes or underline key points.

4. Question-Answer Interaction:

Provide a set of comprehension questions related to the text.
Encourage students to discuss and answer the questions in pairs or small groups.
Facilitate a class discussion where students can share their answers and interpretations.

5. Clarification and Feedback:

Clarify any misunderstandings or address challenging vocabulary.
Provide feedback on the accuracy of answers and encourage students to support their responses with evidence from the text.

6. Follow-up Activities:

Assign additional tasks that build on the content of the text, such as writing summaries, creating dialogues, or expressing personal opinions.
Integrate speaking and writing exercises to reinforce comprehension and language skills.

7. Peer Interaction:

Foster interaction among students by incorporating peer teaching or collaborative learning activities.
Encourage students to ask each other follow-up questions based on their responses to deepen understanding.

8. Assessment:

Assess students based on their ability to comprehend the text, articulate responses, and engage in meaningful interactions.
Consider a variety of assessment methods, such as quizzes, presentations, or written reflections.

9. Reflection:

Conclude the activity with a reflection session where students share insights gained, challenges faced, and strategies for improvement.

This approach promotes active engagement, critical thinking, and effective communication skills among students. It also creates a supportive learning environment where they can learn from each other’s perspectives and enhance their overall language proficiency.

RELEVANT TEXT EXAMPLE

TEXT: TITLE: “THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON SOCIETY”

In today’s fast-paced world, technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the way we live, work, and communicate. From the advent of the internet to the rise of smartphones, our society has undergone significant transformations. While technology brings numerous benefits, it also raises important questions about its impact on individuals and communities.

Consider the influence of social media, for instance. On one hand, it facilitates global connectivity and information sharing. On the other hand, concerns about privacy, online harassment, and the addictive nature of social platforms have surfaced. Additionally, advancements in automation and artificial intelligence have led to debates about the future of work and the potential displacement of certain jobs.

As we navigate this digital era, it becomes crucial to critically examine the consequences of our reliance on technology. How can we balance the advantages of innovation with the ethical and societal challenges it presents? Exploring these questions is essential for fostering a thoughtful and responsible approach to the integration of technology into our daily lives.

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS:

What is the main topic of the text?
How has technology transformed society according to the text?
What are the potential benefits of social media mentioned in the text?
What concerns about technology are raised in the text?
Why does the text emphasize the importance of critically examining the consequences of technology?

These questions are designed to encourage students to listen actively, identify key points, and express their understanding of the text. After the listening activity, students can engage in discussions, share their responses, and explore different perspectives on the impact of technology on society.

WHAT ARE PRE-LISTENING ACTIVITIES

Pre-listening activities are tasks or exercises designed to prepare students before they listen to a spoken text. These activities aim to activate relevant background knowledge, introduce key vocabulary, and set a purpose for listening. The goal is to enhance comprehension and engagement during the actual listening task. Here are some common pre-listening activities:

Activate Prior Knowledge:

Engage students in a brief discussion or brainstorming session related to the topic of the upcoming listening task. This helps activate their existing knowledge and establishes connections with the content.

Vocabulary Preview:

Introduce and review key vocabulary words or phrases that are essential for understanding the listening material. This can include providing definitions, discussing meanings, or even using visuals to support comprehension.

Prediction Exercise:

Encourage students to make predictions about the content of the listening material based on the title, headings, or any available visuals. This activates their schemata and helps them anticipate the information they are about to hear.

Discussion Questions:

Pose thought-provoking questions related to the topic of the listening task. This not only activates prior knowledge but also encourages students to think critically about the content before they actually listen.

Set a Purpose for Listening:

Clearly state the purpose for listening, whether it’s to gather specific information, understand the main idea, or identify particular details. This helps students focus their attention during the listening activity.

Interactive Games:

Incorporate interactive games or quizzes related to the topic. This adds an element of fun while reinforcing key concepts and vocabulary that will be encountered in the listening material.

Visual Aids:

Display relevant images, diagrams, or charts related to the topic. Visual aids provide additional context and support understanding, especially for visual learners.

Warm-up Activities:

Engage students in short warm-up activities, such as a quick review of a related reading passage, a brief writing exercise, or a pair-share discussion. This primes their cognitive processes for the upcoming listening task.

Cultural Context Exploration:

If the listening material involves cultural aspects, spend some time exploring and discussing the cultural context with students. This can include traditions, customs, or any cultural nuances relevant to the topic.

Listening Goals Setting:

Have students set personal goals for the listening activity. This could include identifying specific details, understanding the main idea, or recognizing certain vocabulary. Goal-setting enhances intentionality during the listening process.

By incorporating these pre-listening activities, educators create a supportive learning environment that helps students approach listening tasks with confidence and a better understanding of the context.