A Practical Introduction to Phonetics

by J.C. Catford

Book Overview

Catford's unique interactive approach to the study of phonetics leads readers to explore the entire range of human sounds through a series of introspective experiments carried out in their own vocal tracts, proceeding systematically from familiar vocal postures and articulations to new and unknown ones. By actually articulating sounds, and attending to the motor sensations they produce, the reader acquires a deep, personal understanding of the principles...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0198242174
• ISBN13: 9780198242178
• Release Date: November 1988
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 255 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

An incredible introduction!

Phonetics, since I've become interested in linguistics, has always been something on the edge of my comprehension. Being a perfectionist when it comes to language learning, it drove me insane. Yes, my Russian palatals were positively poisonous. My laterals were ludicrous. My ejectives were egregious. Okay, enough of that. Every expectation I had of this book was fulfilled. Are you looking to fully comprehend the IPA alphabet? You will. Are you looking to be able to more correctly pronounce strange foreign sounds? You will! This book, which I read lazily over the course of two weeks, allows you to not only speak accurately, but it delves deep into the nature of the construction of speech. No stone is left unturned. It is also very accommodating of various English dialects (GA and RP, and more), and it also references other languages during the course of study. As another reviewer said, you probably don't want to read this book in a library. My family curiously watched me as I would often begin to make strange sounds while reading the book. But, that's what really makes the lessons within stick to one's mind; the actual experience complements the learning. The only improvement that could be made to this book might be the inclusion of an audio CD, to perfect some of the sounds that are more subjective or downright unfamiliar (such as the cardinal vowels, voiced implosives and the pharyngeal articulations). However, that would probably defeat the purpose. The book doesn't aim for exaction, it aims for understanding. With the principles laid down in this book, you can easily find an online IPA chart to fine tune your sounds. In short, if you are searching for a phonetics book, stop your search now. You will not find a more accessible nor a more comprehensive introduction. You will find what you're looking for in this book!

Warning: Do not use this book when in a library

Next time you come across someone saying 'zzzz' and 'ssss' and 'zzzz' and 'ssss', better think twice before declaring that person nuts - he or she may actually be a student of phonetics having bought Catfords book!Yes, when Catford says practical, he means practical. And phonetics, at least the articulatory side of it (which this book is all about), deals with producing sounds, not just reading about them. If you've ever wondered what the strange signs in your average IPA chart actually stand for, then look no further. This book will teach you to produce all, and I mean ALL, the sounds of the phonetic alphabet, from the tips of your lips right down to your vocal folds.But beware: Do not use this book in public or people might think you're nuts.

A brilliant introduction to phonetics

When I first got my copy of Catford's book, I was disappointed: The book simply looked to small!But when I opened it, I was astonished. It's full of practical exercises that will enable you to familiarise yourself with your speech organs and will teach you to pronounce all the major sounds of the World's languages.Throughout, Catford refers to major dialects of English, so it should be equally useful whether you're English, Scottish or American.However, if English is a foreign language to you (as it is to me), some of the exercises may be a little more difficult than they were meant to be, but that's the only flaw I could find in this fine book.It's amazing that phonetics can be taught so well without a tape or a tutor!