Oral Communication for Non-Native Speakers of English

Reviewed by Sarah Mannix, English Language Instructor, Old Dominion University on 6/4/24

Comprehensiveness rating: 1 see less

The text minimally covers many of the major areas of English language pronunciation including: segmentals, thought groups, word stress, prominence (i.e. focus), and intonation. Each area is only touched on minimally with few examples. Most examples are given as text with few audio examples. There are no diagrams or videos showing the position of jaw, tongue, or lips in the mouth in order to correctly produce English language sounds. Additionally, some significant areas that affect both learners’ comprehensibility and ability to understand native-speakers are missing such as reductions in speech, linking, and rhythm.

Content Accuracy rating: 2

The content is accurate, but lacks connection of ideas or complete explanations of differences. It fails to address variation and the effect on meaning or lack of effect on meaning. The text briefly mentions the cot/caught merger but it does not explain its relevance clearly. Also, it does not give many examples of where vowel differences do or do not affect meaning. Considering variation in regional dialects, this is important to address clearly. Prominence (often called ‘focus’) is addressed but its relationship to stressed words and thought groups is not. It is also not mentioned how focus often changes in conversation and how that affects meaning. Intonation is only briefly addressed despite its importance to meaning. Intonation is not only important to the focus, but can change the overall interpretation of a sentence (e.g. sarcasm vs saying what you mean).

Relevance/Longevity rating: 3

Content is relevant to standard North American English. However, it does not really address variation in regional pronunciation or pronunciation of different Englishes (e.g. British English, Australian English). In general, the content is true for current pronunciation principles and so should not become obsolete anytime soon.

Clarity rating: 1

The introduction to the text states that it is meant for “both learners and teachers in the field of pronunciation”; however, much of the language of the text is specific to the domain of linguistics and generally uses more advanced grammar and vocabulary. There are very few audio examples and no diagrams modeling pronunciation. Learners are expected to understand linguistic terms referring to how sounds are pronounced with few to no examples of how to produce those sounds themselves. At one point, the text recommends improving pronunciation by 1)reading aloud, 2)pronouncing the words, 3) using it in a sentence, and then 4)pronouncing it again. One wonders how the learner is supposed to deduce the pronunciation in the first place. Overall, the text would be inaccessible to most English language learners, except for those at the very highest level with a specific interest in linguistics.
The text would be more appropriate for teachers of English as an introduction to basic pronunciation principles. It does have some useful extension activities and suggestions of common learner errors. However, examples and models should be added, as well as sections on reductions and other missing content areas.

Consistency rating: 4

The text is internally consistent in terms of terminology and framework. Although it fails to use some phrases that are more common in teaching pronunciation, and prefers linguistic terms (e.g. ‘prominence’ rather than ‘focus’).

Modularity rating: 5

The text is divided into smaller sections that could easily be assigned at different points. It could be easily reorganized depending on the needs of the course.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 2

The organization of material is not clear or necessarily logical. It begins discussing segmentals (or individual sounds), which some consider to be a logical place to begin. However, it mentions consonants before vowels, despite saying that vowels “can be the most damaging to a person’s intelligibility”. The next logical area to address would be syllable stress. However, the text addresses thought groups next. Thought grouping is separated from focus and intonation by word stress, although these are key ideas in understanding the importance of and how to form thought groups. Overall, it is not clear how sections of the text relate and build to overall ‘oral communication’.

Interface rating: 5

I didn’t have any trouble with the interface. The text included links, pop-ups with definitions, and interactive activities. All seemed to work without issue.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The text contained no noticeable grammatical errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 3

The text doesn’t have any clearly offensive or insensitive material. However, it only takes into consideration a specific dialect of North American English when referring to pronunciation. This would be confusing to both teachers and students who reside in areas that have other dialect differences (e.g. Brooklyn or Texas). It would be even less useful for those outside of the US that have more significant dialect differences (e.g. British English, Australian English).

Comments

In conclusion, this book would be inappropriate for most English language learners. There are too few examples, very little audio, no explanation of how to form the sounds. The overall language of the book uses highly advanced language (CEFR Levels C1 & C2) with domain specific terminology.
The book might be useful for native English speakers interested in teaching English. It gives a brief overview of important ideas in English pronunciation. Since students would already know how to pronounce the examples given, they would be able to more easily grasp concepts that are being focused on in each unit. In this case, instructors would need to add examples and instruction on how to communicate these ideas with a learner in an accessible way.

Reviewed by Aylin Bunk, ESL Instructor, Mt. Hood Community College on 8/31/22

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

This is a comprehensive book that provides an overview of essential parts of English pronunciation. The topics covered are clearly chosen to reflect the problem areas that most language learners experience, such as consonant vowels, word stress and intonation. The book provides a thorough explanation of the topics and provides exercises for students with immediate feedback. It also provides useful resources in the form of web links in the Additional Activities and Teacher's Corner sections.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The content is accurate and unbiased. The authors use IPA, which is widely used in English learning.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The content is up-to date and relevant. The content will not go outdated. I found one YouTube video on shadowing too long and somewhat old, from 2013. There are more interesting and shorter videos out there.

Clarity rating: 3

The text is clear and has a nice layout. It gets too long and dry at times. It is easy to understand for a teacher, but it may pose challenges for an English language learner because of the inclusion of some linguistic terms. For example, if I were to use this book in class, I would not expect my students to understand the words as such bilabial, labiodental, diphthongs etc. Authors included explanations of these terms with a hover text, but I don't think students need to know these terms. I would think it would be more beneficial for a TESOL student who is learning how to teach a pronunciation course. This book would help make the connection between technical terms and application of them in class.

Consistency rating: 5

The book has a consistent layout. Each chapter follows the same structure.

Modularity rating: 5

Each chapter is contained in itself. They can all be divided into smaller reading sections. There are no references to the previous or subsequent chapters, which eliminates the need to use the chapters in a specific order.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Chapters have been organized nicely. They don't have to be followed in the same order. Depending on student needs, instructors can choose to mix the order of the chapters or select what is relevant.

Interface rating: 4

There are no navigation problems. Some links do not work.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No grammar errors. Some minor typos can be fixed.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

The text is not culturally insensitive or offensive. There are examples of mistakes Japanese speakers make and a reference to Chinese intonation. It would be more interesting and inclusive if examples from other nations were included.

Comments

All in all, I found the book useful, almost like a refresher course in teaching pronunciation for myself as an ESL instructor. It seems to be more suitable for advanced level students who have interest in learning technical aspects of English pronunciation or graduate students in TESOL. It would also be useful for undergraduate ELT students outside of the U.S.

Reviewed by Karen Allen, ESL Lecturer, West Virginia University on 4/7/22

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

This textbook serves as a comprehensive overview of the different aspects of English pronunciation for ESL learners. It can serve as a basic resource for upper-level English students for improving their pronunciation. If used in a classroom, the textbook would need to be supplemented by delving deeper into the websites referenced or by the instructor adding guided classroom activities. Each unit has links to helpful websites which can serve as practice and potential assessment tools.
A glossary of terms is imbedded within the text, which is useful, as students can immediately reference specific technical vocabulary as they read along or as a review. There is an index which easily links each of the topics and chapters.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

At least one of the pronunciation videos is somewhat inaccurate and confusing for showing the difference between two closely related vowel sounds. Otherwise, the content is accurate and unbiased.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

Because the text focuses on the basic linguistics of the English language, it will only change slowly over time. Perhaps some focus on local dialects might be a useful addition.

Clarity rating: 4

The text is clear, but mostly written in descriptive style and not very engaging. The language and grammar are advanced so would be difficult to navigate by an undergrad or student in a noncredit ESL class. The text could be used for GTAs who still need pronunciation practice and skill.

Consistency rating: 5

The units are basically laid out all the same with a description of the skill area, problem areas to watch out for and practice exercises. In addition, each until has a section with some additional activities for extension and teacher aids.

Modularity rating: 5

The units are self-contained and focuses the reader on the content of that specific topic. The units are done in such a way that they can be accessed in different order according to class or student needs, as one unit does not necessarily build on the other.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The text takes the reader from the basic segmentals of the English sound system to suprasegmental in a progressive and clear order. The instructor or learner can pick the order in which the skills are practiced, as some may want to work on the suprasegmental first or in-between other skills.

Interface rating: 3

There are a few links that don't work or go to the wrong page. The audio and listening exercises functioned easily without having to download extra technology. This may not be the case of all users, but the e-book worked well. Saying this, it is not a very interesting looking text, as it is mostly descriptions and some imbedded activities. There are no pictures to add visual pleasure, but there are a few charts to help explain the concepts.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No grammatical errors were observed.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

This text is more technical in nature and does not contain any real cultural ideas. Any references comparing English to other languages is done in a non-offensive way.

Comments

In conclusion, this could be an excellent reference text to the various aspects that make up clear English pronunciation. This would serve as a useful text for an ESL instructor to grasp these main elements and for accessing supplemental online activities.
Although, one of the stated purposes is for student to work through the text at their own pace, this might be a challenge because of the technical nature of the material and limited feedback tools. A student would need to be at an advanced English level and highly motived to use this on their own. Even then, they would benefit from at least some instructor guidance and feedback.

Reviewed by William Denny, Adjunct Instructor, Kirkwood Community College on 12/15/21

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The book is very comprehensive, and covers all the relevant information about English phonetics at an advanced level. If students follow this text, they will understand important details about English pronunciation that most English programs abroad don't teach.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The content is accurate and in line with modern approaches to L2 phonetic acquisition. They use IPA when talking about vowels and consonants, where it is necessary for disambiguation. They use more accessible transcription for stress and intonation.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

By the nature of the content, it is not likely to become irrelevant. Languages change, but not that quickly, and this text focuses on the core pronunciation features of English.

Clarity rating: 2

The text is clear to advanced readers, but will be quite challenging for many English language learners. I could see using this text with graduate students but not undergraduate or non-academic students. That said, they do support their technical writing with context, examples, and a wide variety of external resources for exploration and practice.

Consistency rating: 5

The framework used is consistent with modern approaches to phonetic acquisition. Most of the contributors are professors or PhD candidates in Applied Linguistics.

Modularity rating: 5

The text is very easy to divide into smaller sections which can be used independently in any course. The text is minimal and focuses on the knowledge points to be covered.

Subsequent chapters do not refer much, if at all, to earlier chapters, making it easy to use chapters independently or in a different order.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The text presents topics in an appropriate order which is consistent with most textbooks and syllabi. While there is debate on whether or not pronunciation teaching should start with segmentals or supra-segmental features, this text presents each topic in its own independent module. It starts with segmentals, but an instructor could easily start from the last chapter and go backwards through the text without any issue.

Interface rating: 4

The text is primarily available as a website, with the option to download the book in two formats that I've never heard of or know how to use. The reason for this is their use of HTML5 elements for the interactive quizzes-- a useful feature. I'd like to see a text-only option in PDF or EPUB available as well, though.

The HTML5 elements are made using the tool *H5P* which is open source, hosted on their publishing site, and not likely to change or break for as long as browsers continue to support current standards. I did not notice any issues with these elements, but there is potential for them to malfunction if students use nonstandard browsers to read the text.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The text contains no grammatical errors. It is written in a fairly advanced academic style. There are a few minor typographical errors throughout the text.

Cultural Relevance rating: 3

The text is not insensitive or offensive. It does mention briefly dialectal differences among North American and British English speakers, but could offer more details. In particular, it fails to mention varieties of English spoken in India and Africa.

Comments

Overall, this is a comprehensive text that teaches the critical concepts of English pronunciation. I would most recommend it for English learners with highly advanced reading skills; mainly graduate students. It can also be useful for teachers to review if their experience teaching pronunciation is limited. The interactive elements add interest and engagement with the text, but I would prefer a more traditional text option, perhaps with QR codes to link to the online activities.