Chapter 2: Exercise J

Read the following passages in phonetic transcription. The first, which represents a form of British English of the kind spoken by Peter Ladefoged, is a broad transcription. The second, which represents an American pronunciation typical of a Midwestern or far Western speaker, is slightly narrower, showing a few allophones. By this time you should be able to read transcriptions of different forms of English, although you may have difficulty in pronouncing each word exactly as it is represented. Nevertheless, read each passage several times and try to pronounce it as indicated. Take care to put the stresses on the correct syllables, and say the unstressed syllables with the vowels as shown.

Now listen to these passages, and comment on any problems with the transcriptions.

Answer sheet (PDF)

Part 1: A speaker of British English

Part 2: A speaker of American English