Transcribing the Sound of English

Do you have a fear of transcription? Are you daunted by the prospect of learning and handling unfamiliar symbols? This workbook is for students who are new to linguistics and phonetics, and offers a didactic approach to the study and transcription of the words, rhythm and intonation of English. It can be used independently or in class and covers all the pronunciation details of words, phrases, rhythm and intonation. Progress is deliberately gentle with plenty of explanations, examples and 'can't go wrong' exercises. In addition, there is an associated website with audio recordings of authentic speech, which provide back-up throughout. The audio clips also introduce students to variations in accents, with eleven different speakers. Going beyond the transcription of words, the book also ventures into real discourse with the simplification systems of colloquial English speech, rhythm and intonation.

The accompanying website includes audio examples of authentic speech and variations in accents
Aimed at students who are new to linguistics and phonetics
Includes explanations, examples and 'can't go wrong' exercises to test students understanding

Reviews & endorsements

“Transcribing the Sounds of English is a true labor of love, and the distillation of many years of teaching experience. The book achieves the perfect balance between depth of coverage of readability. It’s fun to read, and I’d recommend it to any student and teacher of English phonetics and phonology.”
Nicole Müller, DPhil, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

“This excellent book explains in careful detail and from first principles how to analyze English speech and to transcribe it phonetically. Highly recommended.”
John Wells, Emeritus Professor of Phonetics, UCL

“An excellent, comprehensive course which develops transcription skills, noticing skills and awareness of all aspects of English pronunciation.”
Jonathan Marks, Co-ordinator of the IATEFL Pronunciation Special Interest Group

"Tench's course supplements existing descriptive works on English phonetics and is ideal for autonomous learners, regardless of their level. It cannot be regarded merely as a practice book, as it puts transcription skills in a wider context and shows the value of being analytical and attentive to detail, qualities indispensable in academic research. Given the current paucity of transcription training material for university-level courses, it is a very welcome arrival on the scene. It is also a hugely enjoyable read."
English Language and Linguistics

See more reviews