Problems of Phonostylistics

1. Stylistic modifications of sounds in connected speech.

2. Phonetic styles of speech or styles of pronunciation.

3. The problem of classification of phonostyles.

4. The stylistic use intonation.

Основная литература

Соколова, М.А. Теоретическая фонетика английского языка: Учеб. для студентов высш. учеб. заведений. – 3-е изд., стереотип. / М.А. Соколова, К.П. Гинтовт, И.С. Тихонова и др. – М: Гуманитарный издательский центр. ВЛАДОС, 2004. – С.18-38.

Дополнительная литература

Леонтьева, С.Ф. Теоретическая фонетика современного английского языка: Учеб. для пед. вузов и университетов. – 3-е изд., испр. и доп. / С.Ф. Леонтьева. – М. Издательство «Менеджер», 2004. – С.249, 254-258.

Brown, J. Listening to Spoken English. – М: Prosveshcheniye, 1984, pp.53-83.

А. Think about the following questions for class discussion.

· Is there any correction between linguistic and extra-linguistic contexts?

· What extra-linguistic factors cause phonetic modifications in speech?

· What segmental and suprasegmental (prosodic) features set up phonetic style-forming means?

· Define the term “phonetic styles” (“phonostyles”).

· What is the subject matter of Phonostylistics, an essential branch of phonetics?

· Is there any correlation between phonetic styles of speech and functional styles of a language?

· Why are there so many classifications of phonetic styles?

· Which classification of phonetic styles is relevant to teaching and learning purposes?

· Which of the segmental and prosodic features have the most important stylistic function?

· What varieties of the language and forms of communication are relevant to the stylistic use of intonation?

· Are the degree of speech preparedness (degree of spontaneity), the number of participants in social interaction and the character of their relationship significant for differentiating phonetic styles?

B. Express your opinion of the following:

a) Familiar style is one of the most widespread phonetic stiles regularly used by the educated people (when at home, with friends, ect.). Is it right to label pronunciation variants used in familiar style as “bad” or “incorrect”? Are those variants appropriate in any situations?

b) It would be as inappropriate to introduce formality into an informal, chatty conversation, as it would be to introduce informality on an official occasion.

c) In the following utterances the meaningful function of intonation is expressed by the appropriate attitudes. Comment on them.

1. I want to talk to you.

2. What country are you from?

3. I was busy that day.

4. You knew he was there.

5. She worked hard at her English, didn’t she?

6. How ridiculous!

7. How did you spend the time yesterday?

8. What’s all this fuss about?

9. Cheer up!

10. Do forgive me.

Семинар 5