The Sound Lab (2026/2027: Period 1)

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Course aim

After successful completion of the course, students (1) will have increased their phonological control of English and their familiarity with the pronunciation standards of two influential varieties of English (2) can demonstrate detailed knowledge of articulatory phonetics applied to English and can apply this to their own pronunciation skills, (3) have acquired listening comprehension skills enabling them to transcribe sounds using phonetic symbols, (4) can engage with issues in phonetics and phonology.

Course content

This course teaches students core principles of articulatory phonetics, as well as the basics of the sound systems of Standard Southern British English and General American. We examine how speech sounds are generated by our vocal organs, how to transcribe speech sounds, and discuss issues in phonetics and phonology. In addition, the course helps all students to improve their listening skills and trains L2 (or 'non-native') speakers of English to manipulate their English pronunciation. We will see how these theoretical and practical elements are closely connected.

Note: each student uses two books in this course: Practical Phonetics and Phonology (2025) by Carley et al., and ONE of the following two: American English Phonetics and Pronunciation Practice (2020) by Carley et al., which teaches General American pronunciation, OR English Phonetics and Pronunciation Practice (2018) by Carley et al., which teaches General British pronunciation.

Additional information

This course is the first course in the minor English Language and Culture.

Instructional formats

Lecture
Explanation

The Phonetics & Phonology lectures deal with articulatory phonetics with a focus on English and introduce the basics of phonological theory and analysis.

Seminar
Explanation

In the Pronunciation sessions, students will learn to manipulate their English pronunciation by means of different classroom activities. In the Ear Training & Transcription sessions, they learn skills needed for recognising and transcribing speech sounds, and engage with issues in phonetics and phonology.

Preparation

Per week: 6 hours for reading; 6 hours for preparing assignments and independent pronunciation and transcription practice.

Examination

Computerised test

Required | Weight 60% | Minimum grade 5.5 | ECTS 4.5

Students' knowledge of articulatory phonetics, aspects of phonological theory, and their phonetic perception and transcription skills.

Computer Test in Week 8 or 9

Oral test

Required | Weight 40% | Minimum grade 5.5 | ECTS 3

Oral test of students' English pronunciation

Oral exam: week 8 or 9

Entry requirements and preknowledge

Entry Requirements

No data about mandatory entry requirements is available.

Preknowledge

A command of English at Dutch VWO exit level (level B2 for all skills as described in the Common European Framework).

Languages

  • English

Course Iterations

Related studies

Exams

There is no timetable available of the exams

Required Materials

  • BOEK
    Carley, P., Mees, I., Collins, B.. English phonetics and pronunciation practice (1st edition). Routledge.
    English phonetics and pronunciation practice. Carley, P., Mees, I., Collins, B. 9781138886346 *Important note* This book is only required for students who have Standard Southern British English as their model accent. FIRST Edition ONLY, paper or e-book (2nd edition CANNOT be used.)
    ISBN: 9781138886346
  • BOEK
    Collins, B., Mees, I., & Carley, P.. Practical English phonetics & phonology: A resource book for students (5th edition). Routledge.
    Practical English phonetics & phonology: A resource book for students. Carley, P., Mees, I. and Collins, B. 9781032453361 Required for all students taking the course.
    ISBN: 9781032453361
  • BOEK
    Carley, P., Mees, I.. American English phonetics and pronunciation practice (1st edition). Routledge.
    American English phonetics and pronunciation practice Carley, P., Mees, I 9781138588530 *Important note* This book is only required for students who have General American English as their model accent. FIRST edition.
    ISBN: 9781138588530

Recommended Materials

No information available on the recommended literature

Coördinator

dr. W.Z. van den Doel w.z.vandendoel@uu.nl

Lecturers

dr. B.J.L. Smorenburg b.j.l.smorenburg@uu.nl
dr. W.Z. van den Doel w.z.vandendoel@uu.nl
dr. T.A. St Pierre t.a.stpierre@uu.nl

Enrolment

This course is open for subsidiary students. Do check if additional entry requirements apply.

Enrollment
From Monday 8 June 2026 up to and including Friday 26 June 2026

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