Exercises in English Phonetics and Phonology

1. List the English consonants and vowels.

Consonants - b, c, d, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, p, q, r, s, t, v, w, x, y , z.
Vowels - a, e, i, o, u.

2. Write words which should contain the letters /∫/, /ʒ/ (5 words for each
group).

∫ = Shoe, nation, fish, expression, education.

ʒ = Casual, measure, vision, Asia, pleasure.

3. Define bilabials and show them in context.

 The bilabials are short consonant sounds like: b, p, m, w.

 The „b” and „p” sounds are plosive sounds, it is produced by the blocked
vocal tract, so that all airflow ceases. The occlusion may be made with the
tongue tip, lips or glottis.

 The „n” sound is a nasal sound.

It is prodeced by the air which goes through nose.

 The „w” sound it is an approximant sound, have consonant sound and a

half vowel sound.

 For example:
„b” sound: Bay, bear, burst
„p” sound: Pear, pie, pay
„m” sound: Moon, mars, mess
„w” sound: Water, well, wheel
4. Make up 3 sentences which should contain words with the three
diphthongs to /ə/.

a) Diphthong (eə) I have a big chair.

b) Diphthong ( ɪə) She is here since this morning.
c) Diphthong (ʊə) Doing sports is a natural cure for our body.

5. Transcribe phonetically and specify syllable structure:

a. John has bought a nice car.

[ʤɒn hæz bɔːt ə naɪs kɑː]
cvc cvc cvc v cvc cv

b. She is the best in her group.

[ ʃiː ɪz ðə bɛst in hɜː ɡruːp ]
cv vc cv cvcc vc cv ccvc

c. The little girl is singing.

[ ðə ˈlɪtəl ɡɜːl ɪz ˈsɪŋɪŋ]
cv cvcvc cvc vc cvcvc