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The Pronunciation of American English Project

Helen Nam, Marla Yoshida, Meg Parker, and Emily Wong

In the final course of The Pronunciation of American English specialization, you will complete a final self-reflection project applying what you have learned in the first three courses about consonants, vowels, and the “music” of English. In preparation for the project, you will take a post-test, review all the sounds of English, analyze a speech, and share your advice on improving pronunciation with other learners.

Only learners who pay for the course will be able to take the graded quizzes or submit assignments for feedback. The free version provides access to the lectures and practice activities only.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome
Welcome to the final course in The Pronunciation of American English specialization. In the next four weeks, you’ll have a chance to review and put to use all the things you’ve learned in the past three courses. Your final product will be a recorded reflection speech looking back at what you’ve learned, how your skills have improved, and what goals you want to set for yourself to continue to develop your pronunciation skills. To prepare you for this, you’ll complete several steps and assignments. You’ll take a post-test to see how your perception of the sounds of American English has improved, and you’ll practice review sentences with all the sounds of English. You’ll choose a recording of a skilled speaker on a topic that interests you, use it as a model to analyze the music of English, and share your analysis with other learners. Finally, you’ll record and upload your reflection about your own pronunciation “journey” and offer some advice to other learners based on your own experience.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Strengthens an existing foundation for intermediate learners
Builds a strong foundation for beginners
Taught by Meg Parker, Emily Wong, Helen Nam, Marla Yoshida, who are recognized for their work in American English Pronunciation
Builds core skills for English Language Learners
Examines phonetics and phonology, which is highly relevant to second language acquisition
This course is multi-modal and includes a mix of media, such as videos, readings, discussions, etc

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Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

Mastering american english pronunciation through practice

According to learners, this course is an excellent capstone course that masterfully integrates all concepts from the specialization, providing a highly effective pathway to improved pronunciation. Students frequently highlight the practical application through recorded assignments and the rewarding final project, which encourages self-reflection and habit development. Dr. Seburn's exceptional teaching style is consistently praised for clarity and encouragement. While the structured approach to reviewing sounds and analyzing skilled speakers is unique and insightful, the peer feedback mechanism, though largely beneficial, sometimes drew mixed opinions regarding consistency in quality. Overall, it significantly boosts confidence in speaking.
Unique exercises like analyzing skilled speakers enhance attention to pronunciation nuances.
"The analysis of a skilled speaker was a unique and insightful exercise. It made me pay attention to nuances I never noticed before."
"The self-reflection aspect of the final project really made me evaluate my progress."
The instructor provides clear, encouraging guidance that greatly aids pronunciation improvement.
"Dr. Seburn's teaching style is truly exceptional."
"The instructor is clear and encouraging. The course content is highly practical and directly applicable."
"The instructor's lectures are good though."
Learners gain significant confidence and practical skills in American English pronunciation.
"My confidence in speaking has significantly increased."
"As a non-native speaker, this course gave me the tools and confidence to speak more clearly."
"I felt a real improvement in my pronunciation by the end."
"This course helped me refine my American accent considerably."
Brilliantly ties together previous learning with practical application through challenging assignments.
"This course really brought everything together for me! The final project was challenging but very rewarding."
"Excellent capstone course. It reinforced all the concepts from the previous modules and the practical application through the recorded assignments was invaluable."
"A perfect culmination of the specialization. It's truly comprehensive for anyone serious about improving their pronunciation."
"The focus on integrating all the elements of pronunciation (sounds, rhythm, intonation) was excellent."
The peer review system is generally beneficial but some found it inconsistent or frustrating.
"I loved the peer feedback mechanism, it pushed me to improve."
"The peer review system, though sometimes a bit slow, was generally beneficial."
"I found the peer review system frustrating. Sometimes the feedback wasn't constructive, and it felt like a chore."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Pronunciation of American English Project with these activities:
Follow Tutorials on Pronunciation Techniques
Following guided tutorials will provide you with structured instruction and guidance on specific pronunciation techniques, improving your overall pronunciation skills.
Show steps
  • Find reputable tutorials on pronunciation techniques.
  • Follow the instructions provided in the tutorials carefully.
  • Practice the techniques regularly to improve your pronunciation.
Pronunciation Tutorial Videos
Watch videos demonstrating how to pronounce specific sounds and words in American English.
Show steps
  • Find a pronunciation tutorial video
  • Watch the video
  • Practice the pronunciation tips
Practice American English Phonetics
Regular practice with pronunciation drills will strengthen your ability to produce the sounds of American English clearly and accurately.
Browse courses on Pronunciation
Show steps
  • Identify the different sounds of American English.
  • Use online resources or textbooks to practice pronouncing each sound.
  • Record yourself pronouncing the sounds and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Pronunciation Drills
Practice pronouncing all the sounds of American English to improve your pronunciation skills.
Show steps
  • Listen to the sound model
  • Repeat the sound
  • Practice the sound in sentences
Pronunciation Practice Group
Join a group with other learners to practice pronunciation and receive feedback.
Show steps
  • Find a pronunciation practice group
  • Join the group
  • Participate in the group discussions
Join a Pronunciation Practice Group
Engaging with peers provides opportunities for feedback, support, and motivation, enhancing your pronunciation skills.
Browse courses on Pronunciation
Show steps
  • Find a pronunciation practice group online or in your local community.
  • Attend group sessions regularly and participate actively.
  • Share your pronunciation challenges and provide feedback to others.
Guided Tutorial: Vowel Pronunciation
Improve your vowel pronunciation by following guided tutorials that provide clear instructions and practice exercises.
Browse courses on Vowel Pronunciation
Show steps
  • Identify the correct tongue placement for each vowel.
  • Practice pronouncing the vowels aloud.
  • Record yourself and compare your pronunciation to a native speaker.
Pronunciation Tongue Twisters and Minimal Pairs
Improve your pronunciation by practicing tongue twisters and minimal pairs, which focus on distinguishing between similar sounds.
Show steps
  • Find tongue twisters that challenge specific sounds.
  • Practice saying the tongue twisters aloud.
  • Identify minimal pairs that contain contrasting sounds.
  • Practice pronouncing the minimal pairs correctly.
Pronunciation Analysis
Analyze your own pronunciation and identify areas for improvement.
Show steps
  • Record yourself speaking
  • Listen to your recording and identify areas for improvement
  • Create a plan to improve your pronunciation
Develop a Pronunciation Improvement Plan
Creating a personalized improvement plan allows you to identify specific areas for improvement and track your progress over time.
Browse courses on Pronunciation
Show steps
  • Assess your current pronunciation skills through self-reflection or feedback from others.
  • Identify specific areas where you need improvement.
  • Develop a plan outlining steps you will take to improve each area.
  • Monitor your progress and make adjustments to your plan as needed.
Peer Pronunciation Practice Group
Enhance your pronunciation skills by practicing with peers in a structured group setting, where you can receive feedback and support.
Show steps
  • Find a study partner or group with similar pronunciation goals.
  • Meet regularly to practice pronunciation exercises and receive feedback.
  • Listen to each other and provide constructive criticism.
Record a Pronunciation Reflection Speech
Recording a reflection speech will allow you to assess your pronunciation progress and identify areas for continued improvement.
Browse courses on Pronunciation
Show steps
  • Write a speech reflecting on your pronunciation journey.
  • Record yourself delivering the speech.
  • Listen back to the recording and identify areas for improvement.
Pronunciation Podcast Creation
Deepen your understanding of pronunciation by creating a podcast that covers specific pronunciation challenges and techniques, encouraging active learning and knowledge sharing.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific pronunciation topic.
  • Research the topic and gather relevant information.
  • Record your podcast episode, providing clear explanations and examples.
  • Edit and publish your podcast on a platform.
  • Share your podcast with others and gather feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete The Pronunciation of American English Project will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders. It goes without saying that this role requires a deep understanding of the sounds of spoken language. The Pronunciation of American English Project would be very helpful for someone who wants to work as a Speech-Language Pathologist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist
Applied Linguist
An Applied Linguist studies the practical application of linguistic theory to real-world issues. One who wants to succeed in this career should have a strong understanding of the sounds of a language. The Pronunciation of American English Project does exactly that. It helps learners to master the sounds of English and analyze the music of English. That is valuable knowledge and skill for anyone interested in becoming an Applied Linguist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Applied Linguist
English as a Second Language Teacher
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teachers educate students who are learning English as a second language. They are responsible for teaching the basics of English, including pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. As such, ESL Teachers must have a strong understanding of the sounds of English. The Pronunciation of American English project would be very helpful for someone who wants to work as an ESL Teacher.
See salaries and explore the career path for English as a Second Language Teacher
Voice Teacher
Voice Teachers are professionals who help singers and other vocalists improve their singing and speaking voices. They help students develop range, pitch, and stamina. In order to do that, they need to understand the sounds of a language. The Pronunciation of American English Project may be useful for someone who wants to work as a Voice Teacher.
See salaries and explore the career path for Voice Teacher
Linguistics Professor
Linguistics Professors conduct research on the structure and meaning of language. They may also teach courses on linguistics at the college level. It is no surprise that these professionals need to have a strong grasp of the sounds of language. The Pronunciation of American English Project would be a helpful resource for someone who wants to become a Linguistics Professor.
See salaries and explore the career path for Linguistics Professor
Speechwriter
Speechwriters compose speeches for politicians, business leaders, and other public figures. They need to understand the music of English in order to write speeches that are both persuasive and engaging. The Pronunciation of American English project may be useful for a Speechwriter.
See salaries and explore the career path for Speechwriter
Broadcast Announcer
Broadcast Announcers deliver news, information, and entertainment to the public via radio and television. They need to have a strong command of the sounds of English in order to speak clearly and effectively. The Pronunciation of American English project may be useful for someone who wants to become a Broadcast Announcer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Broadcast Announcer
Interpreter
Interpreters facilitate communication between people who do not speak the same language. They need to have a deep understanding of both the source and target languages, including pronunciation. The Pronunciation of American English Project would be a helpful resource for aspiring Interpreters.
See salaries and explore the career path for Interpreter
Forensic Linguist
Forensic Linguists analyze written and spoken language in order to solve crimes and legal disputes. They need to be able to identify and interpret the sounds of language in order to draw conclusions about the speaker or writer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Linguist
Language Acquisition Researcher
Language Acquisition Researchers study how people learn language. They are interested in understanding the cognitive and social factors that influence language acquisition, including pronunciation. The Pronunciation of American English Project may be useful for Language Acquisition Researchers, especially those who are interested in studying the acquisition of English as a second language.
See salaries and explore the career path for Language Acquisition Researcher
Lexicographer
Lexicographers compile and edit dictionaries. They need to have a deep understanding of the sounds of speech in order to create accurate and comprehensive dictionaries. The Pronunciation of American English Project may be useful for someone who wants to become a Lexicographer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Lexicographer
Poet
Poets use language to create art. They use figurative language, rhythm, and rhyme to create poems that express their thoughts and feelings. In order to do this, they need to have a strong understanding of the sounds and rhythms of speech. The Pronunciation of American English Project may be useful for someone who wants to become a Poet.
See salaries and explore the career path for Poet
Radio Host
Radio Hosts entertain and inform listeners over the airwaves. They may play music, conduct interviews, and provide commentary on current events. In order to do this, they need to have a strong command of the sounds of English in order to speak clearly and engagingly. The Pronunciation of American English Project may be useful for someone who wants to become a Radio Host.
See salaries and explore the career path for Radio Host
Translator
Translators convert written or spoken text from one language to another. They need to have a strong understanding of both the source and target languages, including pronunciation. The Pronunciation of American English Project would be a helpful resource for Translators, especially those who are interested in translating into or out of English.
See salaries and explore the career path for Translator
Pronunciation Coach
Pronunciation Coaches help people to improve their pronunciation of a particular language. They may work with individuals or groups, and they may focus on a variety of aspects of pronunciation, including the sounds of speech, intonation, and rhythm. The Pronunciation of American English Project would be a helpful resource for Pronunciation Coaches.
See salaries and explore the career path for Pronunciation Coach

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Pronunciation of American English Project.
Cover image
The Oxford Reference Guide to Lexical Functional...
Save
This handbook offers a detailed exploration of various phonological theories, making it a valuable resource for students and professionals seeking a comprehensive understanding of theoretical approaches in phonology.
The Oxford Reference Guide to Lexical Functional...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Multilingual Subjects
Save
For students of English as a foreign language, this book provides an overview of the English phonological system with a focus on the pronunciation of individual sounds to promote accurate speech production.
Multilingual Subjects: On Standard English, Its...
Hardcover
$$
Multilingual Subjects: On Standard English, Its...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Phonetics
Save
This introductory textbook serves as a comprehensive overview of English phonology. It provides clear explanations of theoretical concepts and helpful exercises for practice.
English Phonetics and Phonology Paperback with...
Hardcover
$$$
Phonetics (Oxford Introduction to Language Study...
Paperback
$$
English Phonetics and Phonology Fourth Edition: A...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
A Course in Phonetics
Save
This guidebook offers a comprehensive overview of phonetics and serves as a useful reference for students and practitioners who require a thorough understanding of the field.
A Course in Phonetics
Paperback
$$$$
Cover image
Auditory Representations in Phonology
Save
Explores phonology from a cognitive science perspective, providing insights into how the human mind processes and produces speech sounds.
Auditory Representations in Phonology (Outstanding...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Handbook of Phonetic Sciences
Save
Offers a broad overview of speech science, encompassing various aspects such as phonetics, acoustics, and speech perception.
The Handbook of Phonetic Sciences
Paperback
$$$
The Handbook of Phonetic Sciences (Blackwell...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Phonetics
Save
Provides a comprehensive introduction to acoustic phonetics and its applications in speech research and linguistics.
Phonetics: Transcription, Production, Acoustics,...
Paperback
$$
Phonetics: Transcription, Production, Acoustics,...
Paperback
$$
Phonetics: Transcription, Production, Acoustics,...
Kindle Edition
$$
Phonetics: Transcription, Production, Acoustics,...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
The Handbook of English Pronunciation
Save
This introductory handbook is useful to students and teachers who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of English pronunciation.
The Handbook of English Pronunciation (Blackwell...
Paperback
$$$
The Handbook of English Pronunciation (Blackwell...
Kindle Edition
$$$

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Course image
Effort
4-5 hours/week for 4 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of California, Irvine
Instructors
Helen Nam
Marla Yoshida
Meg Parker
Emily Wong
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a collection called The Pronunciation of American English. It's comprised of four courses:
  1. Vowels of American English Pronunciation
  2. The Music of American English Pronunciation
  3. The Pronunciation of American English Project (viewing)
  4. Consonants of American English Pronunciation
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Strengthens an existing foundation for intermediate learners
Builds a strong foundation for beginners
Taught by Meg Parker, Emily Wong, Helen Nam, Marla Yoshida, who are recognized for their work in American English Pronunciation
Builds core skills for English Language Learners
Examines phonetics and phonology, which is highly relevant to second language acquisition
This course is multi-modal and includes a mix of media, such as videos, readings, discussions, etc
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