Phonetics and Phonology 101

The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Phonetics and Phonology: Decode the Sounds of the English Language.

What you’ll learn
✓ Identify and describe the articulatory functions of the vocal tract.
✓ Transcribe and decode English words (or a target language) using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).
✓ Distinguish between phonemes and allophones by analyzing minimal pairs.
✓ Evaluate suprasegmental features such as stress, intonation, and rhythm, and explain how these elements convey meaning and nuance in natural conversation.

Requirements
● No prior knowledge of linguistics is required. Anyone interested in exploring the depths of the English language is welcome to enroll.

Description
Have you ever wondered why English spelling feels so disconnected from its sound? Or why a tiny change in your tongue position can completely change the meaning of a word? Whether you are an aspiring linguist, a language teacher, or a speech-language pathology student, understanding the “nuts and bolts” of speech is the key to mastering any language.

Welcome to Phonetics and Phonology 101. This course simplifies complex academic theories into practical, bite-sized lessons. Led by Nhatalia Niño, we go beyond the textbook to explore how speech is physically produced (Phonetics) and mentally organized (Phonology).

In this course, you won’t just memorize symbols; you will gain a deep, technical understanding of the English language

• The Physical Side: Map the human vocal tract and understand the place and manner of articulation for every English sound.

• The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA): Learn about vowel sounds and how to properly transcribe them.

• The Mental Side: Explore phonemes and minimal pairs to see how our brains categorize sounds.

• The Melody of Speech: Master suprasegmental features like word stress, rhythm, and intonation that give English its natural “flow.”

With 24/7 access to video lectures, downloadable cheat sheets, and hands-on quizzes, you’ll move from “confused beginner” to “confident analyst” in no time. No prior linguistics knowledge is needed.

Who this course is for
■ Aspiring Linguists & Language Students
■ English Language Teachers (TEFL/TESOL)
■ Actors and Voice Artists
■ Curious Polyglots & Language Learners