Introduction to Phonology: Say it right!

International Phonetic Alphabet chart

      Phonology is a study of phonemes (sounds) used in the English language. The chart above was used to learn the correct way to produce each sound. It is easier to learn it now since I had learned the basis of phonology earlier with Mr. Camillus Ong somewhere in 2007. 

      When learning about language, especially in emphasizing on phonology, the most vital thing to have is a good British dictionary. I am glad that I have Oxford Advanced Learner's 7th edition for companion in studying English language. It comes with helpful features and the most essential part is, OAL provide the transcript for all English word. 

       What do I know now after learning phonology? hihi..

I know that...

 in the English sound system,

the phonemes are consists of;

24 consonants and 20 vowels sounds.

Anymore that I know?

Nonetheless, I had learned that there are short vowels, consonants, long monophthongs, and diphtongs. In a twit, as a language teacher I realised that phonics in phonology is an approach to teaching reading to the students. It aims at building foundational skills in beginning readers. However, the use of phonics depends on the practitioners’ beliefs about reading. In Malaysian culture, people tend to belief that Manglish is acceptable and there are only little awareness in English speaker to use the right phonics. We have to fix this situation very soon in order for Malaysia to achieve the vision "Wawasan 2020".


      The 6th challenge under Wawasan 2020 is;

"Mewujudkan masyarakat saintifik dan progresif, mempunyai daya perubahan tinggi dan memandang ke depan, yang bukan sahaja pengguna teknologi tinggi tetapi juga menyumbangkan kepada tamadun saintifik dan teknologi masa depan."


Therefore, I came to a point of understanding that there is an urge need for English language teachers to understand the good phonics instruction. Good phonics instruction should be able to develop the alphabetic principle. Students must know that the notion of letters in words stand for specific sounds. It is not a dime a dozen yet good phonics instruction helps to develop phonological awareness  where students obtained the recognition of sounds in spoken words (phoneme awareness).

      Implicitly, I learned from this topic that the benefit of good phonics instruction in our teaching is it provide a sound grounding in the letters throughout learning the shapes and names of letters. Nevertheless, it may provide sufficient practice in reading words either in isolation or in context. 

      Cut to the chase, good phonics instruction should lead automatic word recognition. Phonics instruction is not the end but the means to help children read words automatically. 

Before I end here, let me share a good link that may help us to understand further about the world of Phonology; http://www.readingrockets.org/article/254

Remember! Say it right!