Accurate pronunciation of a foreign language is a challenge most learners face right from the beginning level. The pronunciation difficulty ranges from understanding where to place the speech articulators to pronounce the new sounds correctly to producing sound sequences of the new language that are prohibited in the learner's native language. These challenges can be addressed with the help of basic phonetics and phonology training. One of the tools phoneticians use to understand speech articulation is the International Phonetic Alphabet, a sound chart that captures the details of the production mechanisms of a wide range of sounds from a wide range of languages of the world. Additionally, the knowledge of phonology means the knowledge of sound inventories of different languages. That is, understanding the sounds of the native language/languages of the learners as well as the target language. When language teachers are aware of the phonology of both sides, it becomes easier to 1) explain the similarities and differences between the languages and 2) empathize with the students' challenges which is crucial for language lessons. 

This talk presents the importance of teaching the basics of phonetics and phonology to help learners understand the underlying logic of how sounds are produced in their respective target languages and how the sounds of the target languages are different from their native languages, ultimately leading to what they can do to achieve near-native pronunciation. 

Light lunch provided. RSVP encouraged but not required.

Dr. Sarkar is a lecturer of Hindi-Urdu and Bengali at the Department of South Asia Studies. A linguist at heart, her research interests lie in the production and perception of speech sounds of Indian languages, specifically Hindi and Bengali. Her most recent research investigates phonological issues related to the production and perception of the four-way stop contrast (commonly seen in South-Asian languages), with respect to Bengali. Her future research goals include but are not limited to understanding language change and language attitudes in heritage speakers of Indian languages and how they compare to native populations and investigating various phonological issues with regards to Indian languages.