English pronunciation: stage 1

Course Dates: 23/01/25 - 03/04/25
Time: 19:00 - 21:00
Location: Keeley Street
Are you a non-native fluent speaker who wants to improve your pronunciation of English and to speak the language more clearly and confidently? Work on clear formation of vowel and consonant sounds including the English neutral vowel and the distinction between voiced and unvoiced sounds. This term the course will be taught in the college.
97% of 100
Download
Book your place
In stock
SKU
223315
Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £181.00
Choose a start date

English pronunciation: stage 1
  • Course Code: DVE101
  • Dates: 23/01/25 - 03/04/25
  • Time: 19:00 - 21:00
  • Taught: Thu, Evening
  • Duration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)
  • Location: Keeley Street
  • Tutor: David John Gwillim

Course Code: DVE101

Choose a start date  

Thu, eve, 23 Jan - 03 Apr '25

Duration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)

Any questions? drama@citylit.ac.uk
or call 020 4582 0413

Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.

What is the course about?

Communicating in English more clearly and confidently in work and social situations. A high level of commitment is essential. This course will be delivered in the college.

What will we cover?

Detailed study of the articulation of the simple vowel sounds and consonant sounds of Standard English.
Repetition of exercises to help you articulate these sounds more easily.
Learning the phonetic symbols from the International Phonetic Alphabet which represent the sounds studied.
The use of the neutral sound in unstressed syllables.
Strong form/weak form of some commonly used words, and correct usage.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

Articulate correctly the simple vowel and consonant sounds of standard English.
Differentiate clearly between the relative lengths of the various simple vowel sounds.
Identify accurately the appropriate sounds and understand how English spelling and sound can differ.
Recognise the phonetic symbols which represent all the sounds studied – and apply this knowledge when using an English pronunciation (phonetic) dictionary.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Students should be able to demonstrate a ready understanding of spoken English, and be able to communicate competently in English.
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
• Speak English fluently.
• Communicate in group situations.
• Give and receive constructive feedback.
• Read and respond to a range of texts.
• Take course notes for your own use.
If you are new to voice classes please take a moment to read our
full sequence of voice and speech classes at City Lit (click here) before choosing.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The articulation process of each sound is explained and demonstrated by the tutor.
Study of the neutral vowel as the most crucial sound in the language.
All simple vowel and consonant sounds are practised through repetition – both group and individual work.
Repetition of words containing these sounds.

As part of the course content, your tutor may record your image for initial and ongoing assessment purposes. You are entitled to decline to participate in the recording of your image.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please have a small hand-mirror; a pen/pencil and note-book/sheets of A4 paper. It is suggested- but not imperative- that you support your studies by reading material such as Work on Your Accent by Helen Ashton and Sarah Shepherd.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You can progress to English Pronunciation Stage 2, if you and your tutor feel you are ready.
Please refer to our
full sequence of voice and speech classes at City Lit (click here) as you consider which area you would like to study next.

David John Gwillim

David Gwillim graduated in 2002 from the Central School of Speech and Drama with an MA in Voice Studies. Before this he had been a successful actor for thirty years in television, films and theatre, working for the BBC and ITV, in Hollywood and the West End, and for the Royal Sharkespeare Company. After graduation he taught at RADA, ALRA and other London drama schools. In 2006 he began teaching at City Lit, where he now specialises in English pronunciation for speakers of foreign languages. He has the Certificate for Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector.

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.