English Spelling

The pronunciation of English vocalic graphemes is not always the same. One wrongly assumes they are consistent as in other languages, but they are not.

The relationship between spelling and sound is unpredictable; therefore  the pronunciation is chaotic, erratic even whimsical. It is part of the peculiar

English Muddle.

Aware of the problem,  and given that neither the spelling nor the ear can be trusted

we  wrote the following material.

1)           Sound&Spelling related Mind Maps:

            that relate a particular sound with the different graphemes.

2)           Jolly Stories for Learrning:

             they associate words with the same sound but different spelling.

3)           Audio:  

the stories above recorded by English actors

    

FREQUENT ERRORS:

   

1)   To pronounce wrongly a letter as a diphtong or viceversa

2)   Overgeneralizations  

NOTE

The a diphthongs in Nation

but it does not in its derived words.

Likewise, the stress changes position in derived words. 

Bear in mind that one must constantly particularize in English.

This linguistic trait creates patterns in the mind that transfer to everyday life.

I daresay that the English language:

1)     creates productive patterns of behavior against overgeneralizations

2)     develops alertness to minute signals that make the difference.

MINDMAPS

FREE SAMPLE MINDMAP, More here

These pronunciation MINDMAPS are unique. They relate sound and  spelling.

a) The target sound appears in phonetics in a central image.
b) Branches with different spellings radiate from the central image.

 The mind maps are enhanced with colour and pictures to add interest and loveliness. So they attract attention, enhance memory and improve the recall.

Mind maps store data efficiently and so multiply your capacity.

It is an evident visual display of the English sounds related to spelling. 

All the system displayed  in 22 mindmaps.

GO ON, look at the sample map and take the wise decision of continuing if you wish to improve your pronunciation or somebody else’s.

The branches should be read clockwise the first time so as to be acquainted with the procedure.

Book & ebook available @ Amazon

The Importance of a Pause

Pausing is an essential part of clear speech, giving the speaker time to place stresses and the listener time to absorb information. Sometimes (though not often), a pause will go beyond clarity and entirely change the meaning of what is said, as in these 10 examples:

1.Let’s eat, grandma!

2. Let’s eat grandma!

Explanation

Version 1 is a suggestion to eat something with the listener – ‘grandma’. Version 2 would indicate the speaker is a cannibal who intends to eat his grandma; she is the direct object of the verb ‘eat’. 

1. A woman without her man, is nothing.

2. A woman: without her, man is nothing.

Explanation

This is a famous example of pausing entirely inverting the meaning of a sentence. Version one has the meaning ‘A woman is nothing without her man’ and version 2 has the opposite meaning ‘A man is nothing without a woman’. 

1. Oh, no vodka?

2. Oh no! Vodka.

Explanation

Version 1 uses the exclamation ‘oh’ to show surprise at the lack of vodka. Version 2 uses the exclamation ‘Oh no!’ to demonstrate a negative reaction to the presence of vodka. The speaker in version 2 might have a hangover.

1. Why don’t you run over, Kate?

2. Why don’t you run over Kate?

Explanation

Version 1 uses the meaning of ‘run over’ as in ‘visit now’, with Kate being the listener. Version 2 uses the transitive ‘run someone over’ meaning to hit them with a moving vehicle, with the object being Kate. Kate would probably prefer to hear version 1.

1. Don’t eat that, honey.

2. Don’t eat that honey.

Explanation

Version 1 uses the imperative ‘Don’t eat that’, with the determiner ‘that’ referring to an object, ‘honey’ is used as an affectionate term for the listener in this version, like ‘darling’ or ‘dear’. In version 2, honey is the object, so the listener shouldn’t eat the honey.

1. Call me, gorgeous, if you like.

2. Call me gorgeous, if you like.

Explanation

Version one has the imperative ‘Call me’ and this is directed to the listener who is ‘gorgeous’. Version 2 has the imperative ‘Call me gorgeous’ so the speaker believes he is highly attractive and deserves the name ‘gorgeous’.

 

1. Most of the time, travellers have jet lag.

2. Most of the time travellers have jet lag.

Explanation

Version 1 has 2 clauses, the main clause being ‘travellers have jet lag’ and the adverbial clause gives us further information – ‘most of the time’. The lack of a comma in version 2 indicates that there is just one clause and ‘time travellers’ is a compound noun in the science fiction sense of going into the past or future.

More here...

Stephen Hawking Tribute

Stephen Hawking: The HBO interview

SOUND & SPELLING MINDMAPS

In the book Funny Stories by Alba Paz 22 full-color mental maps are included, created by her to better understand how phonetics works, more info below, here are some of them:

MIND MAP 2

MIND MAP 6

All 22 mind maps are now available in an excellent full color paper edition, click on the cover page above for more info. And in ebook format for Kindle here: Mindmaps Kindle Edition.

Explanation:

The Mind Map is an expression of Radiant Thinking and is therefore a natural function of the human mind. It is a powerful graphic technique which provides a universal key to unlocking the potential of the brain. Mind Maps can be applied to every aspect of life where improved learning and clearer thinking will enhance human performance. The Mind Map has four essential characteristics:

1) The subject of attention is crystallized in a central image.

2) The main themes of the subject radiate from the central image as branches.

3) Branches consist of a key image or key word printed on an associated line. Topics of lesser importance are also represented as branches attached to higher level branches.

4) The branches form a connected nodal structure.

Mind maps may be enhanced with colour and pictures, to add interest, beauty and individuality . These in turn  add creativity, enhance memory and improve  the recall of information. Storing data efficiently multiplies your capacity. It is like the difference between a cluttered warehouse and a library with an ordering system”

(adapted from The Mind Map Book by Tony Bazan with Barry Buzan, BBC Books)

Available now in a very nice colorful paperback edition here. Kindle edition here: Alba Paz's Mindmaps Kindle Edition.

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