Assoc. Prof. Dr Snezhina Dimitrova
Lectures: 30
ECTS credits: 3
The aim of the course is to introduce students to some of the main varieties of English spoken around the world today. It first compares the two “standard” accents of England (RP) and the United States (GA), discusses the changes that have affected RP over the last century, the rise of Estuary English, introduces students to other major accents of England, as well as to other accents of the British Isles (Welsh, Scottish, Irish, etc.). Accent variation in the USA and main southern-hemisphere English accents (Australian, New Zealand, South African) are also considered. Throughout the course, students listen to and watch a variety of audio and video materials and analyze the recordings both in class and as part of their individual assignments. Assessment is based on a mid-term test, an end-of-term test and a term project consisting of a written paper and a class presentation. Students are expected to have knowledge of English phonetics and phonology. The course is taught in English.