We think that
Phonetics and Phonology is a very interesting subject and fun to learn. Our
lecturers, Dr Zurahani and Miss Shapla are very proficient and have
well-rounded knowledge about the subject. Since the course code is ENGL 2040,
which means that we have had to take it during our Second Year of study in this
university. It is also a pre-requisite subject for our other major courses
including Grammatical Analysis, Introduction to Sociolinguistics, Semantics,
Discourse Analysis, and elective subjects like Psycholinguistics, History of
the English Language and Introduction to Syntax. Basically, in our Phonetics
and Phonology classes we learned about a wide range of topics such as places
and manner of articulation, stressed and unstressed word, word pronunciation
and so on.
In
one of the assignments for this course that is related to CALL, we were asked
to undergo a PISA test, which includes phonemic transcription, memorization of
diacritic symbols and their means of production, and phonetic symbols and their
pronunciation based on the IPA chart. For the purpose of that assignment, we have
had to familiarize ourselves with the exact pronunciation of phonemes and their
distinct allophones, so that we can transcribe some sentences based on the
pronunciation made by our lecturers. By using the method of behaviourist CALL,
computer is used with the help of audio-lingual teaching software which assists
us in getting to know how certain phonemes and phonetic symbols are pronounced
according to the Standard Received Pronunciation. In this sense, we would first
listen to the audio, and then imitate the pronunciation as demonstrated by the
software. We would repeat the way these symbols are pronounced until we get it
right, in line with the standard RP.
After going
through the course, we can say that for an English Language and Literature
student, it is vitally important for us to not just have a basic knowledge and
understanding about how English words are pronounced, but that knowledge also
has to be a deeply rooted in our mind and well-featured in our corpus. Learning
ENGL 2040 has definitely taught us to better our pronunciation, while at the
same time we learn to appreciate God’s creation as we get to understand how our
articulators work amazingly while producing all the sounds that we make. It may
look and sound simple to those who do not know about all these, but learning
Phonetics and Phonology has definitely taught us not just that people listen to
us more attentively provided we have proper English pronunciation, but also to
appreciate even the smallest God-given abilities upon us i.e. the ability to
make and produce sounds.
Reflection
Assignment 1 (Lesson
Plan)
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Learning
and teaching are both a process that requires not just sufficient, but the
extra amount of effort in order for both to take place successfully and
efficiently. We learned that learning and teaching using computer with the aid
of a software programme helps to trigger students’ interest in learning a
particular subject and at the same time, it enhances their understanding of
things in a better way. Based on our journey in completing the assignment, we
found that being a teacher, let alone an educator is never an easy task. A good
teacher is not only someone who teaches his or her students in front and let
them go their own way, but is someone who guides, educates and enhances
students’ learning passion and motivation. For us, being a teacher requires one
to fully prepare himself or herself physically, mentally and emotionally. This
is due to the fact that learning is not a simple process as it undergoes a long
and exhausting period of time before a lesson is truly embedded in the
student’s mind and heart; its effects reflected in the student’s way of
thinking, behaving and dealing with others.
A teacher, in order to not let the students die out of their
motivation to continue their learning journey, must be able to adapt themselves
to different, yet creative teaching styles and strategies so that the students
remain right on track. A lesson plan helps to identify the flow in teaching and
prepares the teacher with a back up plan in case things do not go the way they
have expected. However, there are times when the lesson plan does not really
fall into practicality due to many reasons. One of it is because learning and
teaching are both dynamic processes. Their flexibility often requires the
participants, i.e. the students and the teachers to ‘create’ the desired flow
instead of simply ‘following’ the ‘intended’ one.
Reflection Assignment 2 (Computer
Mediated Communication Assignment)
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Truthfully speaking,
this assignment thus far is the most challenging for us out of all the previous
ones that we have come up with. One of the most disturbing reasons for this is
because none of us are really that into phonetics and phonology in terms of our
passion and experience, let alone come up with a research on the subject
matter. Going through the hardship, together with the lumps of assignments for
other courses with their datelines as well has really taken its toll upon
us. Embracing all these challenges, fortunately we did not give up until the
end. It really tested our cooperation, loyalty and friendship throughout all.
While some of us would cry out their heart, the rest may bicker at one another
and there would be someone who is under the task as a peacemaker, and everyone
would take their turns in befitting all these roles. Fortunately, we did not
quit half way through, as we were ready to venture into our ‘do or die’
principle. Of course, tears and sweat all come together with the restless
nights and thoughts about the assignment, however, thanks to Allah, everything
is paid off in the end. Our job received its credit along with compliments from
the lecturer and our classmates. Above all, it has come clear to us that
whatever the stake is, patience pays and in the end, everything goes to Allah
to decide for us, the only thing we have to do is work hard and remain strong
against all the challenges.
Reflection
Assignment 3 (Mini Proposal and Blog)
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The mini research
proposal is our last assignment for our Computer Application in Language
Studies course. A proposal for research requires lots of thinking processes in
order for the research to be one of quality and produce valid results that will
benefit the researcher as well as humanity as a whole. Since this research
proposal is derived from a replication of a previous research conducted by
other researchers, we have come to learn that for something to succeed there is
always a close-by example that can be emulated. This is applicable as long as
the examples are taken from the right and authoritative source or origin. The
same goes with our life. It is never wrong to exemplify something good, and the
biggest room that initiates improvement is always the one that we need to
venture into. By emulating others’ research, we get to improvise things that
are lacking, while learning about what needs to be added into our own research
so that we would not commit the same mistakes as exemplified by others.
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As for the blog, it is the direct manifestation of what we have encountered,
learned and come up with as a group thus far. Drphoneticsandphonology .blogspot .com is the actual proof of that, which
reflects our hard work and team cooperation throughout this semester. As a
team, in order to successfully accomplish all the tasks granted upon us as the
subject’s requirement, we have learned a very valuable lesson that is, in order
for us to succeed in doing anything, elements of patience, teamwork, and
tolerance are highly required so that the end result is satisfactory and
beneficial to everyone. Everyone has their own capabilities which need to be
integrated and mutually combined for a group work to end up excellently. For
that, each team member has her own roles and functions to play, without which,
it is seemly impossible for the blog to come into realization. Hence,
dr.phoneticsandphonology.blogspot.com is the direct evidence of all matters
above mentioned.
