The features of

spoken language

The sounds
Sounds are unknown and unusual for
foreign listeners.
Vowel sounds : sit/seat
Understanding spoken English might not
depend totally on sound, because the
context helps.
Course tapes-sounds are usually well
enunciated
Real life- sounds might be distorted.

The stress and intonation

Stress- to highlight words which carry the
main information the speaker wishes to
convey.
Change in stress-might cause change in
meaning.
What ARE you doing?- surprised
What are YOU doing?- pointing to a
particular person

The organisation of speech

Important words will be stressed
Repetitions of important points
Change of tone, movement of hands to
show moving from one point to another
Students must develop the skill of
recognizing markers and concentrating
on searching for the message

The syntax and vocabulary

of speech

Syntax of spoken language is very much

simpler than written language
Speakers often use incomplete sentences
Vocabulary of spoken discourse is much
less specific
Interactive expressions
Information is packed less densely in
spoken language

Pauses and fillers

Pauses give the listener time to think
Use of fillers should be explained to
students
Let them know that fillers are not part of
essential message

Formal/informal language
Distinction must be made between formal
and informal situations
Being able to establish not only what is
being said, but also how it is being said

Conclusion

How useful do you think it would be for

your students to learn about the features
of spoken English? Why? Give appropriate
examples.