Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Bachelor of Education (Hons) English

Year 2, Semester 1 (2023)

EN2013 – Structure of English I

Assignment

Name: ……………………………………………………………………………………

Index No: …………………………………..

1
 Mini Research Project
Phonological Analysis of an Individual’s Speech

1. Objective:
The objective of this assignment is to familiarize you with the basics of phonological structure
and the process of analyzing an individual's speech. By completing this assignment, you will gain
the skills to assess and understand the phonological aspects of speech, enabling you to work
effectively and inclusively with anyone who may have speech sound disorders or dialectal/
accent variations in your future English language teaching (ELT) classrooms.

2. Task: Phonological Analysis

For the purpose of this assignment, you may work as a pair.

Conduct a phonological analysis of an individual’s speech and share your findings in the
format of a short academic presentation. You may analyze this speech in terms of phonemes,
allophonic variations, stress patterns, phonological processes, and accent/variety.

2.1. Steps:
• Identify someone whose English speech/pronunciation you find interesting and/or you
would like to learn more about. This may be someone whom you know (i.e., a friend or
a family member) or is famous in the society (i.e., a local or an international public
figure).
• Record a short sample of speech (Live spontaneous speech of 1-2 minutes long).
• Transcribe the recorded speech sample, focusing on individual sounds (phonemes and
allophonic variations), phonological patterns and processes.
• Analyze the recorded speech to identify any phonological patterns, processes, or
articulation variations (or, slips or errors if present).
• Discuss your findings with reference to the Standard Sri Lankan English phonology
(Chapter 5, The Postcolonial Identity of Sri Lankan English by Manique Gunesekera)
• Summarize your findings (3-4 key findings) and conclude with your own reflections on
your experience with the speech analysis.

*Make necessary references to your learning from the course (Phonetics and Phonology)

3. Task: Presentation

3.1. Steps:
• Structure your academic presentation encompassing an introduction, a brief
background, your methodology, your key (3-4) findings and discussion, and a conclusion.
• Organize your presentation in a logical manner, ensuring the audience can follow it with
ease (Use oral signaling phrases to guide through your presentation).
• Choose a format of visual aid that works best for you. – MS PowerPoint or poster

2
 • Practice individually and as a pair, prior to the presentation
• Note the time duration: Presentation 8 - 10 minutes, Discussion 3 - 5 minutes

3.2. Submission and Presentation:

• Along with your poster or PowerPoint slides, submit a soft copy of the transcript of the
recording with the sections you have referred to in your analysis highlighted.
• Cite and reference any information you borrow from the literature.
• Prepare the reference list in APA (7th edition).
• Deadline: 6 November, 2023
• Time: 8:30 am

4. Grading Criteria: Total Marks (60)

• Phonological analysis: 10 points
• Contents: 08 points
• Reflection: 05 points
• Structure and organization: 10 points
• Visual aids: 05 points
• Time management: 02 points
• Attire: 02 points
• Delivery: 10 points
• Language and style: 08 points

Should you have any queries, contact me on WhatsApp.