Weak and strong forms in English depending on the context and situation

Mgr. Gabriela MARKOVÁ

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

The present work is aimed at correct usage of weak forms in spontaneous speech of Czech students of English as a foreign language at tertiary education level. The goal was to describe the most frequent kinds of incorrect usage of reduced forms and stress misplacement, and offer possible solutions to remedy the situation. The theoretical part is focused on the topic of reduction phenomena in English, especially if more frequent or different from Czech. The two languages were also compared as for type and quality of stress. Samples of spontaneous speech were analysed for kinds and frequency of reductions and correctness of stress placement. It was supposed that the reductions in the samples would occur less frequently, especially in grammatical words, and it was found to be true for all samples. Also the supposed the supposed stress interference of the Czech type of stress was found in all speakers, including the tendency to misplace stress leftward (on the first syllable). Based on the findings, it was suggested to introduce the reduced forms into teaching as soon as possible, preferably in primary education.

Abstract:

The present work is aimed at correct usage of weak forms in spontaneous speech of Czech students of English as a foreign language at tertiary education level. The goal was to describe the most frequent kinds of incorrect usage of reduced forms and stress misplacement, and offer possible solutions to remedy the situation. The theoretical part is focused on the topic of reduction phenomena in English, especially if more frequent or different from Czech. The two languages were also compared as for type and quality of stress. Samples of spontaneous speech were analysed for kinds and frequency of reductions and correctness of stress placement. It was supposed that the reductions in the samples would occur less frequently, especially in grammatical words, and it was found to be true for all samples. Also the supposed the supposed stress interference of the Czech type of stress was found in all speakers, including the tendency to misplace stress leftward (on the first syllable). Based on the findings, it was suggested to introduce the reduced forms into teaching as soon as possible, preferably in primary education.

Keywords

reduction phenomena in English, deletion, stress, stress placement, language types, EFL, phonetics, phonology, vowels, acoustics, formants.

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 27. 6. 2018

Accessible from:: 31. 12. 2999

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: PhDr. Naděžda Stašková, Ph.D.

University of West Bohemia

Faculty of Education

Bachelor programme / field:
Specialization in Pedagogy / English Language in Education