Please Note: This is a new edition of a previously announced text.

Assuming little or no background knowledge and using original examples and exercises (with answers supplied), Understanding Phonetics provides with an accessible introduction to the basics of phonetics and a comprehensive analysis of traditional phonetic theory--the articulation and physical characteristics of speech sounds.

Examples from a wide range of languages are presented throughout using symbols of the International Phonetic Alphabet. To help develop skills in this alphabet, Understanding Phonetics includes ear-training exercises that are freely available online, along with audio files of authentic listening material, at www.hodderplus.com/linguistics.