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.