French Language Phonetics 3304-1DP1O-FJF-002
The classes focus primarily on the vowel system of the French language, particularly those elements that pose difficulties for Polish-speaking students (vowel oppositions based on differences in degree of openness and place of articulation, nasal vowels typical of French, and the distinction between vowels and semivowels). Students learn about the various factors that influence pronunciation (syllable characteristics, assimilation, word etymology, and stylistic considerations). Practical exercises aim to combine knowledge of French spelling and pronunciation and to develop the ability to use the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to transcribe individual words and entire texts. An integral part of the course consists of exercises on the online platform kampus.come.uw.edu.pl, which are mandatory (see grading criteria).
The exercises are a mandatory component of the “Phonetics” module. ECTS credits for this course are awarded based on an exam that assesses knowledge gained from the lectures and skills developed in the exercises.
In the winter semester of 2020/2021, classes are held remotely.
Instructor office hours: Fridays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on zoom.us; please contact the instructor via email in advance (a link and password for the meeting will be sent via email).
Course coordinators
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
The student has knowledge of:
- the notation of French sounds in the IPA phonetic alphabet;
- the mechanisms of French vowel articulation and their functioning as a system;
- the differences and similarities between the phonetic systems of Polish and French;
- the rules for dividing a speech chain into syllables and rhythmic groups;
- the characteristics of syllables (oppositions: open/closed, stressed/unstressed);
- the correlation between spelling and pronunciation in French;
- the rules of interword linking;
- the rules for pronouncing the silent “e” in formal speech.
The student is able to:
- recognize all vowels belonging to the French language system and assign them the appropriate IPA symbols;
- divide a speech sequence into syllables and characterize those syllables;
- specify which pronunciation corresponds to a given spelling in a specific type of syllable;
- identify the most important exceptions to general rules;
- perform phonetic transcriptions of words and sentences in French.
Students acquire the following social competencies:
- awareness of the need to improve their French pronunciation;
- the ability to work in groups;
- the ability to use modern technologies.
Assessment criteria
Attendance at the exercises is mandatory. Two unexcused absences and a maximum of 50% of excused absences are permitted. Attendance at online classes is verified based on the attendance roster and active participation in class.
The course concludes with an exam consisting of a theoretical section (covering the content of lecture 3304-1DX1O-FJF-003) and a practical section (phonetic transcription of a text in French). ECTS credits are awarded for passing the exam.
To be eligible for the exam, students must, during the semester: 1) achieve a minimum score of 70% on the assessment exercises on the kampus.come.uw.edu.pl platform (course 3304-1DP1O-FJF-002) and 2) in the second half of the semester, receive a passing grade on the transcription of a short text, evaluated according to exam criteria (scoring guidelines will be posted on the course website).
Note: The format and grading criteria for this course are subject to change depending on the current pandemic situation. Equivalent grading conditions will be established in accordance with the guidelines in effect at the University of Warsaw, in consultation with the course participants.