The Sounds of Spoken English: A Manual of Ear Training for English Students: (4th edition)

"The Sounds of Spoken English: A Manual of Ear Training for English Students" by Walter Rippmann is a phonetics guide written in the early 20th century. This manual focuses on the articulation and perception of English speech sounds, aiming to improve pronunciation skills for both native speakers and teachers of foreign languages. It seeks to provide a structured understanding of how sounds are produced, represented, and understood in spoken English. The opening of the work establishes the author’s intent to offer a straightforward yet insightful exploration of English pronunciation, acknowledging the complexities of the language and the common difficulties faced by learners. Rippmann addresses the importance of ear training in understanding and producing the distinct sounds of English, asserting that before one can master a foreign language, a strong grasp of the sounds of their mother tongue is essential. The text emphasizes that improving pronunciation is not merely about imitation but requires a clear understanding of how English speech operates and how to teach it effectively.