The relationship between the spelling and pronunciation of English in the South African context

Abstract

English spelling is not phonetic. This is just as well as the variety of accents world wide would make a universal phonetic spelling system impossible. But the non-phonetic and sometimes apparently eccentric nature of English spelling creates difficulties for learners and teachers need instruction in some aspects of the pronunciation of English. The problem is acutest with the vowels as only the letters a e i o u cater for the great variety of vowel sounds, but consonants, while generally providing the framework, can also give trouble. Teacher and learner must be aware of such things as silent letters, assimilation, slurring, stress, vowel reduction and some of the common tendencies in South African pronunciation. All this has implications for the training of English teachers.