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EDBSP1023 Phonetics, Phonology and Oral Communication

This unit teaches undergraduate students to identify and understand the sounds of the English language. Australian Standard English, like all languages, is composed of a set of specific sounds, i.e. phonemes, and all words are made up of these sounds. Understanding the sounds of the English, including how they are articulated, is essential for a range of professions, including teachers of English, in particular for teaching phonics, speech pathologists, audiologists, and learning integration aides. Students completing this unit will be able to identify the sounds that make up any given word of English, articulate and explain these sounds for pedagogical purposes. They will have the skills to transcribe English words in the international phonetic alphabet, and to understand place of articulation, manner of articulation, and the acoustic relations of the phonetics and phonology of English. The unit introduces students to the articulatory and acoustic phonetics and phonology of English, including stress and intonation patterns, and how these function to create meaning in oral communication. Students will be able to identify stress patterns in English words and sentences. Students will also understand speech development, and oral communication development across the lifespan. Students will learn about research into how oral language supports literacy development, and evidence-based practices such as phonics instruction. Students will also understand how oral language development supports reading and writing development. The unit covers phonemic awareness, phonological awareness, and the grammar associated with spoken discourse and oral communication.

Credit points
15
EFTSL
0.125
Band
Band 2
Field of Education
Speech Pathology (061707)

Commonwealth supported place (CSP)

A CSP is subsidised by the Australian Government and students pay a contribution amount. Each unit is classified into a band, depending on the study area of the unit (this discipline may be different from the study area of your course).

2025 contribution amount* $1,164
2025 grandfathered contribution amount* $1,164

Grandfathered contribution amount - if you are a continuing student, who commenced your course before 1 January 2021, you will continue paying the same amount as you would have, had legislative reforms not been implemented, for any units that would otherwise have an increased student contribution amount.

* For Clinical Psychology & Professional Pathways bands the unit fee amount is determined by accredited courses. Students in Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, Professional Pathway Psychology or Professional Pathway Social Work accredited courses should refer to the information below.

Domestic full fee–paying places

A domestic full fee–paying place is one that isn’t subsidised by the Australian Government. These places are offered to postgraduate students or those who are ineligible for a CSP. Domestic postgraduate tuition fees are course-based annual fees, which means individual unit fees vary according to the degree. To find out more about domestic tuition fees and view the relevant fee schedule visit our fees website. 

International full fee–paying places

International tuition fees are course-based annual fees and the unit fee you pay will vary according to the degree you are studying. To find out more about international tuition fees and view the relevant fee schedule visit our fees website