HBET1203 Assignment: Comparing Pronunciation of Selected Words in Text and Reading to Standard British English

ASSIGNMENT QUESTION

PURPOSE:

The objective of this assignment is to help you utilize the concepts presented in the HBET1203 course by applying them to the phonetic and phonological issues addressed in the assignment questions.

PART I
ANALYSIS AND REPORTING (20%)

Assignment Title:

Comparing Pronunciation of Selected Words in Text and Reading to Standard British English (henceforth RP)

Task instructions

1. Selection of words / phrases, and their transcription (5%).

a. Select ten (10) words or short phrases from the reading text. Identify its
appropriate transcription from the transcription given.

b. Check the accuracy of the transcription.

2. Transcription of equal words from Eddie and Samson’s reading (12.5%).

a. Use of the IPA system accurately and appropriately to transcribe identical
words from Eddie’s and Samson’s readings. Identifying the differences
between pronunciations in Standard English, Eddie’s reading, and Samson’s
reading (12.5%).

b. Systematically compare selected words between the readings and RP.

3. Discussion and Conclusion (10%)

a. Organize analysis by types of variations (e.g., vowels, consonants, stress
patterns).

b. Reflect on the broader linguistic and sociocultural implications of the
differences.

c. Discuss how regional variations enrich English as a global language.

Reading Text

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Eddie / Samson, and it’s an absolute honour to stand before you today to introduce you to my beautiful homeland, Malaysia. Nestled in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, traditions, and breathtaking landscapes. Imagine a place
where the modern skyline of Kuala Lumpur, adorned by the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, meets centuries-old rainforests teeming with diverse wildlife. A place where ancient temples, mosques, and churches sit side by side, a testament to the harmony of our multicultural society. Malaysia is not just
a country; it is an experience, a story of unity in diversity.

Malaysia is a land of contrasts, and this is reflected in our geography. We are divided into two regions: Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo, separated by the South China Sea. On the peninsula, you’ll find bustling cities, historical landmarks like Malacca and Georgetown, and pristine islands such as Langkawi and Tioman, offering turquoise waters and powdery beaches. Meanwhile, Malaysian Borneo is home to the legendary Mount Kinabalu, ancient caves like those in Mulu, and the lush, untouched wilderness of Sabah and Sarawak. Our rainforests are among the oldest in the world, sheltering
species you won’t find anywhere else, like the orangutan and the proboscis monkey.

But Malaysia isn’t just about its physical beauty; it’s about its people. We are a melting pot of cultures, with Malays, Chinese, Indians, and indigenous communities like the Orang Asli and Dayaks living together in harmony. This diversity is our greatest strength, shaping our traditions, festivals, and, of
course, our food. Ah, the food! Malaysia’s culinary scene is legendary. From the smoky flavours of satay to the creamy richness of rendang, the spicy tang of laksa to the sweetness of kuih, every bite tells a story. And let’s not forget the national favourite, nasi lemak—a simple dish of coconut rice, sambal, and accompaniments that feels like a warm embrace on a plate.

Our diversity is also evident in our festivals. Malaysians celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Gawai, and so many others with equal enthusiasm. Each festival is a chance to open our homes, share our traditions, and strengthen the bonds that unite us. It’s not uncommon for Malaysians to attend one another’s celebrations, creating a sense of community that is truly unique. Economically, Malaysia is a rising star, transitioning from an agriculture-based economy to one driven by industries such as technology, manufacturing, and tourism. Our capital, Kuala Lumpur, is a modern hub brimming with skyscrapers, world-class shopping malls, and thriving arts and music scenes. Yet, even as we advance, we hold fast to our traditions and natural heritage, striving to achieve balance. So, whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or simply the warmth of friendly faces, Malaysia has it all. We are a nation of dreamers and doers, storytellers and innovators, always ready to welcome you with open arms. As we Malaysians like to say, “Malaysia, truly Asia.” Thank you.

PART II
ONLINE CLASS PARTICIPATION (10 MARKS)

Discuss the following topic in the forum and submit proof of your participation in the online discussions:

The different pronunciation patterns of the different dialects and languages in Malaysia makes it harder for Malaysian to achieve native-like pronunciation of the English language. Discuss. (10 marks)

INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO SUBMIT PROOF OF ONLINE CLASS PARTICIPATION (10%) Do the following:

Select the best FIVE (5) of your postings from the forum discussion set up by your tutor.

Take screenshots of the postings and include them as images in your assignment.

The screenshots should be in an image file (either in JPG or PNG format). Refer to the sample of Screen Grab below

The screenshots should contain: Name, Title of the discussion, Day, Date and Time.

Answer

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