Marks Chart

Sunday - January 11th, 2015
Posted by: 
Mark Hancock
A new phonemic chart from Mark Hancock on hancockmcdonald.com

Here are the phonemic chart for vowels and consonants. See a video explanation of the vowels here. Click on the jpegs below for either the colour or black and white versions. If you prefer a version with no mention of alcoholic drinks, choose the files with ME at the end of the title. Look here for an explanation of the vowels rationale. More on the consonants later. Let me know what you think! Mura Nava's interactive versions of both parts of the chart can be viewed here.

Focus:

Comments

Lyubov

Sun, 08/02/2015 - 15:54

I think it's useful when I teach my pupil I'll use it! thanks!

James Chantry

Fri, 13/03/2015 - 13:04

Hi Mark When I first saw this honeycomb version, I wasn't sure (mainly because I'm used to the layout of Underhill's chart), but the more I think about it, the more I like it. I especially like the way the longer vowels appear as an extension of the shorter vowels, with the six main branches and the diphthong interconnects. Could you give a comment about /ʊə/? I realise that the honey comb allows for 19 slots and so this 20th would make it messier, but have you also left it out as we use this vowel less and less often? Many thanks for your views
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Mark Hancock

Fri, 13/03/2015 - 13:25

Hi James, you're right - according to the various editions of Gimson, this diphthong is tending to coalesce with the vowel in sport. It remains distinct in Scots and NE England. But my main problem with it is that if students see both symbols on the chart, they're almost compelled to ask what distinguishes them, when for most purposes they would be fine without the distinction. The chart is supposed to be useful, rather than comprehensive.

James Chantry

Sat, 14/03/2015 - 23:20

Yes, that's really helpful. When I say "poor", my natural pron is /pɔ:/ not /pʊə/; it's only the teacher in me that makes me say /pʊə/ as I know that this helps to distinguish it from "paw", "pour" and "pore". It's interesting to note that /ʊə/ seems to be absent from many / most American English phonemic transcriptions. Many thanks. I'm going to show my students your 'honeycomb'.
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Mark Hancock

Sun, 15/03/2015 - 08:24

Hope it goes well!

Brandon

Sat, 25/03/2017 - 12:16

Mark, I love the chart and all the possibilities it provides me in an esl classroom. I am presenting a development workshop to colleagues on Friday 31march and was wondering if you would care to comment on any further opportunities to use your chart and do more pronunciation in a classroom. . Any input would be valuable. This will also be the first time many of my colleagues actually experience your chart. Thanking you in advance.
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Mark Hancock

Sat, 25/03/2017 - 12:38

Brandon, check out the newer versions of the chart here: http://hancockmcdonald.com/materials The vowels are slightly rearranged in this newer version, and you've got options for pictures and different symbols. Also, there is an infographic to explain the chart here: http://pronpack.com/the-pronpack-sound-chart/ The infographic could be useful for your colleagues! Mark

Brandon

Sun, 26/03/2017 - 07:16

Mark, I love the chart and all the possibilities it provides me in an esl classroom. I am presenting a development workshop to colleagues on Friday 31march and was wondering if you would care to comment on any further opportunities to use your chart and do more pronunciation in a classroom. . Any input would be valuable. This will also be the first time many of my colleagues actually experience your chart. Thanking you in advance.

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