Lecture Notes: Vocabulary and Pronunciation Differences Between British and American English

Vocabulary Focus

• Word Focus: Neighbor
  • British Pronunciation: Neighbor /ˈneɪ.bər/
  • American Pronunciation: Neighbor /ˈneɪ.bɚ/
  • British Spellings: Neighbour, favourite, colour (includes 'u')
  • American Spellings: Neighbor, favorite, color (excludes 'u')

Pronunciation Rules

• Linking R in British English
  • Example: "My neighbor is" sounds like "my neighboR is" because of the vowel following "neighbor".
  • Important to note the connection between consonant and vowel sounds.

Common Collocations with "Neighbor"

• Types of Neighbors
  • Next door neighbor
  • Close neighbor
  • Good neighbor
  • Bad neighbor
  • Friendly neighbor
• Use in Sentences
  • "She's been a good neighbor to me." (Present perfect emphasizes ongoing relationship)
  • "My next door neighbor is friendly."

Synonyms and Related Terms

• Argument with Neighbors
  • Expressions: Have an argument, dispute, conflict, disagreement, falling out
  • "I had an argument with my neighbor."
  • Stress on pronunciation: "Argument" /ˈɑːɡ.jə.mənt/
• Position and Proximity Terms
  • Neighbor Location Terms:
    • Next door, upstairs, downstairs, in close proximity
    • Use "near" with an object (e.g., near us), "nearby" without an object

Cultural Insights and Expressions

• Proverbs and Cultural Sayings
  • "Choose your neighbor, not the house." (Moroccan proverb)
  • Importance of neighbors in cultural contexts; good neighbors lead to good relationships.

Practicing Pronunciation

• Tools for Practice
  • Recommendations: Use online resources like Elsa app for feedback and daily practice.

Anecdotes and Real-life Examples

• Examples from Students and Teacher
  • Discussion about experiences with neighbors
  • Examples include: "I get on well with my neighbors," "I had a brawl with my neighbor," etc.

Questions and Interactions

• Example questions discussed: "Do you get on with your neighbors?"
  • Range of responses from students about their experiences

General Advice

• Expression of Relationships
  • Different ways to express relationships with neighbors
  • Common expressions include getting on well, having a superficial relationship, etc.

These notes provide a comprehensive overview of pronunciation differences, common collocations, and cultural nuances discussed in the lecture, along with strategies and tools for improving English pronunciation.