On 1/29 the online class was a little mixed up for awhile but then it got better. We first met as a class and tried to use our microphones. "Tried" is the operative word because it seems many of us were unsuccessful. This fact brought Esther to realize that perhaps the technology was more of a hindrance to our class than a helpful aid. I like the idea of technology, however, in my experience it never seems to work correctly and I get frustrated. At times I feel that I have defeated the point of the online class because I go to the school library and sit near many of my classmates. I like it better that way because I can ask them questions when I have them.
To move on, the class then got into small groups to discuss Phonology and I was happy about that. I was a little confused about some of the terms but now it seems that I have quite a firm grasp on what each term is.
We then gathered as a class one more time to discuss our findings. Esther then went over Phonology terms that seemed to be confusing. I was sooo glad for that because the light bulb finally went on for me with respect to phonemes and allophones! I was relieved to learn that almost everyone had a little trouble with the chapters we read. It was a lot of new material and I am glad we took the time to go over some of the more confusing points.
Lastly, we discussed the difference between pronunciation and accent. We also discussed the difference between "rime" and "rhyme".
Oh! I found something in our class discussion quite interesting. It is random but very fascinating. When Bekir was talking about affricates he stated that babies in Turkey make a different sound when they cry versus American babies. I thought that was so intriguing! Someone in the class then made the point that it may not be the sound of the babies cries that is different but the way those cries are described in a different language.
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Definitely very interesting notion, Stephanie, about the face-to-face within an online class element. Also, you (all) might want to see if there’s a discussion room you could book on a regular basis which would allow you to talk in the library.
ReplyDeleteHmm … I remember Bekir’s comment, but I wonder whether the babies do cry the same, but that they are IPAed differently, much like how dogs bark differently in different cultures!