UTB on Demand: Morphophonology
2. June 2024As part of the UTB on Demand project, two English language workshops for students of the Centre for Technical Vocational Training in Kroměříž were held on 16 November 2023, led by Dr Dagmar Masár Machová.
The first workshop centred on pronunciation. Students explored the differences between Czech and English pronunciation and practised proper pronunciation techniques. The second workshop focused on English grammar, providing students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of verb tenses. The success of both workshops was evident from the feedback provided by the Centre: “You could see positive reactions during and after the lectures. According to our students, it was a welcome change—some even improved their pronunciation and expressed a desire to focus more on it. Parents also appreciated this enrichment of their education,” said Mgr Petra Doležalová, a teacher at the Centre. The school expressed interest in hosting future sessions.
The UTB on Demand project offers courses and workshops for secondary schools and grammar schools, taught by university lecturers from all UTB faculties. Students gain insights into a wide range of fields, including economics, linguistics, social sciences, biology, informatics, and more. Teachers can use these sessions to supplement, enrich, and energise their curricula. Workshops can be conducted either at the requesting school or on the university campus. Besides enhancing education, the project serves as a promotional tool, strengthening UTB’s connections with secondary schools and grammar schools.
What is Morphophonology?
Achieving native-like pronunciation in a foreign language can be challenging, especially for those not exposed to the language from an early age. Learners often unconsciously apply the pronunciation principles of their native language to the target language. Morphophonology helps learners recognise and understand the differences between languages, enabling them to improve their pronunciation in English by applying these insights effectively.
Text: Dagmar Masár Machová, Renata Šilhánová