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Nigeria's free digital learning hub. Videos, lecture notes, practice questions and leaderboards aligned with CCMAS, NBTE, NCCE, WAEC, NECO, IJMB and JAMB curricula.
Gender Studies · 100 Level
This is the complete lecture note for GST 111 Communication in English, prepared for Gender Studies students at 100 Level. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS • Course code: GST 111 • Course title: Communication in English • Course credit load: 2 Series 1: Sound Patterns and Word Classes Series outline • 1.1 Sound Patterns in English o Phonetics and phonology o Vowels and consonants • 1.2 Word Classes in English o Lexical words o Grammatical words o Forms and functions • 1.3 Usage and Collocations o Definitions and examples o Practical applications in communication Introduction Language is built upon sounds, and every spoken word begins with a pattern of vowels and consonants that gives it meaning and clarity. For learners of English, recognising these sound patterns is essential because they form the foundation of pronunciation, spelling, and effective communication. Without a clear grasp of how sounds are organised, it becomes difficult to appreciate how words are classified and used in everyday speech. This Series therefore sets the stage for understanding English at its most basic level, while also linking directly to the broader aim of the course, which is to help you communicate with confidence and accuracy. The aim of this Series is to equip you with the ability to identify and describe sound patterns in English, classify words according to their grammatical and lexical functions, and apply this knowledge to practical usage in communication.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS We shall commence this Series by examining the sound patterns of English, focusing on phonetics, phonology, vowels, and consonants. Next, we will move on to explore the different word classes in English, considering both lexical and grammatical words, their forms, and their functions. Finally, we will wrap up by studying usage and collocations, where you will see how words combine naturally in speech and writing to create meaning. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: • SLO 1.1 define the basic concepts of phonetics and phonology, • SLO 1.2 identify and classify English vowels and consonants, • SLO 1.3 explain the distinction between lexical and grammatical word classes, • SLO 1.4 analyse the forms and functions of word classes in English, and • SLO 1.5 apply knowledge of collocations to practical communication tasks. 1.1 Sound Patterns In English 1.1.1 Phonetics and phonology Phonetics refers to the study of the physical sounds of human speech, including how they are produced, transmitted, and perceived. Phonology, on the other hand, is the study of how sounds function within a particular language system, focusing on patterns and rules. Together, these two areas provide the foundation for understanding English pronunciation and sound organisation. When you say a word aloud, you are engaging in phonetics, but when you consider why certain sounds can or cannot occur together in English, you are dealing with phonology. Fill in the blank: Phonetics is the study of the ______ sounds of human speech. 1.1.2 Vowels and consonants Vowels are speech sounds produced without significant constriction of airflow in the vocal tract. They form the core of syllables and are essential for word formation. Consonants are speech sounds produced with some degree of constriction or closure in the vocal tract, often shaping the beginning or end of syllables. English vowels can be classified into short and long vowels, while consonants are grouped according to place and manner of articulation. For example, the sound /p/ is a consonant produced by closing the lips and releasing air, while the sound /a/ is a vowel produced with an open vocal tract. Fill in the blank: A vowel is produced without significant ______ of airflow in the vocal tract.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Pilot questions 1.1 1. Which field studies the physical production and perception of speech sounds? 2. Which field studies the rules and patterns of sound organisation in a language? 3. What is the main difference between vowels and consonants in terms of airflow? 4. Give one example of a short vowel and one example of a consonant. 5. Which sound is produced by closing the lips and releasing air? 1.2 Word Classes In English 1.2.1 Lexical words Lexical words are words that carry the main meaning in communication. They include nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. These words are sometimes referred to as content words because they provide the essential information in a sentence. For example, in the sentence The student reads quickly, the words student, reads, and quickly are lexical words. Lexical words are important because they help us identify what is being talked about, what action is taking place, and how the action is being described. Fill in the blank: Lexical words are also called ______ words because they carry meaning in communication. 1.2.2 Grammatical words Grammatical words are words that serve a structural role in sentences rather than carrying main meaning. They include articles, prepositions, conjunctions, pronouns, and auxiliary verbs. These words are sometimes called function words because they help to connect lexical words and organise sentences. For instance, in the sentence The student reads quickly, the word the is a grammatical word. Grammatical words are essential because they provide the framework that allows lexical words to be understood in context. Fill in the blank: Grammatical words are also known as ______ words because they serve structural roles in sentences.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.2.3 Forms and functions Every word class has a form, which refers to its grammatical shape, and a function, which refers to the role it plays in a sentence. For example, the word run can take the form of a verb (I run daily) or a noun (He went for a run). Its function changes depending on how it is used. Understanding the forms and functions of word classes helps learners to use words accurately in different contexts. Fill in the blank: The word run can function as both a ______ and a noun depending on usage. Pilot questions 1.2 1. Which word class carries the main meaning in communication? 2. Which word class provides structural roles in sentences? 3. Give one example of a lexical word and one example of a grammatical word. 4. What is the difference between the form and function of a word? 5. In the sentence He went for a run, what is the function of the word run? 1.3 Usage And Collocations 1.3.1 Definitions and examples Usage refers to the way words and expressions are employed in communication to convey meaning appropriately. It involves choosing the right words and applying them correctly in sentences. Collocations are natural combinations of words that frequently occur together in a language. For example, in English we say make a decision rather than do a decision. Collocations are important because they make speech and writing sound natural. Learners who use collocations correctly are more likely to be understood and to sound fluent. Fill in the blank: In English, we say make a decision rather than ______ a decision. 1.3.2 Practical applications in communication Collocations are not just theoretical, they are practical tools for effective communication. Using them correctly helps learners avoid awkward phrasing and improves clarity. For instance, saying strong tea is natural, while powerful tea sounds unusual. Similarly, heavy rain is correct, while big rain is not. In everyday communication, collocations are used in academic writing, professional reports, and casual conversations. Mastering them allows learners to express ideas smoothly and confidently.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Fill in the blank: The phrase heavy rain is natural, while the phrase ______ rain is awkward. Pilot questions 1.3 1. What is the difference between usage and collocations? 2. Give one example of a correct collocation in English. 3. Why are collocations important for fluency? 4. Which phrase is natural in English: strong tea or powerful tea? 5. In what types of communication are collocations commonly applied? Series Summary This Series has introduced you to the foundations of English communication by focusing on sound patterns and word classes. We began with phonetics and phonology, where you learnt how speech sounds are produced and organised. Then we examined vowels and consonants, which form the building blocks of spoken English. Following that, we explored lexical and grammatical word classes, considering their forms and functions in sentences. Finally, we studied usage and collocations, highlighting how words naturally combine to create fluent and meaningful communication. By engaging with these topics, you have achieved the Series Learning Outcomes. You can now define phonetics and phonology, identify and classify vowels and consonants, explain the distinction between lexical and grammatical words, analyse their forms and functions, and apply collocations effectively in communication. These skills provide a strong foundation for the rest of the course, enabling you to communicate with greater clarity and confidence. Glossary of Terms • Collocations: Natural combinations of words that frequently occur together in a language, such
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