Gimson's Pronunciation of English - Essential Reference Guide

In this review of Gimson's Pronunciation of English the bottom line is simple: this is the essential, scholarly reference for anyone serious about English pronunciation. Updated to present General British as the principal accent and refreshed transcriptions make it especially useful for teachers, advanced students and linguists who need an authoritative account of contemporary pronunciation. The inclusion of a substantial, newly expanded companion website with articulatory videos adds practical value, so readers benefit from both classic scholarship and modern multimedia support.

Key Features

• Updated accent focus: The text now treats General British as the principal accent, giving a clearer model for modern pronunciation study.
• Revised transcriptions: Transcriptions have been brought into line with recent changes in pronunciation, offering readers a current phonetic record.
• Rewritten history chapters: New chapters on the history of the language and the emergence of a standard provide useful context for how pronunciations developed.
• Justification for change: The book explains the rationale for shifting from RP to GB, helping teachers and students understand the theoretical basis for the update.
• Companion website: An extensive online companion includes moment-by-moment commentaries and videos showing articulation of GB consonants, which supports practical learning and classroom use.

Who It's For

Gimson's is designed for advanced undergraduates, postgraduate students, linguistics researchers and pronunciation teachers who need a detailed, authoritative reference that combines historical background, phonetic description and modern transcription practice. The depth of analysis and academic tone make it a strong choice for courses and independent study where rigor is expected.

Those seeking a basic introduction to pronunciation or a quick conversational guide should look elsewhere; the book assumes some prior knowledge and is written as a comprehensive reference rather than a beginner textbook or casual how-to manual.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comprehensive coverage of contemporary pronunciation with an explicit focus on General British.
• Rewritten history and standard-emergence chapters give valuable context for students of language change.
• Companion website with articulatory videos makes phonetic descriptions easier to apply and teach.

Cons

• The academic depth and terminology may be challenging for novices seeking an introductory guide.

Specifications

Title	Gimson's Pronunciation of English
Author	Alan Cruttenden
Edition	Eighth edition
Principal accent described	General British (GB)
Includes	Rewritten history chapters and justification for change from RP to GB
Companion material	Extensive online Companion Website with videos and commentaries

Our Verdict

Gimson's Pronunciation of English remains the definitive academic reference for serious study of English pronunciation; it is worth the investment for teachers and advanced students because the updated transcriptions, new historical chapters and rich companion website combine to offer both authoritative description and practical teaching resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition replace RP with a new standard?
Yes. The eighth edition treats General British as the principal accent and explains the justification for this change from RP.

Is there online material to accompany the book?
Yes. An extensive Companion Website provides videos and moment-by-moment commentaries showing the articulation of GB consonants.

Who will find this book most useful?
Advanced students, linguists and pronunciation teachers will benefit most from the book's depth, while beginners may prefer a more introductory text.