📖 Overview
John Wells is an English phonetician and Professor Emeritus at University College London, where he taught phonetics and Esperanto for many years. He is particularly known for his comprehensive works on English pronunciation and accents, including the influential "Longman Pronunciation Dictionary."
His major contributions to the field include "Accents of English," a three-volume work published in 1982 that remains a definitive reference on English accents worldwide. Wells also developed the lexical sets for English pronunciation, a standardized system for comparing vowel sounds across different accents that has become widely used in phonetic studies.
Beyond his academic publications, Wells maintained a popular phonetics blog from 2006 to 2013, discussing various aspects of pronunciation and phonetics. He served as president of the International Phonetic Association from 2003 to 2007, and has been credited with significant contributions to the development and refinement of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).
His work continues to influence linguistics education and research, with his publications remaining standard references in universities worldwide. Wells is also recognized for his expertise in Esperanto, having served as the president of the Universal Esperanto Association and contributing to the development of phonetic standards for the language.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently highlight Wells' ability to explain complex phonetic concepts in accessible terms. Students and language teachers frequently cite "Longman Pronunciation Dictionary" as their go-to reference, praising its clear layout and comprehensive coverage.
What readers liked:
- Practical examples that demonstrate pronunciation patterns
- Detailed comparison tables for different accents
- Clear explanations of IPA symbols
- Systematic organization of content
What readers disliked:
- Technical density in "Accents of English"
- High price point of reference works
- Some outdated accent descriptions in older editions
- Limited coverage of emerging accent variations
Ratings averages:
Goodreads:
"Longman Pronunciation Dictionary" - 4.5/5 (127 ratings)
"Accents of English" - 4.3/5 (89 ratings)
Amazon:
"Longman Pronunciation Dictionary" - 4.6/5 (203 reviews)
Common reviewer comment: "Indispensable for teaching and learning English pronunciation"
Google Books:
"Accents of English" - 4.4/5 (156 ratings)
📚 Books by John Wells
The Land That Never Was - Chronicles the true story of Gregor MacGregor, a Scottish soldier who orchestrated one of the largest financial frauds in history by inventing a fictional Central American paradise.
Platform Souls - Details the author's experiences and observations as a British train enthusiast throughout the 1960s and 1970s, documenting significant changes in the railway system.
Ever, Dirk: The Bogarde Letters - Presents a collection of personal correspondence between Dirk Bogarde and various figures, compiled and edited to provide insight into the actor's life and thoughts.
Rude Britannia - Examines the history and evolution of British manners and social behavior from the Middle Ages through modern times.
Birds of Heaven - Explores the natural history, cultural significance, and conservation status of cranes across different continents and cultures.
Platform Souls - Details the author's experiences and observations as a British train enthusiast throughout the 1960s and 1970s, documenting significant changes in the railway system.
Ever, Dirk: The Bogarde Letters - Presents a collection of personal correspondence between Dirk Bogarde and various figures, compiled and edited to provide insight into the actor's life and thoughts.
Rude Britannia - Examines the history and evolution of British manners and social behavior from the Middle Ages through modern times.
Birds of Heaven - Explores the natural history, cultural significance, and conservation status of cranes across different continents and cultures.
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