Department of English Phonetics.
1. The History of the Department
In the academic year 1948–1949, the Pedagogical Institute of Foreign Languages was established in Baku on the basis of the Faculty of Foreign Languages of the Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institute. The separation of faculties and specializations resulted in the formation of certain departments within the institute. Thus, in 1973, by the decision of the Institute’s Scientific Council, phonetics courses were divided into two departments: the Department of English Phonetics and the Department of German and French Phonetics. During a period when the number of national specialists at the university was limited, the preparation of pedagogical staff became an essential issue. Prominent phonetic specialists of the Republic, such as Jafar Jafarov, Sayadulla Babayev, Fakhraddin Veysalli, Minira Garayeva, Faig Huseynov, Elkhan Mirzayev, Amina Mammadova, and Ferman Zeynalov, led the department in different years.
Currently, since April 2024, the Department of English Phonetics is headed by Associate Professor Xatira Avaz qizi Gojayeva, a PhD in Philology.
In the investigation of specific knowledge and concepts in the field of phonetics and phonology and in the study of theoretical frameworks, academics such as A. Akhundov, T. Hajiyev, Prof. Y. Seyidov, Prof. N. Agazadeh, Z. Taghizadeh, A. Abdullayev, M. Taghiyev, H. Bayramov, N. Mammadov, and others played a significant role in developing new perspectives, creating new theories in higher education, and training qualified specialists.
During that period, for the first time in the university, the “Laboratory of Spoken Speech” was established under the leadership of Prof. Z. Taghizadeh with the close assistance of J. Jafarov. This was virtually the only laboratory rich in diverse linguistic materials during the Soviet era.
2. The Mission of the Department
I. The primary mission of the Department of English Phonetics is to train students to become future English language teachers by equipping them with the features of the BBC accent model, which is recognized as the standard of English literary pronunciation in the UK. Additionally, students are introduced to certain aspects of American English pronunciation to broaden their linguistic perspective. The practical phonetics course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the system of English speech sounds, their articulatory descriptions and classifications, as well as the rules related to all components of the phonetic structure of the English language.
At the undergraduate level, the English Phonetics course consists of two stages: “Practical Phonetics of a Foreign Language” and “Pronunciation Skills”, along with “Communicative Phonetics of a Foreign Language” and “English Intonation” (an elective course). All these stages are taught entirely in English in a practical and workshop-based format. However, at the beginner level, phonetic rules may be explained through comparative analysis with the students’ native language if necessary. Each semester lasts 15 weeks, concluding with an assessment of students’ knowledge through written exams.
II. The second key mission of the Department of English Phonetics is to prepare highly qualified future English language teachers at the master’s level. Graduate students in the department write theses on topics related to phonetics and phonology, which they defend before specialized state commissions. The organization of pronunciation teaching in higher education remains a pertinent issue, especially in addressing challenging pronunciation features and studying the unique accent-melodic and rhythmic-melodic properties of the English language. The most effective approach is communicative teaching methods, which help establish and develop both phonetic foundations and skills. Students are exposed to articulation rules and phonetic descriptions of phonemes, phoneme combinations, syllables, syllable division, word stress, its aspects, and intonation. Listening and pronunciation programs are used to help students develop spontaneous communication skills and acquire pragmatic knowledge.
Projects and Competitions
Students specializing in English language teaching within the Faculty of English and German Languages participate in various projects aligned with the department’s profile. One notable initiative is the “Best Pronunciation” competition, held twice annually by the department. This competition aims to instill correct pronunciation habits and motivate students in the field of phonetics.
Participation in Conferences and Symposia
Faculty members frequently attend conferences, symposiums, and other academic events in Azerbaijan and abroad, including Poland, Minsk, and the Czech Republic. They also take part in specialized courses and inter-departmental scientific conferences related to their field.
Faculty Roles and Achievements.
The department comprises 30 members, including one consulting professor and six highly experienced scholars:
1. Kh.A.Gojayeva – PhD in Philology, Associate Profes.
2. F .H.Zeynalov – Advisory Profes.
3. K.A.Alirzayeva – PhD in Philology, Associate Profes.
4. S.E.Poladova – PhD in Philology, Associate Profes.
5. C.H. Yagubova – PhD in Philology
6. Sh.M.Gojayeva – PhD in Philology
7. P.B.Musayeva – PhD in Philology
Academic Programs Developed by the Department of English Phonetics.
1. “Communicative Phonetics of a Foreign Language” (Bachelor’s level) – Academic Program, developed by PhD C.H. Yaqubova and Prof. F.H. Zeynalov, ADU, 2022.
2. “Pronunciation Skills” (Bachelor’s level) – Academic Program, developed by Prof. F.H. Zeynalov and Lecturer E.K. Zulfugarova, ADU, 2021.
3. “Practical Phonetics of a Foreign Language” (Bachelor’s level) – Academic Program, developed by Prof. F.H. Zeynalov and PhD C.H. Yaqubova, ADU, 2021.
4. “English Intonation” (Elective Course for Bachelor’s level) – Academic Program, developed by Prof. F.H. Zeynalov and Lecturer T.Z. Jabbarli, 2021.
5. Revised Program for Practical Phonetics of English (Bachelor’s level) – Covering “Practical Phonetics” (Parts 1, 2) and “Listening and Pronunciation” (Part 3), developed by Prof. F.H. Zeynalov and Lecturer Z. Neymatulin, 2018.
6. Updated Program for Practical Phonetics of English (Bachelor’s level) – Covering “Listening and Pronunciation” (Parts 1, 2, 3), developed by Prof. F.H. Zeynalov and Lecturer Z. Neymatulin, 2016.
7. Theoretical Phonetics of English (Bachelor’s level) – Program developed by Prof. S. Babayev, 2009.
8. Revised Practical Phonetics Program (Bachelor’s level) – Developed by Prof. F.H. Zeynalov and Lecturer S. Azizov, 2009.
9. Theoretical Phonetics of English (Bachelor’s level) – Program developed by Prof. S. Babayev, 2009.
10. Phonology of the English Language (Master’s level) – Program developed by Prof. S. Babayev, 2009.
11. Practical Phonetics of English (Bachelor’s level) – Program developed by Lecturer S. Azizov, 1996.
Current Courses Offered by the Department
• 1st Year, 1st Semester: Practical Phonetics
• 1st Year, 2nd Semester: Communicative Phonetics
• 2nd Year: Pronunciation Skills
• For Essex Groups: Communicative Phonetics
These programs and courses reflect the department’s comprehensive approach to training students in all aspects of English phonetics, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application.
4. Academic and Administrative Staff of the Department.
|
№ |
Name/ Patronymic/ Last name |
Position,scientific degree |
Teachhing hours |
|
1. |
Khatira Avaz Gojayeva |
Head of the department,Ph.D.in Philology, assoc.prof. |
0.5 |
|
2. |
Farman Husan Zeynalov |
Consulting professor |
|
|
3. |
Kifayyat Agharza Alirzayeva |
Ph.D. in Philology, assoc.prof. |
1 |
|
4. |
Sabina Elkhan Poladova |
Ph.D. in Philology, assoc.prof. |
1 |
|
5. |
Javahir Haji Yagubova |
Ph.D. in Philology. |
1 |
|
6. |
Shahla Mikayil Gojayeva |
Ph.D. in Philology. |
1 |
|
7. |
Parvin Baba Musayeva |
Ph.D. in Philology. |
1 |
|
8. |
Elmira Kamil Zulfugarova |
Senior Lecturer |
0.75 |
|
9. |
Intizar Kamil Karimova |
Senior Lecturer |
0.75 |
|
10. |
Shafiga Gulam Gojayeva |
Senior Lecturer |
0.75 |
|
11. |
Gulnara Zubeyir Rahimova |
Senior Lecturer |
0.75 |
|
12. |
Gulnara Seyfaddin Safarova |
Senior Lecturer |
0.75 |
|
13. |
Yetar Samad Ahmadova |
Senior Lecturer |
0.75 |
|
14. |
Mehriban Sadyar Ibadullayeva |
Senior Lecturer |
1 |
|
15. |
Gulbaniz Fikrat Nuraliyeva |
Senior Lecturer |
0.75 |
|
16. |
Aynur Shukur Aliyeva |
Senior Lecturer |
0.75 |
|
17. |
Tarana Zohrab Jabbarli |
Senior Lecturer |
0.75 |
|
18. |
Fatima Khanmammad Ibrahimova |
Senior Lecturer |
0.75 |
|
19. |
Sabina Amiraslan Tahirova |
Senior Lecturer |
0.75 |
|
20. |
Vafa Mirbashir Jabrayilova |
Senior Lecturer |
0.75 |
|
21. |
Parvana Mubariz Jafarova |
Senior Lecturer |
0.75 |
|
22. |
Afsana Abulfaz Bakhshaliyeva |
Senior Lecturer |
0.75 |
|
23. |
Aydin Huseyinagha Karimov |
Senior Lecturer |
0.5 |
|
24. |
Ulviyya Rasim Babayeva |
Senior Lecturer |
0.75 |
|
25. |
Ulviyya Ibrahim Zeynalova |
Teacher |
0.5 |
|
26. |
Gunel Yadigar Jalilova |
Teacher |
0.5 |
|
27. |
Kubra Jeyhun Alizade |
Teacher |
0.5 |
|
28. |
Bayim Taleh Karimova |
Teacher |
0.5 |
|
29. |
Vafa Afiz Piriyeva |
Teacher |
0.5 |
|
30. |
Aynure Safar Jafarova |
Teacher |
0.5 |
|
31. |
Ilaha Aydin Taghiyeva |
Senior Teacher Assistant |
1 |
|
32. |
Aygul Tofig Isgandarova |
Teacher Assistant |
1 |
|
33. |
Laman Rafael Musayeva |
Teacher Assistant |
1 |
Subjects taught at the department
Bachelor degree
|
№ |
Subjects |
|
1. |
Practical Phonetics of a Foreign Language |
|
2. |
Pronunciation Habits |
|
3. |
Communicative Phonetics |
Contact Information
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone (City Number): (012) 564-22-47 (Switchboard)
• Extension: 119