English now holds an undisputed place as the first international
language. If it is to remain an efficient instrument of world
communication, those who speak it, especially as a second language,
must conform to certain accepted rules of pronunciation. There can be
little doubt that on the grounds of general influence it is the British
or American styles of pronunciation that Mr Windsor Lewis’s Concise
Pronouncing Dictionary, showing both types of pronunciation in a
carefully selected word list, is particularly valuable.
He has not sought to show the whole complexity of pronunciation even
within the traditional British and American standards, but has wisely
chosen to recommend only one form for the foreign speaker to adopt. Too
often, English dictionaries persist in showing pronunciations which are
seriously archaic. The forms given by Mr Windsor Lewis consistently
reflect current usage; and the phonetic transcription which he employs
is both simple and economical. His decision to emphasize the
differences of quality rather than of quantity between vowels is
especially welcome, since the former have a greater practical relevance
for the foreign learner.
This is a reference book which is sure to be widely used abroad; it is
also certain that many who have English as their native language will
consult its pages with profit.
A.C. Gimson
Professor of Phonetics
University College, London