This much improved revised edition of the book takes into account the needs of the student in the context of the present curricula followed in various universities and English language teaching institutes. This edition therefore devotes a new chapter to Assimilation, a section to Tones in relation to Attitudes, and highlights certain important aspects of pronunciation, such as rules of word accentuation.Starting with general phonetics, the book goes on to give a brief functional account of general phonology and then a selective and yet fairly exhaustive description of the phonetics and phonology of English. It also provides a number of conversational passages in phonetic script as well as in ordinary spelling for practice in reading aloud. What sets this text apart is its novelty of approach and lucidity of treatment. English pronunciation is followed as per the "Received Pronunciation of England". This text is specially designed for postgraduate students of English, undergraduate and postgraduate students of Linguistics, and for those undergoing secondary and tertiary level teachers' training programmes in English.

‘Communication Skills for Professionals’ is a time-tested book which aims to equip students, academicians and professionals with all the necessary skills to communicate effectively, so that they can thrive in this competitive world. WHAT DOES THE BOOK CONTAIN This compact and student friendly text is divided in several sections, and covers several topics like Detailed section on Vocabulary. • Items of: grammar; verbs; phrasal verbs; voices; tenses; transformation and synthesis of sentences. • ‘Rectification of Grammatical Errors’ in order to identify and correct errors. • Analysis of the 4 skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. • Skills of Technical Writing and Public Speaking. • Body Language and Group Discussion. All these and more aims to make the learner a winner, not only in his personal life, but also in his Professional life. The book is easy to read and understand. Each point is illustrated with examples from practical life. Even the grammar exercises and all other activity-based questions have been skillfully designed and worked out in Classrooms. WHAT IS NEW TO THIS EDITION • In the modern business world where speed and ease of communication is very important E-mails have become widely prevalent. An E-mail can even make or break a career. • Detailed discussions have been shared in this Edition on how to write the perfect E-mail. • A completely new chapter has been added on social media tools like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Job seekers would learn how to upload their portfolios and highlight their skills and achievements and connect with prospective employers and collaborators. Book Reviews "I have been a regular user of the book by Prof. Nira Konar and found it a very reliable resource. The chapters on ‘Group Discussion and Body Language’ are particularly helpful. Besides, the chapter on ‘Communication Theory’ has been relevantly and effectively explained keeping in mind the needs of the students. Overall, the book is very accessible by all levels of students. It is a part of recommended reading for my students." - Nandini Mukherjee Course Coordinator, Department of Communicative English, St. Xavier's College, Kolkata "An extremely concise, lucidly written and reader-friendly book, that serves as a handy reference manual for all in-service English language teachers of degree engineering colleges. The B.Tech Communicative English syllabus has been closely followed, with detailed sections on grammar, writing and comprehension. The chapters on vocabulary take an insightful look at etymology, word origins, synonymy and antonymy. Detailed word lists and practice exercises make the section extremely helpful for practicing teachers. The sections on grammar are fairly detailed, offering a thorough analysis of Verbs, Tenses, Voice, Narration, Transformation of Sentences and Error Correction. There are plenty of practice exercises for the teacher to choose from. Reading skills are well discussed and technical writing is given all the importance and predominance it usually occupies in any course on technical communication. The section on report writing is extremely useful as a guide for teachers for teaching students the formatting and writing essentials in documenting reports. There is a section on professional speaking too, which enriches the content of the book. On the whole, the book is of continuing usefulness and relevance in any technical English course and will be used by teachers and students alike for many years to come." - Dr Indrajit Bose Assistant Professor of English, GNIT, Kolkata "Dr. Konar's book acts as a comprehensive guide to the students of professional, technical as well as basic courses to hone their language skills. The language of the book is persuasive, fluid and student-friendly which makes it useful even to the first generation learners of English. The scope of this book extends from word-building to report writing and covers almost all the thrust areas of language training in a nutshell. Hence, it deserves a shelf-space in the library of any institution." - Ayushman Banerjee, Assistant Professor in English, Haldia Government College, Kolkata "This is one of the best books on 'Communication' available in the market. Dr. Nira Konar is a brand by herself whenever English Language Teaching (ELT) comes into discussion. This compact edition discusses in detail the various aspects of language ranging from Vocabulary, Grammar, Syntax to effective communication in business. The book gives a clear reading of LSRW skills such as writing, reading, listening, and public speaking. It further confers different means of effective communication, situational dialogues, body language, and group discussions. The book follows the present MAKAUT curriculum of English for B.Tech 1st year 2nd Semester (HM-HU 201 & HM-HU 291) thoroughly. It not only gives an overview of the Theory syllabus but also provides details of Language Laboratory activities as well. “Communication Skills for Professionals” enables the readers to express themselves clearly and communicate effectively at the workplace. This book not only deals with the rudiments of communication but also gives insights into the body language and provides important tips on how to be successful at interviews and group discussions. Primarily intended for students of engineering and technology, the book will also be useful for Management students and the students of all disciplines who want to acquire the skill in corporate communication and excel in their respective professional areas." - Sohini Datta Assistant Professor, Department of Management, IEM, Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata "Easy and in-depth writing on the subject is the aim of this book. The author has put in here the fruits of teaching the students from the wide-ranging and first-hand knowledge of business speaking and writing, and listening in a friendly way. It is enriched with extensive references. On every page of the book the students will see how a simpler style of English is balanced with their need." - Dalia Sen Assistant Professor, Bengal Institute of Technology (Under Techno India Group), Kolkata

Today, acquiring English language skills has become so essential, especially for those who are looking for new jobs in reputed organizations as well as for the practising professionals. Many engineering students, even though they have adequate knowledge of their subject, are unable to express themselves well in English. Taking this into account, engineering colleges/institutes have introduced exclusive English Language Laboratories where students are drilled in the practical aspects of the English language. This compact and comprehensive book is a step-by-step practical guide to students, telling them how to prepare technical reports and how to acquire the basic communication skills—listening, speaking, reading and writing. The book deals with conversation, situational dialogues and role plays, and Group Discussions (GDs). It also gives detailed discussion about Interviews—step-by-step preparation, practical and psychological preparation, the dos and don’ts for interview—besides dealing with different kinds of interviews: telephonic, videoconferencing, and others. In addition, the text stresses the importance of researching the organization, and salary negotiations. Finally, the book shows the students how to make powerpoint presentations (PPTs), the structure of presentation and using audio visuals. This activity based, skill-oriented, learner centred book is designed according to the WBUT syllabus on Technical Report Writing and Language Laboratory Practice for the B.Tech. students. However, it would be equally useful for B.Tech./B.E. students across the country. DISTINGUISHING FEATURES : A practical and student friendly text, the stress being on the functional aspects of the language and various activities for acquiring the language. Gives the Methodology of conducting activities such as GDs, Interviews and Presentation. Provides model GD topics and the step-by-step process of making PPTs. Clearly spells out all the details, right from preparing a good job application, researching the company (including its financial health), to preparing the job portfolio, to wearing the proper dress, handling questions, and negotiating salary. Provides an extensive list of probable questions along with their answers to prepare students for mock interviews. Also gives well-crafted questions at the end of each lesson.

English has been taught with many approaches, methods, and techniques and strategies for long. Traditionally technology has been linked with techniques and tools. English can be taught and learnt through various ways or strategies. As far concern about English language and its basic skills, it is necessary to get a wonderful interpretation of English language, which is what every teacher and student of English must know ‘E’ stands for empowerment, empowerment of the teacher and the learner, ‘N’ represents novelty, novelty in new experiences, ideas, outlook and ethos. Globalization is what we have in ‘G’, learning and livelihood are made available through the ‘L’ in English. The vast storehouse of knowledge and Information is easily accessible on the internet chiefly through English. The dominating language of Science and success is English. ’S’ stands for it. Last but not the least those who know English has a prestige, at least in India and other developing countries, which is unique. Honors for the teachers and users of English, it means ‘H’ stands for honors.