Phonetics & Phonology - LAN00029M

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

This module aims:

  • to give you practice at using articulatory and acoustic phonetic terminology in describing English and other languages
  • to acquaint you with the International Phonetic Alphabet and the principles of its use
  • to introduce you to some simple notational devices for the phonological analysis of speech
  • to prepare you for further modules in phonetics and phonology

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module you will have developed:

  • familiarity with basic phonetics and phonological structures;
  • the ability to make phonetic observations with reference to auditory and simple acoustic analysis;
  • the ability to make simple transcriptions using the International Phonetic Alphabet;
  • the ability to represent simple phonological structures and use these to explain some aspects of phonetic detail.

Module content

Some of the topics to be covered are:

  • the symbols of the International Phonetics Alphabet and the sounds they stand for
  • phonetic transcription
  • training in hearing and producing sounds
  • units of phonological contrast
  • phonological representation
  • distinctive features
  • the formal description of phonological patterns

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Individual-level written feedback will be provided for all formative and summative assessment, with additional group-level oral feedback on formative exercises.

Indicative reading

Ladefoged, Peter and Johnson, Keith (2010). A course in phonetics. Wadsworth, Boston (editions 4, 5, 6 or 7).

Hayes, Bruce (2009). Introductory phonology. John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, UK.

Selkirk, Elizabeth O. (1999). The syllable. In Goldsmith, J. A. (ed.) Phonological theory: The essential readings. Blackwell, Malden, MA & Oxford.

A list of additional recommended reading will be provided.