Course description:
This module introduces the students to (Generative) Phonology as a core course in modern linguistics. It focuses on the theoretical knowledge that is necessary to approach the sound systems of languages as well as the analytical tools required in data analysis. The more general aim is to enable students to appreciate the scientific character of linguistics by initiating them to how modern theories can be applied in the analysis of natural human language.
Course content:
1. General introduction:
- Definition of (generative) phonology
- Phonology vs. phonetics
- Phonology within a model of linguistic analysis
2. Basic units of phonological analysis:
- The phoneme
- The allophone
- Distinctive features
3. Basics of data analysis:
- Identifying phonemes
- Explaining allophony
- Writing phonological rules
4. Phonological representations
5. Rule ordering