Overview

In this module you will concentrate on general principles involved in how we produce speech, and we can use the International Phonetic Alphabet to articulate and transcribe speech. We will also look at the variety of English and other languages, using principles of phonology to understand how speakers structure sound systems (including the alternations and phonotactics involved) and how we can describe and represent a speaker’s phonological knowledge. You will learn about: anatomy of the vocal tract and terminology used to describe speech articulators, articulatory phonetics, with an emphasis on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and how to use it to transcribe speech, the nature of phonological patterns (alternation and phonotactics), melody and prosody and you will be given an introduction to acoustic theory as it relates to speech sounds. We will look at the variety of English and other languages, using principles of phonology to understand how speakers structure sound systems (including the alternations and phonotactics involved) and how we can describe and represent a speaker’s phonological knowledge.

Studying phonetics allows learners to explore the diverse ways languages around the world produce sounds. This can be an exciting journey into different cultures and linguistic landscapes. It also provides insights into the sounds of language, helping learners understand how sounds are produced, transmitted, and received. And finally, for those interested in linguistics, speech therapy, or language teaching, phonetics and phonology are foundational skills.

Students in this module, depending on assessment topics, research question(s) and methodologies will have to opportunity to utilize the department labs, specialized software and resources, when carry out their assessments. This can include access to and the use of; dedicated lab facilities for experiments, a professional grade sound isolation booth and high-end recording equipment setup, high-level statistical modelling and analysis software and acoustic and phonetic analysis software.

This class is an introduction to the phonetics of spoken languages, covering:
- articulatory phonetics.
- acoustics.
- introductory phonology.

Areas covered include:
- anatomy of the vocal tract and terminology used to describe speech articulators.
- articulatory phonetics, with an emphasis on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and how to use it to transcribe speech.
- an introduction to acoustic theory as it relates to speech sounds.
- the nature of phonological patterns (alternation and phonotactics).
- melody and prosody.
- and the structural representation of speakers’ phonological knowledge.

The knowledge and skills acquired here will be essential for many other modules and/or projects.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (D- to D+) Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows: 1.Generally accurate but with omissions and errors.2.Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning.3.Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions.4.Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.

Good (C- to B+) Submitted work is competent throughout and may be distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It: 1.Demonstrates good or very good structure and logically developed arguments.2.Draws at least in parts on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student.3.Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning.4.Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

Excellent (A- to A*) Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways: 1.Has originality of exposition with the student’s own thinking being readily apparent.2.Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study.3.Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe and categorize types of phonological processes that languages employ and identify examples from varieties of English and other languages.

• Describe the properties of sounds and demonstrate how these properties affect the behaviour of sounds.

• Recognise and identify different sounds and transcribe them using the IPA.

• Recognize how sounds and phonological processes are represented, and apply modern phonological theory to generalize about how sound systems are structured.