Introduction to Phonetics

This course covers fundamental aspects of the so-called ’speech chain’: production, acoustic transmission and perception of speech. In addition, phonetic and phonological classification of speech sounds is dealt with. Students will develop their articulatory and auditory skills using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Through a number of laboratory exercises, they will have their first encounter with both the content and method of experimental work in this field of study.

After the course the participants:
- are able to transcribe speech using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)
- have developed articulatory skills using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)
- have acquired basic knowledge about the production, acoustics and perception of speech
- are able to perform simple phonetic investigations of speech production and perception under supervision
- are able to present phonetic research questions and convey the results of simple phonetic investigations

Lectures, group instructions and laboratory exercises with supervision. The course may be taught in English or Norwegian, depending on who is teaching it. Assessment: Oral test and a portfolio consisting of three written papers.

More on assessment: Mandatory assignments and exercises must be approved before the final grade is given. The 3 written exercises in the portfolio must be between 3-7 typed A4-pages each (line spacing 1.5), depending on type of assignment. Each of the portfolio papers will be considered individually, but the grade given is based on an overall assessment. The portfolio and the oral test is weighted 50-50. Both the oral test and the portfolio need to be approved in order to pass the course. If the course is not passed, the student must retake the part(s) which he/she failed.