Phonology

Grammar is more than the inflection and position of words: sounds also have their own grammar influencing which sounds we use when speaking and how they are used. How can e.g. a consonant influence another although there other sounds in between? Why do we pronounce "read" with a long [i:] while "swim" is pronounced with a short [i]? And what is a sound on a mental level before it is uttered?

This course is based on LING1105 and teaches Phonology (the grammar of language sounds) with a focus on structural features regarded as universal of all languages in the world.

The content and focus can vary somewhat according to the composition of the class.

After having taken this topic, the students should

• Understand and be able to account for the theoretical differences between SPE and similar frameworks and autosegmental phonology

• Know the most important metrical and autosegmental principles, and be able to apply them in practical analysis

• And here also be able to relate to syllabic structures, mora analysis and tones

Lectures and group instructions. More on assessment: Obligatory exercises must be approved before the student may sit the written exam. The size of the exercises must be between 4-6 A4-pages each. In special cases, upon student petition, a take-home exam may be allowed.