Introduction to Phonology and General Linguistic Tools

The course is an introduction to phonological theory and basic linguistic tools. It has a general approach and is relevant to all language students. Its' primary focus is on phonological theory and phonological tools.

Grammar is more than just declension, conjugation and word order; sounds also have their own grammar, which is at the core of which sounds we use when we speak and how we use them. Why do we say 'compo' for 'competition'? Why do we say 'prate' with a long [a:] and 'prattle' with a short [a]?

Psychologically speaking, what is a language sound - before it is produced?

This course provides an introduction to generative phonology (the grammar of language sounds), with particular emphasis on structural representations which are considered universal for all languages of the world.

A small part of the course gives an introduction to basic linguistic tools, especially those which are relevant to phonology. The course content may be designed to fit the student group at hand, and may e.g. comprise elements from phonetics, morphology (word structure), syntax (words in combination) and diachrony (language history).

The content and focus of the course may vary. However, after having finished the course, the student is at least expected to:

- Understand and describe the theoretical differences between SPE phonology and autosegmental phonology.
- Know the most important autosegmental and metric principles and structures, and be able to use these to carry out practical analysis of any language. The student is also expected to be able to understand
syllable theory, mora analysis, tonality and basic principles of feature gemometry.
- Be able to deal with basic grammatical terms.

Lectures and teaching in smaller groups.

Obligatory exercises have to be approved before the candidate may sit the written exam. Each of the obligatory papers should be 4 - 6 A4 pages.