Phonological Analysis

This course studies phonological representations in the theoretical model of Autosegmental phonology.

We begin by studying phonological processes at the suprasegmental level: tone, the syllable, the mora, stress, the metrical foot.

In the second part of the course we turn to autosegmental representations as applied to segments through the model of Feature geometry.

The final part of the course examines how Autosegmental phonology introduces the notion of constraint, opening the way to a new formal model, based on a system of phonological constraints: Optimality theory.

On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:                  

• Describe and analyse a set of phonological data under different theoretical models;
• Understand the implications of the proposed analysis for phonological cognition;
• Learn to critically evaluate the proposed solutions in the context of the models used.

An introduction to phonology is required