Synopses & Reviews
This text provides a broad yet up-to-date introduction to phonology. Assuming no previous knowledge of phonology or linguistic theory, the authors introduce the basic concepts and build on these progressively, discussing the main theories and illustrating key points with carefully chosen examples. The book covers a wide range of phenomena, including speech production, segmental contrasts, tone, quantity, prosodic structure, metrical relations, and intonation, as well as such key theories as feature geometry and Optimality Theory. In this new edition the authors have revised and updated the text of the original in light of recent research and as a result of users' comments.
Review
"...the book introduces the basic terminology properly, [and] treats all the fundamental issues of phonetics and (generative) phonology in detail...the style is quite successfully kept thoughout the whole book to the main objective outlined at the very beginning, therefore it is quite capable of informing readers with little or no background in linguistics." --The Linguist List
Review
"This book gives a clear and accurate picture of current phonological theory in a small number of pages."--John Goldsmith, University of Chicago
"The best introductory phonology text I've read."--Margaret MacEachern, University of Pittsburgh
Review
"The book introduces the basic terminology properly, [and] treats all the fundamental issues of phonetics and (generative) phonology in detail...the style is quite successfully kept thoughout the whole book to the main objective outlined at the very beginning, therefore it is quite capable of informing readers with little or no background in linguistics." --The Linguist List
"Gives a clear and accurate picture of current phonological theory in a small number of pages."--Nina Groennum, University of Copenhagen
"This is an excellent book. Clear, concise and explicit about problem areas. The exercises are very good and extremely useful."--John Goldsmith, University of Chicago
"Excellent course book!"--Carsten Naeher, University of Bonn
"Readers will appreciate an introduction to phonology which requires time and effort to allow a consolidation of acquired knowledge for students and for those who are new in the field. The fact that this volume has been reprinted attests to its quality and popularity among professional readers and students alike."--Chantal Paboudjian, The Phonetician
Synopsis
The study of phonology is central to courses on language and linguistics. As one of the first volumes in the Understanding Language series, Understanding Phonology has proved to be a popular choice for students both in the UK and overseas. In this new edition the authors have revised and updated the text in the light of recent research and also as a result of users' comments.This skilfully written text provides a broad, yet up-to-date, introduction to phonology. Assuming no previous knowledge of phonology or linguistic theory, the authors introduce the basic concepts and build on these progressively, discussing the main theories and illustrating key points with carefully chosen examples. A wide range of phenomena are covered: speech production, segmental contrasts, tone, quantity, prosodic structure, metrical relations and intonation. The main theories, including feature geometry and optimality theory are introduced, and their contributions to our understanding of phonology, as well as their shortcomings, are discussed objectively.Students will welcome the range of language from which the authors draw their examples and problems, and the originality of the presentations, discussions and examples.Two corrections to this book should be noted: Page 249, Q73, Answer 1: HL should read LH.Page 263, Q123, Answer 2, Line 3: 'amuden' should read 'amumen'.
Table of Contents
The production of speech
Some typology: sameness and difference
Making the form fit
Two levels of representation
Distinctive Features
Ordered rules
The diminutive suffix in Dutch
Levels of representation
Representing tone
Skeletal slots and moras
Feature geometry
Complex segments
Stress
Iambic and Trochambic rhythm in Optimality Theory.