Investigating Spoken English: A Practical Guide to Phonetics and Phonology Using Praat

This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to phonetics and phonology, covering key concepts and tools and introducing Praat as the main tool for examining and visualizing speech. It includes excerpts of real dialogues and commentaries on the transcription of short excerpts of dialogues, making it essential reading for students on undergraduate courses in the discipline.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 272 pages
\n Publication date: 18 April 2021
\n Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG
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Combining comprehensive coverage of the core concepts and tools within phonetics and phonology with a systematic introduction to Praat, this textbook offers a lively and engaging entryway into the discipline. The author begins by delving into the fundamentals of articulatory and acoustic aspects of speech, introducing Praat as the primary tool for examining and visualizing speech. Subsequently, the unit of analysis progressively expands, encompassing syllables, words, turns, and dialogues, with real-life excerpts serving as exemplars to illustrate the core principles of speech functioning. The final section of the book brings together all the previously discussed concepts and notions, accompanied by commentaries on the transcription of several short dialogue excerpts. This book serves as an indispensable resource for students enrolled in undergraduate courses in phonetics and phonology.

Introduction:
Phonetics and phonology are two branches of linguistics that study the production and perception of speech sounds. They encompass a wide range of topics, including the anatomy and physiology of the speech apparatus, the acoustic properties of speech sounds, and the phonological rules that govern the organization of speech in languages. Phonetics and phonology are closely intertwined, with phonetics focusing on the physical aspects of speech production, such as the movements of the tongue, lips, and other parts of the mouth, and phonology focusing on the cognitive processes that interpret these physical movements into sound patterns.

Coverage of Key Concepts and Tools:
This textbook aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to both phonetics and phonology. It covers the key concepts and tools that are essential for understanding speech production and perception. The book begins by discussing the fundamentals of articulatory and acoustic aspects of speech, including the anatomy and physiology of the speech apparatus, the production of speech sounds, and the perception of speech sounds. It then introduces Praat, a powerful software tool that is widely used in phonetics and phonology for examining and visualizing speech.

Expansion of the Unit of Analysis:
As the book progresses, the unit of analysis is gradually expanded to include more complex aspects of speech. The author begins by examining the production of individual speech sounds, such as vowels and consonants, and then moves on to discuss the organization of speech into syllables, words, and turns. Examples of real dialogues are used to illustrate the core concepts and demonstrate how speech works in natural contexts.

Integration of Concepts and Notions:
In the final part of the book, the author brings all the concepts and notions together with commentaries on the transcription of several short excerpts of dialogues. This allows students to see how the different aspects of phonetics and phonology are applied in real-world situations and helps them to develop a deeper understanding of the discipline.

Essential Reading for Students:
This textbook is an essential reading for students on undergraduate courses in phonetics and phonology. It provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the core concepts and tools within the discipline, and it is accompanied by ample examples and exercises to help students practice and apply their knowledge. The book is also well-suited for researchers and professionals in the field of phonetics and phonology, as it offers a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the current state of the art.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this textbook provides a lively and engaging introduction to phonetics and phonology, combining coverage of the key concepts and tools with a systematic introduction to Praat. It is an essential resource for students on undergraduate courses in phonetics and phonology, as well as for researchers and professionals in the field.

\n Weight: 450g\n
Dimension: 154 x 235 x 20 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9783030543488\n
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021\n