Phonetics/Phonology Interface

The book explores the interaction between phonetics and phonology, covering historical approaches and current theories, and examining the roles of articulation and perception in creating and maintaining phonological patterns. It includes suggestions for further readings and end-of-chapter questions for use in class discussions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2020
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Phonetics and phonology are two fundamental aspects of language that play a crucial role in the communication process. While phonetics focuses on the physical production of speech sounds, phonology deals with the mental representation and organization of these sounds. The interaction between phonetics and phonology is complex and multifaceted, and it has been the subject of extensive research and debate for many years.

One of the key challenges in studying phonetics and phonology is the distinction between the mouth and the brain. While speech is produced in the mouth, it is perceived in the brain. This distinction has led to a range of theories about the nature of speech and the role of the brain in language processing.

Historical approaches to phonetics and phonology have included structuralist, derivational, and post-derivational approaches. Structuralist approaches focus on the structure of the language system, while derivational approaches focus on the relationship between words and their meanings. Post-derivational approaches focus on the relationship between words and their sounds.

Current theories of phonetics and phonology have also evolved. One of the most influential theories is the generative theory of phonology, which proposes that the mental representation of language is generated by a set of rules that operate on a set of symbols. This theory has been used to explain a wide range of linguistic phenomena, including phonological patterns, word meaning, and sentence structure.

Another important theory is the cognitive theory of phonology, which proposes that the mental representation of language is influenced by cognitive factors such as memory, attention, and language learning. This theory has been used to explain the development of language in children and the differences in language abilities between individuals.

In addition to these theoretical approaches, phonetics and phonology have also been studied in relation to other fields of research, such as psychology, neuroscience, and linguistics. For example, research has shown that the brain processes speech sounds differently depending on the context in which they are heard. This has led to the development of new techniques for treating speech disorders such as stuttering and dyslexia.

One of the challenges in studying phonetics and phonology is the lack of standardized testing. This can make it difficult for researchers to compare the results of different studies and to draw conclusions about the nature of language. However, there have been efforts to develop standardized tests for phonetics and phonology, and these tests are becoming increasingly popular.

In conclusion, phonetics and phonology are two fundamental aspects of language that play a crucial role in the communication process. While phonetics focuses on the physical production of speech sounds, phonology deals with the mental representation and organization of these sounds. The interaction between phonetics and phonology is complex and multifaceted, and it has been the subject of extensive research and debate for many years. By examining classic and current linguistic theories of how physical and cognitive factors interact in the mind of the speaker, and in the language system as a whole, Elizabeth Zsiga provides a rigorous guide to the key debates for the advanced student.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 154 x 232 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780748681792