Selected topics in phonology 3201-LST-STIP

The primary goals of this course are:

 To provide an understanding of segmental and suprasegmental
phonology in selected Slavic languages.
 To explore the theoretical frameworks used to analyze stress,
vowel behavior, assimilation, and palatalization in these
languages.
 To develop the skills necessary to analyze phonological data and
relate it to broader issues in phonological theory.
 To cultivate an appreciation for the diversity and commonalities
within the Slavic languages, as well as their historical and
typological significance.
The course will be divided into two main thematic sections: Segmental
Phonology and Suprasegmental Phonology. The first part of the course
focuses on segmental phenomena, which are essential to understanding
the sound systems of Slavic languages. This section will cover two major
topics:
1. Vocalic processes
One of the most distinctive features of Slavic phonology is the
phenomenon of yer alternations, where vowels appear or disappear
depending on their environment. Topics include: (1) the historical
development of yers and their phonological status in modern Slavic
languages; (2) phonological environments triggering vowel deletion and
retention; (3) theoretical accounts of yer alternations, including rule-based
and constraint-based approaches.
Vowel reduction, or the weakening of unstressed vowels, is another
prominent feature in several Slavic languages. This topic will explore: (1)
the phonetic and phonological characteristics of reduced vowels; (2) cross-
linguistic differences in vowel reduction within the Slavic family; (3) the
implications of vowel reduction for phonological theory.
2. Consonantal processes
Voice assimilation and the neutralization of voicing contrasts in word-final
position are widespread processes in Slavic phonology. Topics include: (1)
the mechanics and phonological conditioning of voice assimilation; (2)
cross-linguistic variation in final devoicing across Slavic languages.
Palatalization, the process by which consonants acquire a palatal or

palatalized articulation, is another hallmark of Slavic phonology. This topic
will cover: (1) the synchronic and diachronic aspects of palatalization; (2)
different types of palatalization; (3) the role of palatalization in the evolution
of Slavic phonological systems and its theoretical implications.
Suprasegmental Phonology
In the second part of the course, we will delve into stress systems across
selected Slavic languages, analyzing their typological diversity and
phonological behavior. Stress, as a suprasegmental feature, plays a central
role in the phonological systems of Slavic languages, influencing word
structure, morphology, and syntax. The focus will be on three types of
stress systems: (1) Lexical Stress Systems (e.g., Belarus, Russian),
characterized by unpredictable and movable stress patterns; (2)
Grammatical Stress Systems (e.g. Polish), where stress placement is
largely predictable and fixed on a particular syllable, typically penultimate;
(3) Hybrid Stress Systems (e.g., Ukrainian), that combine features of lexical
and grammatical stress.
In this part, we will examine how these stress systems challenge and
inform existing theoretical frameworks, highlighting the interplay between
phonology and morphology in Slavic languages.
Methodology and Approach
This course adopts a data-driven and theory-informed approach, drawing
on primary phonological data from Polish, Ukrainian, Russian, and other
Slavic languages. Students will analyze authentic linguistic data, including
audio recordings, and phonological databases, to identify patterns and
formulate generalizations. The course will also engage with a variety of
theoretical frameworks, such as: generative phonology, metrical stress
theory, Optimality Theory, historical and comparative linguistics. Through a
combination of lectures, discussions, and practical exercises, students will
critically assess the adequacy of these frameworks in accounting for Slavic
phonological phenomena.