Introduction to functional approaches to phonology 3301-JF2624-1ST
This course is intended for undergraduate students. It aims to introduce phonological analysis within functional approaches, grounded in language use and based on the assumption that phonological processes are dynamic, real-time cognitive processes. The course covers the following topics:
• basic assumptions of the functional approaches to the analysis of phonological phenomena; structure, substance, usage
• variability of linguistic forms; categorical variation; phonetic gradience; natural and unnatural phonological processes; emergent processes
• the impact of extraphonological factors, such as:
- phonetic factors (articulatory and perceptual properties of speech sounds); phonological alternation as the reorganization/reduction of articulatory gestures; perceptual bias
- frequency factors and the role of the lexicon; type and token frequency; reduction and analogical levelling
- variable effects of specific phonological processes depending on the communicative context; incomplete neutralization
• phonological representations; exemplars; the phonological symbol in a dynamic approach (structure-and-process representations)
The varying impact of phonological processes, the resulting variability of forms, as well as their potential influence on language change, are discussed using data from English (and, to a limited extent, from other languages). The linguistic data come from corpus and experimental studies. The discussion also includes variability phenomena typically found in language acquisition/learning.
Course coordinators
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
2022-2024 programme
Knowledge
The student will be able to:
- K_W02 discuss key terminology, well-established methods and theories developed in functional approaches to phonology within English studies
- K_W03 describe methodology and recent developments in functional approaches to phonology with special focus on the English language
- K_W05 list and discuss the characteristics of English phonetics and phonology from the perspective of functional approaches, on an advanced level
- K_W07 explain principles of designing linguistic studies, with special focus on selecting appropriate methods and tools in formulating research questions and testing research hypotheses within functional approaches to phonology
Abilities
The student is able to:
- K_U01 employ the terminology and methodological tools from linguistics, with special focus on functional approaches to phonology
- K_U02 employ the methodology of functional approaches to phonology within English studies, respecting the ethical norms and copyright law
- K_U04 implement knowledge to describe a problem and identify means to solve it, thereby completing a project in linguistics within functional approaches to phonology
- K_U11 design one’s own development, and specifically the development of one’s interests, knowledge and abilities within the domain of phonetics/phonology
Social competences
The student is ready to:
- K_K02 undertake life-long learning and personal development, applying skills and competences to select subjects and projects optimally suiting one’s personal interests within the domain of phonetics/phonology
- K_K03 value responsibility for one’s own work and respect the work of others, adhering to the professional and ethical norms in various projects in the domain of phonetics/phonology
2025 programme
Knowledge
Students will have familiarity with:
- K_W01 advanced terminology, theory and research methods corresponding to the state of the art in the discipline of linguistics, especially in functional approaches to phonology, within the domain of English Studies
- K_W09 concepts and principles concerning the protection of intellectual property and copyright
Abilities
Students will be able to:
- K_U01 apply advanced terminology, theory and research methods corresponding to the state of the art in the discipline of linguistics, especially in functional approaches to phonology, within the domain of English Studies
- K_U09 apply the concepts and principles of intellectual property protection and copyright law
Social competences
Students will be ready to:
- K_K01 critically appraise their knowledge and content obtained from various sources
- K_K02 recognize the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems; consult experts when required
Assessment criteria
The final grade is based on the results of two tests: midterm (40%) and final (60%). The tests consist of multiple-choice/gap-filling questions and an open question. Assessment of learning outcomes K_W02, K_W03, K_W05, K_W07, K_U01, K_U04 (2022-2024 programme)/ K_W01, K_W09, K_U01, K_U09 (2025 programme).
Additional points (10%) can be earned for an optional written assignment.
Bibliography
(selected fragments)
Browman, Catherine P. and Louis Goldstein (1995). Gestural syllable position effects in American English. In Bell-Berti, F. & L. J. Raphael (eds.), Producing Speech: Contemporary Issues. AIP Press.
Bybee, Joan (2001). Phonology and Language Use. Cambridge University Press.
Dabouis, Quentin and Jean Michel Fournier (2025). An empirical study of vowel reduction and preservation in British English Phonology. Phonology 42, e15 1–32.
Gafos, Adamantios I. (2006). Dynamics in grammar. In Goldstein, Louis, Whalen, D. H., & Catherine T. Best (eds.) Laboratory phonology 8. Mouton de Gruyter. 51–79.
Łukaszewicz, Beata (in press). Phonology as a dynamical system. In Nasukawa, Kuniya, Samuels, Bridget, Schwartz, Geoffrey, & Miklós Törkenczy (eds.), The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Phonology, Second Edition. Wiley Blackwell.
Pierrehumbert, Janet B. (2001). Exemplar dynamics: word frequency, lenition and contrast. In Bybee, Joan & Paul Hopper (eds.), Frequency and the Emergence of Linguistic Structure. Benjamins. 137–157.
Thelen, Esther (1991). Motor Aspects of Emergent Speech: A Dynamic Approach. In Krasnegor, Norman A., Rumbaugh, Duane M., Schiefelbusch, Richard L., & Michael Studdert-Kennedy (eds.), Biological and Behavioral Determinants of Language Development. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. 339-362.
Zsiga, Elizabeth (2020). The Phonology/Phonetics Interface. Edinburgh University Press.