L10A – INTRODUCTION TO PHONETICS AND PHONOLOGY
NOTE 1
BACKGROUND
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The study of the subject-matter of phonetics and phonology requires us to be
clear in mind about certain concepts we have learned in L14A.
L10 builds on those concepts.
An understanding of those concepts will provide us with the necessary tools
to navigate the rough waters of phonetics and phonology.
Phonetics and phonology provide the foundation for the study of other
linguistics courses.
This course provides a unique opportunity to study and appreciate creative
linguistic communicative capabilities of humans in the wider society
BEFORE WE ATTACK THE MAIN MENU LET US REFLECT ON THE
FOLLOWING
1.
WHAT IS LINGUISTICS?

The scientific study of the nature of language and communication
a.
b.
What does it mean?
How can you apply the insights from the study to other spheres of
human interaction?
2.
FURTHER QUESTIONS TO PONDER ON
A.
What is language?

Quotes from Reflections on Language (Chomsky 1975: 3-4)
a. A human language is a system of remarkable complexity
b. Language is a mirror of mind in a deep and significant sense. It is a product of
human intelligence, created anew in each individual by operations that lie far
beyond the reach of will or consciousness.
B.
Why study Language?

a.
b.
Compare Adult versus Child Language Learning Process
Come up with some insights from this comparison
C.
What is communication and how does it work?

a.
b.
c.
Consider interactions between people
Identify elements involved in the communicative process
Attempt a graphic representation of the process
MODES OF COMMUNICATION
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a.
b.
c.
d.
Identify the various modes of communication
Identify the two salient ones
Attempt a comparison of the two
Insights drawn from the comparison, identify which of the two is
primary in linguistic communication
PHONETICS

a.
b.
What mode of linguistic communication constitute the
subject-matter of phonetics
Reflect on the applications of phonetics
PHONOLOGY

a.
b.
c.
What constitutes the subject-matter of phonology
Reflection on your linguistic interactions and relate such to the
subject-matter
Reflect on its applications
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHONETICS & PHONOLOGY

a.
b.
Use any relevant personal encounters to illustrate the relationship
Attempt a graphic representation showing their interaction
THE ROLE OF THE TWO IN LINGUISTICS

a.
b.
Consider the major levels of linguistic analysis
Identify the possible role(s) the two play in these levels
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BRAVO!