Phonology
Our approach to phonology, the study of sound systems and how they pattern both in and across languages, relies on both theoretical and empirical orientations. Our general theoretical perspective is grounded in extensive attention to data collection through both fieldwork and a variety of experimental techniques.
Foci include foundational issues in phonological theory such as the structure of phonological inventories and systems, and the nature of contrast, as well the theory of prosodic structure both within and above the word. Equally important is work on the interfaces of phonology with phonetics, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Notably, this work extends well beyond what might be taken to be phonology proper and brings together the research perspectives of these different subfields. Currently a large group of students is working on prosody and its various interfaces, including students interested in syntax and semantics who want to use prosodic evidence to inform and test hypotheses. This broad research basis is reflected in the research of our students and faculty, as well as phonology curriculum.
The phonology curriculum consists of an undergraduate Introduction to Phonology (Ling 3302) and a two-course graduate sequence Phonology I and Phonology II (Ling 4401-4402, also open to advanced undergraduates), followed by topics courses and seminars.
The goal of Ling 3302 is to introduce students to the wide range of sound structures in human language as well as the ways of capturing this variety of patterns in formal terms. In addition to weekly problem sets and exams, students also work on a class project which involves an in-depth phonological study of a language of their choice.
The two-semester introductory graduate sequence has two closely related goals: on the theoretical end, it lays out the formal foundations of conducting research in phonology; on the empirical end, it presents students with a wide range of data from the world’s languages. The introductory sequence reflects the theoretical shifts in the field of phonology, while at the same time providing a broader perspective on the developments in the field. The students acquire the necessary technical skills through frequent problem sets, involving data analysis and identification of issues of theoretical interest, as well as through final papers, required for both courses.
The topics courses (Ling 6601) focus on specific themes or issues in phonological theory, often providing a broader theoretical, as well as historical, perspective; while seminars (Ling 7700) are more directly tied to the research interests of both the faculty and students. Recent seminars have focused on a wide range of topics, including phonological contrast and the organization of the lexicon, the phonological organization and phonetic variability of speech sounds, interfaces between phonology and other modules of the grammar, as well as temporal and rhythmic aspects of speech.
In addition to regular departmental colloquia by phonologists and interface researchers, the weekly meetings of Ph2, a research group of students and faculty in phonetics and phonology, is an important forum for sharing ideas about recent literature and presenting work in progress.
