122053 PS PS Linguistics (BEd) (2023W)

“Pronunciation is perhaps the linguistic feature most open to judgment. As a surface structure phenomenon that is most noticeable, one’s accent easily evokes people’s biases” (Canagarajah 2005: 365).

Taking the area of phonetics and phonology as an example, this course provides students with more detailed insights into one area of linguistics and prepares them for their first small-scale research project. Students will broaden their knowledge of phonetics and phonology, learn to approach phonetic/phonological questions in a systematic way, and develop basic skills in the linguistic analysis of speech sounds and the sound system. After revisiting basic concepts of phonetics and phonology, we will explore the topic from different angles, such as socio-phonetics (including social, regional, ethnic, and stylistic variation), L2 phonology, and speech perception. In addition, we will discuss the process of empirical research and look at methods of data collection and analysis in phonetics and phonology as well as selected online resources and tools used in phonetic and phonological research.
Some of the questions we will investigate are:
- How can we describe social/regional/ethnic/stylistic phonetic and phonological variation?
- How can we explain features of foreign accent from the perspective of L2 phonology?
- How can we explain certain issues in speech perception?

Aims
In addition to exploring these questions and learning about phonetic and phonological research, participants will also learn how to find relevant literature on a specific research topic/question, critically analyse and reflect on existing research in the field and collect first experience in planning, conducting, and writing about a small-scale linguistic research project.

Methods
This course combines lecturer input, sample analyses of relevant material, on- and offline assignments, group work, discussions, and student presentations.