About the book
An introduction to generative phonology using tools of basic set theory, logic, and combinatorics.
This textbook introduces phonological theory as a branch of cognitive science for students with minimal background in linguistics. The authors use basic math and logic, including set theory, some rules of inference, and basic combinatorics, to explain phonology, and use phonology to teach the math and logic. The text is unique in its focus on logical analysis, its use of toy data, and its provision of some interpretation rules for its phonological rule syntax.
The book's eight parts cover preliminary and background material; the motivation for phonological rules; the development of a formal model for phonological rules; the basic logic of neutralization rules; the traditional notions of allophony and complementary distribution; the logic of rule interaction, presented in terms of function composition; a survey of such issues as length, tone, syllabification, and metathesis; and features and feature logic, with a justification of decomposing segments into features and treating segments as sets of (valued) features. End-of-chapter exercises help students apply the concepts presented. Much of the discussion and many of the exercises rely on toy data, but more “real” data is included toward the end of the book. Exercises available online can be used as homework or in-class quizzes.
Editions of Phonology
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780262038386
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780262550871
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262348126
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262348133
Read an Excerpt
An introduction to generative phonology using tools of basic set theory, logic, and combinatorics.
This textbook introduces phonological theory as a branch of cognitive science for students with minimal background in linguistics. The authors use basic math and logic, including set theory, some rules of inference, and basic combinatorics, to explain phonology, and use phonology to teach the math and logic. The text is unique in its focus on logical analysis, its use of toy data, and its provision of some interpretation rules for its phonological rule syntax.
The book's eight parts cover preliminary and background material; the motivation for phonological rules; the development of a formal model for phonological rules; the basic logic of neutralization rules; the traditional notions of allophony and complementary distribution; the logic of rule interaction, presented in terms of function composition; a survey of such issues as length, tone, syllabification, and metathesis; and features and feature logic, with a justification of decomposing segments into features and treating segments as sets of (valued) features. End-of-chapter exercises help students apply the concepts presented. Much of the discussion and many of the exercises rely on toy data, but more “real” data is included toward the end of the book. Exercises available online can be used as homework or in-class quizzes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Phonology about?
An introduction to generative phonology using tools of basic set theory, logic, and combinatorics.
This textbook introduces phonological theory as a branch of cognitive science for students with minimal background in linguistics. The authors use basic math and logic, including set theory, some rules of inference, and basic combinatorics, to explain phonology, and use phonology to teach the math and logic. The text is unique in its focus on logical analysis, its use of toy data, and its provision of some interpretation rules for its phonological rule syntax.
The book's eight parts cover preliminary and background material; the motivation for phonological rules; the development of a formal model for phonological rules; the basic logic of neutralization rules; the traditional notions of allophony and complementary distribution; the logic of rule interaction, presented in terms of function composition; a survey of such issues as length, tone, syllabification, and metathesis; and features and feature logic, with a justification of decomposing segments into features and treating segments as sets of (valued) features. End-of-chapter exercises help students apply the concepts presented. Much of the discussion and many of the exercises rely on toy data, but more “real” data is included toward the end of the book. Exercises available online can be used as homework or in-class quizzes.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Phonology?
Language and Linguistics > Linguistics
Where can I read a sample of Phonology?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780262038386
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Phonology?
Alan Bale, Charles Reiss
Who is the Publisher of the book Phonology?
MIT Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Phonology is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780262038386) and paperback(ISBN 9780262550871) and ebook(ISBN 9780262348126) and ebook(ISBN 9780262348133)
Where can I buy Phonology online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Phonology from below
Where can I buy Phonology?