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Understanding Phonology
This text provides a broad yet up-to-date introduction to phonology. Assuming no previous knowledge of phonology or linguistic theory, the authors introduce the basic concepts and build on these progressively, discussing the main theories and illustrating key points with carefully chosen
examples. The book covers a wide range of phenomena, including speech production, segmental contrasts, tone, quantity, prosodic structure, metrical relations, and intonation, as well as such key theories as feature geometry and Optimality Theory. In this new edition the authors have revised and
updated the text of the original in light of recent research and as a result of users' comments.
examples. The book covers a wide range of phenomena, including speech production, segmental contrasts, tone, quantity, prosodic structure, metrical relations, and intonation, as well as such key theories as feature geometry and Optimality Theory. In this new edition the authors have revised and
updated the text of the original in light of recent research and as a result of users' comments.
296 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 17, 2017
A pretty interesting topic for what turned out to be a pretty engaging course.
Better review soon.
Better review soon.
March 3, 2025
Beautiful read.
October 25, 2024
Unlike what is written in the book's preface, I don't think this is for beginners: it doesn't provide a very good introduction, and goes into a level of detail which would probably be considered too extreme for an introductory textbook.
I *think* this was probably intended as a mid-level or advanced-level textbook - an introduction to advanced topics for those who are already well-read in the subject. If that is the case, then the book's true failing is how awfully written it is.
I found so many pages too terse to get anything out of them. Sometimes a concept will be given a general introduction in one paragraph, but only one aspect of that general introduction is explored in detail. There are a few paragraphs which are very confusing, and it describes some concepts discussed in individual papers, but doesn't explain if those concepts have become standard. It is quite strangely ordered and often feels like a handbook, i.e., a collection of articles about different aspects of phonology. Some of the exercises are impossible to answer correctly, since either the contextual information provided is not specific enough, the question is not specific enough, or the question relies on information not yet given (for example, Q73 on p. 117).
About halfway through, I started listing the issues I came across and actually intend on emailing them to the authors to see if a later edition will ever resolve them. I admit that it may simply be my stupidity that prevented me from really enjoying this book, but my main suspicion is that it is indeed, badly written.
For context, I read the 4th edition (2017).
I *think* this was probably intended as a mid-level or advanced-level textbook - an introduction to advanced topics for those who are already well-read in the subject. If that is the case, then the book's true failing is how awfully written it is.
I found so many pages too terse to get anything out of them. Sometimes a concept will be given a general introduction in one paragraph, but only one aspect of that general introduction is explored in detail. There are a few paragraphs which are very confusing, and it describes some concepts discussed in individual papers, but doesn't explain if those concepts have become standard. It is quite strangely ordered and often feels like a handbook, i.e., a collection of articles about different aspects of phonology. Some of the exercises are impossible to answer correctly, since either the contextual information provided is not specific enough, the question is not specific enough, or the question relies on information not yet given (for example, Q73 on p. 117).
About halfway through, I started listing the issues I came across and actually intend on emailing them to the authors to see if a later edition will ever resolve them. I admit that it may simply be my stupidity that prevented me from really enjoying this book, but my main suspicion is that it is indeed, badly written.
For context, I read the 4th edition (2017).
October 17, 2024
It is a good book to learn from basic to more complex concepts in phonology. With many practical examples and exercices, I think it can help you improve understanding about phonology and phonetics.
August 3, 2014
Understanding Phonology is actually a really great book. I read it when I was studying for my final exams, and it explained everything in a way that I could grasp quite easily. I also appreciated the fact that an abstract was provided at the beginning of each chapter. For those who want to understand phonology.. especially if OT is what you're after.
March 5, 2015
I did not understand the explanations in this book all the time, but there were enough examples provided to make sure everything was clear. Unfortunatly, this did not always make it clear.
December 18, 2018
Some good exercises to practice the theory, but gosh it's dense...
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews