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Foundations of Theoretical Phonology

Foundations of Theoretical Phonology - Cambridge Studies in Linguistics

Paperback (12 Nov 2008)

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Publisher's Synopsis

The 'standard theory' of Chomsky and Halle has dominated phonology in recent years. It has been subject to modification and to criticism but not of a really fundamental kind. Dr Foley does here offer a fundamental criticism and a genuine theoretical alternative. He argues that transformational phonology, like previous phonological systems, is primarily concerned with the description of superficial sound changes and not with the underlying processes and rules; it is perhaps more accurately termed 'transformational phonetics' for that reason. A theoretical phonology, he argues, will consist of a system of phonological elements, a set of universal rules relating these elements and a set of principles governing the operation of the phonological rules. The basic phonological elements are therefore defined not by physical acoustic or articulatory parameters, but by their participation in rules. Such a theory is developed here and illustrated in the analysis of various phonological problems. It is shown that many apparently diverse phenomena can thus be connected and explained and so be subject to genuinely scientific enquiry.

About the Publisher

Cambridge University Press

Cambridge University Press dates from 1534 and is part of the University of Cambridge. We further the University's mission by disseminating knowledge in the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence.

Book information

ISBN: 9780521103848
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Pub date:
DEWEY: 414
DEWEY edition: 22
Language: English
Number of pages: 151
Weight: 260g
Height: 229mm
Width: 152mm
Spine width: 10mm