Introductory Phonology

Blackwell Textbooks in Linguistics

by Bruce Hayes

Accessible, succinct, and including numerous student-friendly features, this introductory textbook offers an exceptional foundation to the field for those who are coming to it for the first time.

Genres: Linguistics, Textbooks, Nonfiction, Language, Reference, Science

336 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2008

Reviews

[Khari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, that's over. Hallelujah.

I read this whole book. I did all of the problems in it that I could, there were a couple that I had no idea what he wanted and essentially just gave up on...they are still niggling in the back of my mind. Come to think of it, there was only one. I filled out half of a composition notebook while doing these problems.

What did I think of this book?

Frankly, I didn't like it. At all. I think it would not be going too far to say that it irritated and frustrated me. I didn't like the way it was organized. I didn't like how it makes linguistics seem like an ad-hoc science. Just try everything until you find a solution that works. Who cares if that solution doesn't work next time? I mean, I understand to a degree. Languages are different, so the rules that make each up will be specific to each language, but it does seem like some of the ideas expressed are just so...ad hoc. Just make something up after the fact. If it has no predictive power, that's fine. If it has no predictive power, why are we bothering to analyze it? Isn't that the point of linguistics? To formulate rules that will predict what will happen in new environments?

I didn't like how none of the problems had answers. That was especially annoying. I understand why he didn't put them in, because then far too many students would be apt to access the answers without trying to solve them for themselves and walk away with a false sense of accomplishment. I get that, I also get the other, secret reason that he didn't do it. It's because there is no answer!!! If your answer makes sense and you can argue that it works, that's good enough.

I think maybe that was the problem. I was approaching this book as a means to master something, and that's not what it is at all. It's to get your toes wet and then throw you in the deep end and be like, make your own way! It was frustrating. I like a little more guidance. He could have just given one answer, and then said 'by the way there are other formulations possible' like the other textbook does. I just feel like leaving us all to sink or swim was a bit of a cop out.

[Sophie Austin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Signifies the end of phonology year one YAY

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Began reading this before my Linguistics degree and it certainly helped lay a solid foundation. I think some parts, particularly the final parts, are worth a second read.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty good textbook - there are a lot of examples, and the feature tables are incredibly handy. I'm definitely keeping this on my shelves so it'll be available if I should need to reference the processes or charts in the future.

[Rasmus Puggaard]

A decent introduction to phonology, albeit one that doesn't work if not preceeded by an introduction to phonetics. A bit too generative and formal for my taste though

[Moriah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Straightforward, well organized textbook. A couple typos here and there, but a link is provided in preface that identifies such typos as found after publishing. Plenty of examples appear, and there are exercises for the student. 'Twould be wonderful to have a key with answers; however, I understand why one isn't provided. Solid tool for learning the foundations of phonology.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for class and I did learn a lot. However some of the writing was confusing and I wish there was a glossary in the back

[Giulia Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

In my opinion, the autor could have explained the topics in a clearer and much simpler way

[Aim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Someone save me from the trauma this book and the course gave me. Side note, though, genuinely find phonology so interesting. If only the course didn’t make me want to smash my head in.

[Tory S. Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As they say, accessible and succinct. It is also an excellent book for those beginning to be interested in Linguistics, as it teaches various critical thinking skills as well as phonology and morphology.

[Mustika]

i want read book phonology