Phonological Analysis Introduction to Linguistic Analysis a B C D

by James D. Foley

Most books on linguistics analysis never bother to disclose the concepts and philosophical assumptions underlying the theorizing of linguistics. This book will examine the following analysis, rules, interpretation, simplicity, environments, complex environments, preferentiality, syllabic strength gradient, precision, and reflexology. The purpose of analysis as a prolegomenon to insight and understanding is to convert data to a combination of etyma and rules. We desire the isolation of these rules not primarily for data organization but rather for the synthesis of a theory. Through the creation of the correct abstract system the structure and interactions of reality are revealed. To imagine is to create; to think is to interpret. As rational beings, we constantly interpret events, that is assess their antecedents and consequences, their place in the system. When engaged in linguistic analysis we must interpret the data, reconstruct the etyma and establish the rules. Though it is often easy to write a rule, subsequent reflection may well reveal that the rule even though workable may be a deceiver, giving the illusion of a solution where actually the data has only been giving the illusion of a solution where actually the data has only been restated. Phonology is a branch of linguistics concerned with the systematic organization of sounds in languages. It has traditionally focused largely on study of the systems of phonemes in particular languages, but it may also cover any linguistic analysis either at a level beneath the word (including syllable, onset and rhyme, articulatory gestures, articulatory features, mora, etc.) or at all levels of language where sound is considered to be structured for conveying linguistic meaning.

288 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1991