Introduction to Phonology

This course offers an introduction to the scientific examination of human languages by searching for answers to the questions, what does someone know when they know a language? How do they get that knowledge? The study of linguistics knowledge is divided into several areas: the study of sounds and their patterns (phonetics) and (phonology), words (morphology), sentences (syntax/grammar) and meanings (semantics and pragmatics). Linguistics also studies how linguistic knowledge is applied in social situations in different cultures (sociolinguistics), and how people learn languages (language acquisition and the role of the brain).

Target Audience

Teachers, principals, policy makers, and leaders. Qualified educators who want to pursue a career in education or develop their skillset in the field of education policy, education for special needs students, and educational reform.

Learning Objectives

At the completion of the training, participants will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles underlying the classification and description of speech sounds and prosodic patterns, the basic sound systems, and structure of English, including awareness of regional and social variation, and the difference between phonetic and phonological descriptions of both child and adult data, with emphasis on patterns of contrast and sequencing, and the skills involved in data analysis.

Career Path

Upon completion of this course students will be able to persue a distinguished career in education.