Applied Phonetics

COURSE OBJECTIVE
On completion of this course, students should be familiar with general theoretical issues in phonetics. They should be able to identify,
describe and understand key concepts involved in describing the acoustic and articulatory properties of speech sounds, how speech sounds are produced and perceived. They will be able to use their newly gained practical skills to perform a basic acoustic analysis on various acoustic characteristics of speech signals. Furthermore, students will also know how to use and apply phonetic theories and concepts in other disciplines of language and communication.

COURSE CONTENT
This course will introduce you to the study of phonetics. Whereas phonetics is a branch of linguistics that studies the sounds of human
speech, as well as the equivalent aspects of signs in sign language, the main focus of this course will be on the acoustic characteristics and physical aspects of speech production and perception. Knowledge about the mechanism involved in speech production and perception will help to better understand and appreciate speech and its communicative function. It also helps to better understand the mechanisms and potential problems in language and speech development including second language acquisition. The main goal of the course is to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the main fundamental topics in phonetics including the physics of speech sounds, their articulatory and acoustic descriptions, and their perception. Theoretical phonetic issues will be linked with hands-on experience in acoustic analysis using PRAAT. Through lectures, assignments and hands-on sessions you will also get acquainted with possible applications of different phonetic theories and concepts in different areas of language and communication.

TEACHING METHODS
Lectures, practicals and seminars.

TYPE OF ASSESSMENT
Written exam & written practical sessions reports

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Basic knowledge of general linguistics.