This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module deals with the linguistic study of prosody. It covers how prosody is produced and perceived and how it is encoded in the speech signal. Emphasis will be placed on the study of intonation but the module will also cover stress, phrasing, and speech rhythm; the material will cover both theoretical approaches to prosody and experimental studies that have led to the development of these theories.
Total Contact Hours: 20
• Group Presentation (10 minutes) – 20%
• Lab Report (3.000 words) – 80%
Indicative reading list:
Gussenhoven, C. (2004). The Phonology of Tone and Intonation. Cambridge University Press.
Ladd, D.R. (2008). Intonational Phonology. Cambridge University Press.
Sun-Ah Jun (ed). (2005). Prosodic Typology: The Phonology of Intonation and Phrasing. Oxford University Press.
Sun-Ah Jun (ed). (2014). Prosodic Typology II: The Phonology of Intonation and Phrasing. Oxford University Press.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge and methodical understanding of the central areas of the study of prosody (stress, rhythm, intonation, loudness);
8.2. Understand how prosody is produced and perceived;
8.3. Display conceptual understanding of the types of experimental research that contribute to our knowledge of how prosody is produced and perceived;
8.4. Demonstrate a cogent understanding of the English language and its varieties;
8.5. Use the Autosegmental-Metrical theory to represent prosody, while being cognisant of other theories of the limitations of AM;
8.6. Interpret visual representations of speech and of prosody, in particular using relevant software (Praat), and use advanced functions of Praat (recording and playing files, cutting and pasting speech, doing measurements of duration, amplitude and fundamental frequency of speech sounds, creating annotations in Praat, interpreting F0 and amplitude signals; modifying F0 contours).
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