Admission Requirements
Students should have passed Linguistics 6: Phonology in the B.A. English Language and Culture (or equivalent course). If in doubt, consult the course tutors before registering.
Description
This course will be concerned with the interpretation of historical change in current phonological theories, with particular emphasis on theories of the representation of phonological units. We will examine the suitability of the generative paradigm for the description of sound changes such as Breaking, i-umlaut, and the Great Vowel Shift, and will consider the status of processes such as Open Syllable Lengthening and Homorganic Lengthening.
Course Objectives
To extend the students’ knowledge of phonological theory acquired in earlier courses to historical data; to introduce them to the question of the relationship between theory and historical data, in particular the extent to which a particular theoretical paradigm determines the reconstruction of what ‘actually happened’ in particular sound changes in the history of English.
Timetable
The timetable will be available from July 1 onwards on the Department website.
Mode of Instruction
Two-hour seminar per week.
Assessment
Essay (50%)
Written examination (50%)
Blackboard
This course is supported by Blackboard.
Reading list
Articles.
Registration
Students can register through uSis.
Register for Contractonderwijs
Contact information
English Department, P.N. van Eyckhof 4, room 103c. Phone: 071 527 2144, or mail: english@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Remarks
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