Prospectus

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Experimental Phonetics (BA)

Course
2025-2026

Admission requirements

Basic knowledge of phonetics and phonology is assumed.

Description

This course introduces students to the scientific study of speech. Students will explore the physical and cognitive processes involved in human speech communication, the relationship between linguistic structures and speech sounds, and the anatomy and function of the speech and hearing systems. A key focus of this course is the analysis of the acoustic properties of speech using tools like PRAAT. Through hands-on exercises and a group project, students will explore the diversity of sound systems across the world’s languages.

Course objectives

After taking this class, students will acquire foundational knowledge of human speech communication, including the relationship between linguistic structures and speech sounds and the anatomy and function of the human speech and hearing systems.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • Explain how speech is produced and how to measure and quantify speech;

  • Conduct instrumental speech analysis using PRAAT;

  • Formulate linguistically motivated research questions related to speech sounds;

  • Apply digital and analytical skills to investigate and compare the sounds of the world’s languages;

  • Present the results of a group project effectively through a research poster.

Timetable

The timetables are available through My Timetable.

Mode of instruction

Lectures and tutorial sessions.

Assessment method

Assessment

  1. Mid-term (30%)
  2. Final exam (40%)
  3. Group project and poster presentation (30%)

Resit

There is one resit option for the mid-term and final exam in one (70%).

Inspection and feedback

How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.

Reading list

Recommended:

A. Zsiga, E. C. (2013). The Sounds of Language: An Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology. Wiley-Blackwell.
B. C. M. Rietveld & V. J. van Heuven: Algemene Fonetiek, derde aangevulde druk, Coutinho, Bussum (2009 or more recent versions)
https://shop.coutinho.nl/store_nl/algemene-fonetiek-2162.html

Registration

Enrolment through My Studymap is mandatory

Contact

For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar

For questions regarding enrollment please contact the Education Administration Office Reuvensplaats

Remarks

None.