Students

LING3390 – Phonological Analysis

2023 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor / Lecturer / Tutor
Anita Szakay
Lecturer / Tutor
Joshua Penney
Alice Wu
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
50cp at 2000 level or above including (LING2217 or LING217)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

Phonology is the study of sound patterns in language - which sounds are used by different languages, how they are organized, and how sounds are represented in the mind. In this unit we will examine phonological theory, phonological organisation of speech, acquisition of phonology and issues relevant to phonological disorders. Topics to be addressed include: variation in sound structure between languages (e.g., English and Indigenous Australian languages), the phonology of tone languages (such as Chinese), sound change, and prosody (stress and rhythm in language), and morphophonology. Our focus will be on phonological data analysis (i.e. logic puzzle solving) using two approaches: Rule-Based Phonology and Optimality Theory.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Communicate an understanding of fundamental phonological concepts including feature, phoneme, syllable, gesture, rule, constraint, underlying representation and surface form.
  • ULO2: Explain and illustrate phonological processes, and their role in shaping language sounds.
  • ULO3: Analyse the phonological structure of a language from example data.
  • ULO4: Analyse phonological phenomena, and explain how they can be described under different phonological frameworks.

General Assessment Information

Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie University Assessment Policy.

All final grades are determined by a grading committee, in accordance with the Macquarie University Assessment Policy, and are not the sole responsibility of the Unit Convenor.

Students will be awarded a final grade and a mark which must correspond to the grade descriptors specified in the Assessment Procedure (clause 128).

To pass this unit, you must demonstrate sufficient evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes, meet any ungraded requirements, and achieve a final mark of 50 or better.

Further details for each assessment task will be available on iLearn.

Late Submissions

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (OF THE TOTAL POSSIBLE MARK) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern.  

 For example:

Due date

Received

Days late

Total Possible Marks

Deduction

Raw mark

Final mark

Friday 14th

Monday 17th

3

100

15

75

60

Friday 14th

Friday 21st

7

100

35

75

40

Friday 14th

Monday 24th

10

100

-

75

0

 

Late submission of time sensitive tasks, such as timetabled tests/exams, scheduled performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs, will be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application.  

Special Consideration

If you are unable to complete an assessment task on or by the specified date due circumstances that are unexpected, unavoidable, significantly disruptive and beyond your control, you may apply for special consideration in accordance with the special consideration policy. Applications for special consideration must be supported by appropriate evidence and submitted via ask.mq.edu.au. 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Problem Set One 25% No Week 7
Problem Set Two 25% No Week 12
Quizzes 10% No Weeks 3 - 5 - 8 - 10 - 13
Final Exam 40% No TBA in exam period

Problem Set One

Assessment Type 1: Problem set Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours Due: Week 7 Weighting: 25%

In a series of short answer responses, students will account for phonological phenomena in the dataset(s) provided. Problem Set One will assess the topics of Features and Natural classes, Rules. The assessment will provide an opportunity to demonstrate insights into the sound structure of the language(s) being analysed, an understanding of phonological theory, and its application to the data. Word count: 2000.

On successful completion you will be able to:

  • Communicate an understanding of fundamental phonological concepts including feature, phoneme, syllable, gesture, rule, constraint, underlying representation and surface form.
  • Explain and illustrate phonological processes, and their role in shaping language sounds.
  • Analyse the phonological structure of a language from example data.
  • Analyse phonological phenomena, and explain how they can be described under different phonological frameworks.

Problem Set Two

Assessment Type 1: Problem set Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours Due: Week 12 Weighting: 25%

In a series of short answer responses, students will account for phonological phenomena in the dataset(s) provided. Problem Set Two will assess the topics of Morphophonology and Rule Ordering and Syllable, Prosody, and Stress. The assessment will provide an opportunity to demonstrate insights into the sound structure of the language(s) being analysed, an understanding of phonological theory, and its application to the data. Word count: 2000.

On successful completion you will be able to:

  • Communicate an understanding of fundamental phonological concepts including feature, phoneme, syllable, gesture, rule, constraint, underlying representation and surface form.
  • Explain and illustrate phonological processes, and their role in shaping language sounds.
  • Analyse the phonological structure of a language from example data.
  • Analyse phonological phenomena, and explain how they can be described under different phonological frameworks.

Quizzes

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours Due: Weeks 3 - 5 - 8 - 10 - 13 Weighting: 10%

In a total of 5 quizzes students will demonstrate their understanding of the prescribed reading material for each topic. Each quiz will comprise ten questions and will be automatically graded in iLearn.

On successful completion you will be able to:

  • Communicate an understanding of fundamental phonological concepts including feature, phoneme, syllable, gesture, rule, constraint, underlying representation and surface form.
  • Explain and illustrate phonological processes, and their role in shaping language sounds.

Final Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours Due: TBA in exam period Weighting: 40%

In a series of short answers and extended responses, students will demonstrate all aspects of their understanding of phonological concepts and data analysis.

On successful completion you will be able to:

  • Communicate an understanding of fundamental phonological concepts including feature, phoneme, syllable, gesture, rule, constraint, underlying representation and surface form.
  • Explain and illustrate phonological processes, and their role in shaping language sounds.
  • Analyse the phonological structure of a language from example data.
  • Analyse phonological phenomena, and explain how they can be described under different phonological frameworks.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Use of Generative AI

Please refer to instructions from your lecturer on the use and acknowledgement of use of Generative AI in your submitted assignments.

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Problem Set One 25% No Week 7
Problem Set Two 25% No Week 12
Quizzes 10% No Weeks 3, 5, 8, 10, 13
Final Exam 40% No TBA

Problem Set One

Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 25%

 

In a series of short answer responses, students will account for phonological phenomena in the dataset(s) provided. Problem Set One will assess the topics of Features and Natural classes, Rules. The assessment will provide an opportunity to demonstrate insights into the sound structure of the language(s) being analysed, an understanding of phonological theory, and its application to the data. Word count: 2000.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Communicate an understanding of fundamental phonological concepts including feature, phoneme, syllable, gesture, rule, constraint, underlying representation and surface form.
  • Explain and illustrate phonological processes, and their role in shaping language sounds.
  • Analyse the phonological structure of a language from example data.
  • Analyse phonological phenomena, and explain how they can be described under different phonological frameworks.

Problem Set Two

Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 25%

 

In a series of short answer responses, students will account for phonological phenomena in the dataset(s) provided. Problem Set Two will assess the topics of Morphophonology and Rule Ordering and Syllable, Prosody, and Stress. The assessment will provide an opportunity to demonstrate insights into the sound structure of the language(s) being analysed, an understanding of phonological theory, and its application to the data. Word count: 2000.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Communicate an understanding of fundamental phonological concepts including feature, phoneme, syllable, gesture, rule, constraint, underlying representation and surface form.
  • Explain and illustrate phonological processes, and their role in shaping language sounds.
  • Analyse the phonological structure of a language from example data.
  • Analyse phonological phenomena, and explain how they can be described under different phonological frameworks.

Quizzes

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours
Due: Weeks 3, 5, 8, 10, 13
Weighting: 10%

 

In a total of 5 quizzes students will demonstrate their understanding of the prescribed reading material for each topic. Each quiz will comprise ten questions and will be automatically graded in iLearn.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Communicate an understanding of fundamental phonological concepts including feature, phoneme, syllable, gesture, rule, constraint, underlying representation and surface form.
  • Explain and illustrate phonological processes, and their role in shaping language sounds.

Final Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: TBA
Weighting: 40%

 

In a series of short answers and extended responses, students will demonstrate all aspects of their understanding of phonological concepts and data analysis.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Communicate an understanding of fundamental phonological concepts including feature, phoneme, syllable, gesture, rule, constraint, underlying representation and surface form.
  • Explain and illustrate phonological processes, and their role in shaping language sounds.
  • Analyse the phonological structure of a language from example data.
  • Analyse phonological phenomena, and explain how they can be described under different phonological frameworks.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

As a student enrolled in this unit, you will engage in a range of face-to-face or online learning activities, including lectures, tutorials, readings, quizzes. Details can be found on the iLearn site for this unit.

Technologies used and required

Word processing and conversion to pdf file format is needed for completing both Problem Sets One and Two; internet access is needed for downloading lecture and tutorial materials and for uploading assignments. Active participation in the learning activities throughout the unit will require students to have access to a tablet, laptop or similar device. Students who do not own their own laptop computer may borrow one from the university library.

Required textbook:

  • Hayes (2011). Introductory Phonology. Oxford, UK: Wiley-Blackwell. 

Secondary (recommended) textbooks:

  • Gussenhoven & Jacobs (2013). Understanding Phonology (3rd ed). Taylor & Francis Group.
  • Gussenhoven & Jacobs (2017). Understanding Phonology (4th ed). Abingdon, Oxon ; New York, NY: Routledge.
  • Kennedy (2017). Phonology: A Coursebook. Cambridge University Press.
  • Kager (1999). Optimality Theory. Utrecht, The Netherlands: Cambridge University Press.
  • Zsiga (2013). The Sounds of Language: an introduction to phonetics and phonology. Hoboken: Wiley-Blackwell

 

Unit Schedule

  • W1 - Introduction & Refresher
  • W2 - Distinctive Features & Natural Classes I.
  • W3 - DistinctiveFeatures & Natural Classes II.
  • W4 - Phonological Rules
  • W5 - Introduction to Morphophonology
  • W6 - Morphophonology & Rule Ordering I.
  • W7 - Morphophonology & Rule Ordering II.
  • W8 - Syllables & Feet
  • W9 - Stress Rules
  • W10 - Stress Systems
  • W11 - Optimality Theory I.
  • W12 - Optimality Theory II.
  • W13 - Exam Revision

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Inclusion & Diversity

Social inclusion at Macquarie University is about giving everyone who has the potential to benefit from higher education the opportunity to study at university, participate in campus life and flourish in their chosen field. The University has made significant moves to promote an equitable, diverse and exciting campus community for the benefit of staff and students. It is your responsibility to contribute towards the development of an inclusive culture and practice in the areas of learning and teaching, research, and service orientation and delivery. As a member of the Macquarie University community, you must not discriminate against or harass others based on their sex, gender, race, marital status, carers' responsibilities, disability, sexual orientation, age, political conviction or religious belief. All staff and students are expected to display appropriate behaviour that is conducive to a healthy learning environment for everyone.

Professionalism

In the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, professionalism is a key capability embedded in all our courses. 

As part of developing professionalism, students are expected to attend all small group interactive sessions including clinical, practical, laboratory, work-integrated learning (e.g., PACE placements), and team-based learning activities. Some learning activities are recorded (e.g., face-to-face lectures), however you are encouraged to avoid relying upon such material as they do not recreate the whole learning experience and technical issues can and do occur. As an adult learner, we respect your decision to choose how you engage with your learning, but we would remind you that the learning opportunities we create for you have been done so to enable your success, and that by not engaging you may impact your ability to successfully complete this unit. We equally expect that you show respect for the academic staff who have worked hard to develop meaningful activities and prioritise your learning by communicating with them in advance if you are unable to attend a small group interactive session.

Another dimension of professionalism is having respect for your peers. It is the right of every student to learn in an environment that is free of disruption and distraction. Please arrive to all learning activities on time, and if you are unavoidably detained, please join activity as quietly as possible to minimise disruption. Phones and other electronic devices that produce noise and other distractions must be turned off prior to entering class. Where your own device (e.g., laptop) is being used for class-related activities, you are asked to close down all other applications to avoid distraction to you and others. Please treat your fellow students with the utmost respect. If you are uncomfortable participating in any specific activity, please let the relevant academic know.


Unit information based on version 2023.01R of the Handbook