Phonology Chapter 2 - AFLO LO1

Introduction to LG145 - L1450

• Course title: Acquisition and Functioning of Oral Language, Prevention, and Multilingualism
• Course code: AFLO – LO1
• Academic institution: Haute École Liège, Paramédical
• Academic year: 2024-2025
• Instructor: Aline Tossut
• Contact email: [email protected]

Chapter 2: Phonology

• This chapter focuses on phonology.
• Key references: Piérart (2005) and de Boysson-Bardies (2007).

2.1 Definitions

• Phonetics: The scientific study of speech sounds.
• Phonology: The study of phonemes (sounds) in a language. Phonemes are the fundamental units of language, distinguishing one word from another.

2.1.1 Phonetics

• Articulatory phonetics: Concerns the physiology of speech production (voice-box) and the unique articulation of speech sounds.
• Acoustic phonetics: Investigates the physical aspects of sounds, analyzing speech signals.
• Perceptual phonetics: Focuses on the reception of speech sounds.

2.1.2 Phonology

• Phonology is the system of sounds in a language.
• It's necessary to determine the consistent characteristics of phonemes.
• The key characteristics that distinguish one phoneme from another are called contrasts.

2.1.2.1 Syllables

• The most frequent syllable structure in French: CV (consonant-vowel).
• Other syllable structures exist in French including CCV, CVC, VC, VVC, CVCC.

2.1.2.2 Phonotactics

• Sets of rules in a language about how sounds combine.
• Example of combination in French:
  • OK for "blu"
  • KO for "gmp"

2.1.2.3 Levels of Phonological Processing

• Three levels of processing:
  • Perception of the acoustic signal (receptive processing).
  • Phonological lexicon (receptive processing).
  • Pronunciation (perceptive processing).

2.1.2.4 Phonological Representations

• Phonological representations are stored as multidimensional representations.
• Representations incorporate both phonetic and phonological information.
• They also incorporate prosodic information.

2.1.2.5 Types of Phonological Knowledge

• Acoustic and phonetic features: Knowledge of the sounds and their perceived properties.
• Articulatory features: Knowledge of the movements needed to produce the sounds.
• Higher-level phonological knowledge: Understanding that words are comprised of individual sounds and the rules governing sound combinations.
• Socio-cultural features: Knowledge of variations in pronunciation connected to social and linguistic contexts.

2.1.2.6 Phonemes and Allophones

• Phonemes: The basic units of sound in language that distinguish words.
• Allophones: Different phonetic realizations of the same phoneme within a language, influenced by the linguistic context or environment.

2.1.2.7 Phonological development in children

• Children gradually develop increasingly specific representations of language.
• At first, representations are global and less specific.
• By 5-6 years, representations are more adult-like.

2.1.3 Impact of Phonology on Other Domains

• Communication and expression: Impact of phonology on producing and understanding speech.
• Reading and writing: Phonology's part in reading and writing ability.
• Vocabulary development: Phonology influences vocabulary development.
• Social development: Clear communication through phonology.
• Cognitive development: Influence of phonology on abstract thoughts and problem-solving skills.

2.2 Perception of Sounds

• Development of the phonological system, and how it continues evolving throughout childhood.
• Key stages in the development, in particular: the acquisition of listening skills.
• Interaction with biological constraints and factors in the environment.

2.2.1 Prosodic Processing

• Development of the language begins earlier than the recognition of words.
• The ability to differentiate linguistic aspects (rhythm) occurs in the womb from the 25th week of gestation.

2.2.2 Phonemic Processing

• Segmental processing: Focus on individual sounds (phonemes).
• By 5 months, an association between sounds and mouth positions happens.
• Around 5-6 months, stable perception of vowels emerges.
• By 6 months, infants specialize in processing the sounds of their native language.

2.3 Production of Sounds

• Speech organs: The physical parts used in speech production.
• Articulation of speech sounds: The specific positioning and movements of the vocal organs in creating speech sounds.
• Speech sounds training: Understanding of the physical basis of speech sounds in a language, especially concerning vowel and consonant sounds, and the acquisition process.

2.3.2 Acquisition of Phonological Production

• Babbling and exploration: The initial phase of speech production.
• Imitation and social learning: Imitation and sensitivity to sounds in the environment.
• Gradual development of correct sounds: Understanding the different steps and methods in the process of gradual acquisition of pronunciation.
• Errors: Examination of common pronunciation errors and the processes that are used in acquiring the language.
• Prosody: The use of rhythm, intonation, and melodic contours to convey meaning in speech.

2.3.3 Stages of Speech Production

• Early stages (under 2 years) : Focus on understanding different steps in early speech: physiological sounds, babbling, and gradually increasing complexity of speech sounds.
• Later stages (after 2 years) : Focus on how children develop their understanding of speech, and the increasing complexity in pronunciation and articulation.

2.4 Phonological Processes of Simplification (PPS)

• Definition: Normal simplification of complex words when acquiring pronunciation, a process used to adapt the acquired phonological skills' development.
• Types: Different types of simplification include:
  • Structural modification of speech sounds or syllables.
  • Modification caused by the surrounding speech sounds (contextual).
  • Simplification of consonants (reductions, substitutions, omissions etc.).
• Stages of development: Different stages of development are described in early, preschool and school age.
• Cultural and social influences: Phonological processes of simplification (PPS) are affected by these factors.

2.5 Remarks on Child's Production and Linguistic Skills

• Phonological awareness: Understanding how to break down words and manipulate sounds.
• Stages of phonological development: Various stages of speech production and linguistic skill development, from early sounds to mature speech that varies between individuals and are affected by various factors including social interactions, cultural backgrounds, and specific challenges.
• Importance of early intervention: The continuous importance of understanding and addressing early speech challenges.
• Cultural influence: The role of cultural background in speech production including pronunciation, social and emotional aspects.