Seminar on Issues in Second Language Phonetics and Phonology

Spring 2000

Linguistics 407/507 (CRN 34701/34702)

CON 301, 2:00-2:50, MWF

Instructor: Susan Guion

In this seminar we will read and discuss the primary literature dealing with some of the main issues in second language phonetic and phonological acquisition. Our main focus will be on empirical, experimental research. We will read through the literature chronologically to offer the student a depth of understanding about some of the main research paradigms in the field. Topics to be covered are:

· Contrastive Analysis (Lado, Stockwell, Wardhaugh, and Kohler)

· Markedness and the relationship between L1 and L2 Acquisition (Eckman, Major, and Carlisle)

· Evidence for a “Speech” and “Non-Speech” Mode in SLA

· Models of Cross-Language Perception and Speech Learning (Best, Flege, Strange)

· Perceptual Training

Students will be expected to read and participate in the discussion of the articles. A paper will also be required for the course. Paper topics can include literature reviews on relevant topics and motivated experimental designs. Students interested in conducting their proposed experiments can take research hours next term.

Prerequisite: Some previous study of phonetics and/or phonology