Phonetics and Phonology

Unit code: HHB3002 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
96 credit points of core second year HCSP units.
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

Knowing how people perceive, form and use speech sounds when communicating is foundational knowledge for professions such as speech pathology. By studying phonetics, students will learn about the science of speech. This involves how to use the symbols of the International Phonetic Alphabet to transcribe speech sounds. It also involves exploring how the vocal tract relates to the different speech sounds, and the basic acoustic features of consonants and vowels. By studying phonology, students will learn about the patterns of speech relevant to languages in the Australian context, including Australian Aboriginal languages and will have the opportunity to reflect on speech as a cultural phenomenon.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Execute real-time transcriptions of speech sounds in isolation, words, phrases and discourse using the International Phonetic Alphabet symbols and conventions, as relevant to Australia’s linguistic diversity;
  2. Describe consonant and vowel sounds in terms of articulatory and acoustic phonetics;
  3. Elucidate the difference between phonetics and phonology;
  4. Differentiate between and hypothesise why differences occur in speech patterns across groups; and
  5. Exhibit professional collaboration skills by managing responsibilities within a team and developing shared perspectives.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 30%
In-class invigilated test - Phonetic transcriptions of real-time speech sounds (30 mins) and words (30 mins)
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 30%
Group presentation (10 mins) with live individual Q&A
Assessment type: Other
|
Grade: 40%
In-class and invigilated transcription of a passage of connected speech (30 mins) and written reflection (40 mins)

Presentation: In the presentation students will compare Standard Australian English, Aboriginal English and one other language.

Other: Transcription of a passage of connected speech (30 mins) plus a written reflection on how understanding of phonetics, phonology and differences in speech patterns between people has been fostered by knowledge gained in this unit (40 mins).

Required reading

Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Speech and Language Sciences/Master of Speech Pathology
HCSP | Bachelor degree | Duration: 4.5 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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