Overview

tudying phonetics at an advanced level with this module enables you to make in-depth analysis of speech and understand why people sound the way they do. You will take a scientific and experimental approach to transcribing, analysing and investigating spoken language using specialist software, as well as learning how to collect sound data towards linguistic analysis.

This module is perfect for you if you have already undertaken and enjoyed modules in phonetics, and especially if you have an interest in the way that linguists research sounds today using scientific methods.

Students in this module, depending on assessment topics, research question(s) and methodologies will have to opportunity to utilize the department labs, specialized software and resources, when carry out their assessments. This can include access to and the use of; dedicated lab facilities for experiments, a professional grade sound isolation booth and high-end recording equipment setup, high-level statistical modelling and analysis software and acoustic and phonetic analysis software.

This module will cover topics such as:
- experimental data design design,
- recording speech,
- sociophonetic variation,
- speech technology,
- analysing the acoustic properties of sounds,
- reading waveforms and spectrograms,
- relating waveforms and spectrograms to articulation,
- analysing fundamental frequency (pitch),
- using speech analysis software.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -C: The answer must address the question. The answer must show a basic knowledge and understanding of the relevant key areas and principles of the foundational theories, constructs and methodologies of Linguistics. The answers shows only basic ability in the learning outcomes. The student must show evidence of being able to apply the principles to the analysis of language and linguistic examples and/or data. The answer must evidence of some background study. -good -B: The answer must be focussed and structured. The answer must show a better-than-average standard of knowledge and understanding of the foundational theories, constructs and methodologies of Linguistics. The answer must show a better than average ability in all/most of the learning outcomes. The linguistic examples used in the answer may be based upon examples from the literature but must also include original examples. The answer must show evidence of background study with at least some from primary sources.
-excellent -A: The answer must be highly focused and well-structured, free from irrelevant material and errors of spelling and punctuation.The answer must show comprehensive knowledge and detailed understanding, and demonstrate the ability to apply concepts clearly, accurately and in depth.The answer must show advanced ability in all of the learning outcomes. The answer must show substantial evidence of original interpretation and critical thinking, and the ability to make new links between topics and/or a new approach to a problem. The answer must show evidence of extensive background study beyond basic texts and using primary sources.

Learning Outcomes

• Collect and evaluate speech data for use in in the acoustic analysis of speech

• Interpret and synthesize theory, techniques and applications of the acoustic analysis of speech

• Interpret own speech data research in the context of current research in the field

• Interpret speech waveforms and spectrograms using speech analysis software.