Distinctive features that define the word 'back' in English. This course is concerned with the theoretical motivation, definition and acoustic/articulatory realization of such distinctive features in spoken language. (Figure by MIT OpenCourseWare, after Stevens.)
Instructor(s)
Dr. David Gow
Prof. Donca Steriade
Prof. Edward Flemming
Prof. Kenneth Stevens
Prof. Stefanie Shattuck-Hufnagel
MIT Course Number
24.941J / 6.543J / 9.587J / HST.727J
As Taught In
Spring 2007
Level
Graduate
Course Description
Course Features
Course Description
This course provides an overview of the distinctive features which distinguish sound categories of languages of the world. Theories which relate these categories to their acoustic and articulatory correlates, both universally and in particular languages, are covered. Models of word recognition by listeners, features, and phonological structure are also discussed. In addition, the course offers a variety of perspectives on these issues, drawn from Electrical Engineering, Linguistics and Cognitive Science.