Working with phonological data sets

Working with phonological data sets

Data sets

A central part of a student s phonology training involves the analysis of language data sets. A data set is composed of phonetically transcribed words from a given language, chosen so as to illustrate one or more phonological patterns which it is the student s task to discover. The overall point of working with data sets is not only to provide practice in recognising and formalising phonological patterns but also to allow students to build up a picture of the typological space within which languages sound systems can vary.


Data sets take one of two forms.

  • Static: the set consists of a list of words that illustrate one or more static patterns, e.g. of segmental distribution (contrastive versus complementary), syllable structure, or stress.
  • Dynamic: words are listed in different morphological paradigms, showing how segments in a given morpheme change ( alternate ) when attached to other morphemes (e.g. when a stem is attached to different affixes).

Analysing the data

When you approach a dynamic data set, a golden rule is ALWAYS DO THE MORPHOLOGY FIRST. Identify which parts of the paradigm are introduced by morphology before starting the phonological analysis proper. That way you won t fall into the trap of assigning to phonology aspects of a paradigm that actually belong to morphology. For example, the presence of a coronal stop at the end of the English word /f??t/ fished is due to affixation rather than some phonological process of stop insertion. (The fact that the stop is voiceless, on the other hand, is due to a phonological process of assimilation.)

Analysis of a data set typically proceeds by working stepwise through rows of examples, formulating initial hypotheses about any phonological patterns that become evident and then revising or abandoning the hypotheses as the data in later rows are examined. Revising an initial hypothesis will usually mean you have to backtrack and re-examine earlier data rows.

Once you have finished working your way through all the rows, you should summarise the patterns identified under your final hypotheses by formalising them, e.g. as rules or constraints.

Writing up the analysis

Golden rule number two: DO NOT WRITE UP YOUR ANALYSIS BY SIMPLY RECOUNTING THE STEPS YOU TOOK IN ARRIVING AT IT. Doing so will almost always result in you making inaccurate claims about patterns in the data (claims you may or may not remember to retract later in the essay).

Before writing up your analysis, step back from the data and consider whether the patterns you have identified illustrate some general theme. Data sets are typically rather small and carefully selected so as to illustrate some quite general point. Use this general theme as the framework within which to present your analysis, and incorporate it in the title of the paper (e.g. �Syllable weight in Icelandic�).

Your paper will be evaluated under the following rubrics: quality of analysis, quality of argumentation, use of technical concepts/terminology, structure, referencing, and writing.

Quality of the analysis

Provide prose statements of the patterns you discover in the data, and formalise them as instructed, e.g. as rules or constraints. The prose and formalisations should not only be accurate but also maximally simple.

Quality of argumentation

The point of the analysis is not merely to find the right answer (though it goes without saying that it should be accurate). It is also important that you demonstrate an ability to marshal the data in support of arguments in favour of your analysis.

Use of technical concepts/terminology

Make use of the fundamental concepts of phonology to perform and present your analysis. Make sure you use the terms for these concepts accurately.

Structure of the paper

How you organise your paper is very important. Write it up like a published article, following as closely as possible the style and format of a reputable linguistics journal (e.g. Phonology). Break it up into numbered and titled sections, including an introduction, conclusion, and references. Use the introduction to outline the general theme of the paper and to set out how the presentation will proceed. Consider partitioning different aspects of your analysis into separate sections. Set out data examples as numbered indents, and cross-refer to the numbers in the body of the text.

Referencing

Always cite the literature sources you draw on. Follow bibliographical referencing conventions to the letter.

Writing

Pay close attention to spelling, grammar, punctuation, and paragraphing. The markers certainly will. Write in a register that suits the content. On the other hand, try not to allow the specialist academic context of a phonology paper to cramp your writing style. Always put yourself in the shoes of the reader, asking yourself How can I make this clearer? .