Ch2 2.3

The working relation between phonetics and phonology︰bidirectional
Phonetics informs phonology
Phonology informs phonetics
By pinpointing and defining the problem
Structure-first research
Discover generalizations
Hypothesize possible motivations
Seek evidence to support hypotheses
Phonetic approach
Phonological approach
Application of structure-first research in Thlantlang Lai
Generalization: Non-final contour simplification
Two hypotheses (possible motivations) and related evidence
Duration of a syllable, which is sensitive to position, conditions its tone-bearing ability
Evidence from realizations of Standard Beijing Mandarin Third Tone
Presentation of the tones by syllable structure reject the hypothesis
Tonally induced changes tend to minimize the number of ups and downs over a given stretch
Two factors conditioning the realization of contour tone
Perceptibility
Articulatory complexity
Arrange the two factors to illustrate the typology of the realization of contour tone in three Lai varieties
Present data from Thlantlang Lai and Falam Lai to prove the hypothesis

Methods in phonology

1.1 Questions, answers, method
1.1.1 Questions
1.1.2 Theories
a. Representation of sound patterns and the operations performed on them
b. Mechanisms of sound change
c. Teleological and non-teleological theories
1.1.3 Methods
a. Scientific method
Present data
In an objective way
In a quantified way
Present evidence
that overcomes doubt as to its relevance to a particular hypothesis or theory
b. Methodological revolution

preface

Central facets of experimental approaches to phonology
1 Experimental methods
2 Phonological findings that emerge from the use of experimental techniques and their theoretical implications
Major phonological issues
1 Explaining phonological universals
2 Understanding the phonetic factors that may give rise to phonological change
3 maintaining, enhancing, and modeling phonological contrast
4 assessing phonological knowledge
Introductions to the following chapters