Theoretically grounded, the book explores the range of data that any theory must account for, and discusses important concepts and constructs that emerge from the data, such as the interacting roles of biology and cognition in creating sound inventories, perception as distinct from hearing, contrast, alternation, and markedness.
Integrating these two disciplines allows students to appreciate the relationship of phonology and phonetics to each other, and to identify areas of overlap and mutual concern. “The Sounds of Language is an introductory guide to the linguistic study of speech sounds, giving equal weight to both phonology and phonetics.
