Microsoft Word 2 Steps phonological analysis doc

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3L Summer School – Leiden 2010  

Theory and practice of data collection for phonological analysis – Van der Veen, Medjo Mvé 

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Guidelines for getting your phonological analysis started 

Lolke van der Veen – Pither Medjo Mvé 

 

 

The following outline provides an overview of theoretical and practical aspects of the different 

(initial) stages of phonological analysis: carrying out preliminary inquiries, performing phonetic 

transcription and analysis, getting the analysis started. This outline should not be regarded as 

exhaustive and will need to be adapted to specific situations. It is a general plan of action. 

 

Basic, general advice:  

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Be as rigorous, meticulous and accurate as possible (transcription, data management and 

storage, analysis, description). Doing a phonological analysis is a task that combines specific 

analytical skills, techniques and reasoning (problem solving)

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. 

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Take your time (as often as possible!), be patient and stay on good terms with your 

consultants. 

 

As for transcription activities: observe (watching and listening) carefully

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. Repeat occasionally (bad 

pronunciation habits easily get installed). Always carefully observe your consultant’s reaction: it is 

often a useful source of information. Phonetic transcription is a necessary but time-consuming 

activity.