Spanish phonetics and phonology

Course description

This course offers an introduction to the Spanish sound system, with the goal of building a solid foundation in the phonetic and phonological analysis of Spanish. We will begin by reviewing the articulatory system, core principles of phonological analysis, and the general structure of sound systems. From there, we will explore the descriptive properties of Spanish sounds—including consonants, vowels, syllables, stress, and intonation—and the phonological processes that shape them. We will also consider how different theoretical frameworks (e.g., Optimality Theory, Exemplar Theory, Laboratory Phonology) account for these phenomena, and examine the extensive dialectal variation found across the Spanish-speaking world.

Learning goales

By the end of this course, students will:

• Develop a foundational understanding of the Spanish sound system.
• Understand and apply key concepts in phonetics and phonology to the analysis of Spanish.
• Gain familiarity with major theoretical frameworks in phonological research.
• Explore dialectal variation in Spanish and its phonological implications.
• Strengthen academic skills through research, analysis, and scholarly writing.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Describe the articulatory and acoustic properties of Spanish sounds.
• Explain fundamental principles of phonological analysis and apply them to Spanish data.
• Analyze Spanish phonological processes using transcription, data sets, and theoretical tools.
• Compare key theoretical approaches to phonology (e.g., Optimality Theory, Exemplar Theory) and assess how they account for Spanish data.
• Identify and discuss patterns of dialectal variation in Spanish phonetics and phonology.
• Synthesize course concepts in written assignments and a final research paper.

Sample lecture notes

Introductory lecture to OT

Bibliographical search workshop for MA students

Sample assignments

Research proporsal

Analysis of rhotics