Continuum Critical Introductions to Linguistics present core areas of the subject from refreshing new perspectives. This book takes an interdisciplinary approach to phonology which departs from the mainstream tradition. Daniel Silverman introduces the key aspects of phonology, and argues that the nature of linguistic sound systems can only be understood in the context of how they are actually used by speakers and listeners. Using sound samples from a large corpus of data, Daniel Silverman introduces phonology as a practical subject to be used and enjoyed, rather than as a theoretical minefield with no bearing on the reality of how people speak. A Critical Introduction to Phonology is engagingly written and uses anecdotes and examples drawn from popular culture to illustrate each point. The book provides comprehensive coverage of all the key areas of the subject, and contains chapter summaries to help the reader navigate the text. Throughout the book Daniel Silverman prompts critical thinking about this core area of linguistics, and this will therefore be essential reading for students on introductory phonology courses both at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Author Biography

Dr Daniel Silverman is the author of Phasing and Recoverability, New York: Garland, 1997.