Universität - Fachbereich Sprach-, Literatur- und Medienwissenschaft
Phonetics
Phonetics investigates vocal communication by recording, describing
and interpreting the various articulated utterances which consitute human
speech. It is thus an overwhelmingly empirical discipline. At Hamburg
University it can be studied as a major or minor subject for the
Master of Arts (M.A.). If
it is taken as a major subject it must be combined with a further language
subject or Education Studies.
Phonetics is broken down into three main areas of study, each of which
examines a different part of the speaking process:
- Articulatory Phonetics describes the construction and
function of the speech organs (larynx, vocal cords, tongue, lips, etc.)
und how they are used to produce the sounds involved in speech. The
phonetic alphabet is used to record the sounds produced independly of
orthographic conventions.
- Acoustic Phonetics uses
high-precision measuring and recording instruments to investigate the
acoustic structure of speech - frequencies, intensities, spectra, etc.
- Auditive Phonetics is concerned with the construction and
function of the hearing organs and how the ear perceives speech signals.
Phonetics is situated on the borders of many other academic disciplines,
the most important of which are general linguistics, the various language
specific philologies, acoustics, anatomy and physiology, psychology,
sociology, education, speech therapy, a nd music. With such a multitude of
related disciplines phonetics uses a wide selection of scientific methods.
Of these related disciplines, language subjects play a central role.
Sounds from all over the world are investigated. Phonetics pays particular
attention to the function of sounds in grammatical descriptions of
language.
Language Requirements
Knowledge of Latin is useful and thus
highly recommended. A corresponding preparation is offered by other
classical languages, such as Classical Greek, or indeed one from outside
the Indo-European language group, such as Classical Arabic. Knowledge of
Eng lish is indispensable in order to cope with research literature.
Knowledge of further Modern Languages (such as French or Russian) is also
desirable.
Length Of Study
Normally 9-10 Semesters
Qualification
M.A. (as major or minor subject)
Conditions
Applicants require a High School leaving certificate that qualifies them for University entry. Application forms are obtainable 8 weeks before the application deadline for the Winter or Summer Semesters (15th July/15th January) from the University Admissi
ons Office (Studentensekretariat, Edmund-Siemers-Allee 1, D-20146 Hamburg).
Letzte Änderung: 29. April 1998
Übersetzung und HTML von John King
Impressum
Universität - Fachbereich Sprach-, Literatur- und Medienwissenschaft
