Discovering Speech, Words, and Mind

Applies a scientific approach to the study of various aspects of speech, using everyday examples to introduce the beginning student to the world of language and cognition. This title offers an introduction to the fundamentals of speech production, speech perception, word-formation, language acquisition and speech disorders.

Written in a lively style, "Discovering Speech, Words, and Mind" applies a scientific approach to the study of various aspects of speech, using everyday examples to introduce the beginning student to the world of language and cognition. It offers an accessible introduction to the fundamentals of speech production, speech perception, word-formation, language acquisition and speech disorders. It considers how the informational content of the speech signal relates to phonological units - connecting the three areas of speech, words, and mind. It focuses on speech production and recognition at the word-level and below, and includes sign languages. It is written in a highly accessible style for students with no background in linguistics or psychology. It is packed with numerous student-friendly features, including engaging examples, illustrations, and sidebars for further discussion; further online exercises and data also available at website.

1 Human Language as a Scientific Phenomenon. The specialness of language. The study of language as a cognitive science. 2 Speaking, Sound, and Hearing. Speaking and transcribing. The sound of speech. Hearing. 3 Phonetic Diversity in the World's Languages and Diversity Among Dialects of English. The sounds of the world's languages. English in the United States and around the world. 4 Introduction to Experimental Design. 5 Speech Perception. The lack of invariance and the use of cues in speech perception. Ways in which speech perception might be special. Discovering words. 6 Word Recognition. 7 Phonological Units and Phonological Patterning. 8 Word Form and Function. 9 Sign Languages.
10 Language and the Brain.
11 Language, Speech, and Hearing Disorders.
12 Reading and Dyslexia. Appendix: IPA Chart. Index.

Dani Byrd is Professor of Linguistics at the University of Southern California and a Research Affiliate of Haskins Laboratories. She is a member of the Editorial Board on both the Journal of Phonetics and the Journal of the International Phonetic Association, and has published widely on articulation, vocal tract imaging and prosody. Toben H. Mintz is Associate Professor of Psychology and Linguistics at the University of Southern California, where his research involves studies with infants, toddlers, and adults, as well as computer modelling. He is on the Editorial Board of Cognition.