Introductory Phonology

by Bruce Hayes, Hayes, B.
Introductory Phonology cover
Good Books rating 3.52
Language and Linguistics
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  • ID: 1216
  • Added: 2025-10-01
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9781405184113
  • Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
  • Published: 2008-08-25
  • Reviews: 4

Introductory Phonology offers a clear and concise introduction to the field, making it an ideal first course book for those new to phonology. Written by a renowned phonologist, it emphasizes the analysis of phonological data and places it within a scientific context, guiding students through the methodology and larger questions of what phonological patterns reveal about language. The book includes numerous student-friendly features such as multi-part exercises and annotated suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter, making it a comprehensive resource for learning. Developed and tested in the classroom over years of use, this textbook provides an exceptional foundation in phonology. It is designed to be accessible and engaging, ensuring that students can grasp complex concepts with ease. The inclusion of practical exercises and further reading suggestions helps to deepen understanding and encourage independent study.

Reviews
Amazon · 2025-10-20
frustrating 2.00

The reviewer criticizes the book for focusing too much on the author's own dialect and having an inadequate index, making it difficult to find specific information.

The reviewer points out that the book's focus on the author's own dialect limits its broader applicability. Additionally, the index is described as awful, making it nearly impossible to find what you need. These issues detract from the book's overall usability, despite its potential as an introductory text.

Quick quotes

    Hayes focuses a bit too much on his own dialect, and the index is awful.

    You can never find what you need - nearly every time I referred to the index, even some

    These issues detract from the book's overall usability.

Reddit - Linguistics · 2019-01-01
recommended 4.00

This book is recommended as a good starting point for understanding phonology, with a gradual increase in difficulty.

The reviewer suggests that this book is a good place to start for anyone looking to understand phonology. They appreciate the book's structure, which gradually increases in difficulty, making it accessible for beginners. The book is seen as a valuable resource for those new to the field, providing a solid foundation in phonological concepts. Overall, it is recommended as a useful starting point.

Quick quotes

    Bruce Hayes Introductory Phonology is a good place to start

    That'll give you some understanding of not just the basics

    The book has fifteen chapters that increase gradually in difficulty

Goodreads · 2009-01-01
useful 3.90

This textbook is praised for its accessibility and student-friendly features, making it an exceptional foundation in the field.

The reviewer highlights that this textbook is particularly well-suited for students, thanks to its clear and engaging writing style. The inclusion of numerous student-friendly features makes it a standout resource. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to make complex phonology concepts understandable, which is crucial for an introductory textbook. Overall, it is seen as a valuable tool for both teaching and learning.

Quick quotes

    Accessible, succinct, and including numerous student-friendly features

    This introductory textbook offers an exceptional foundation to the field

    A great resource for students

Gouskova's Website · M Gouskova · 2009-01-01
engaging 4.20

The book is noted for its conversational style and readability, making it ideal for undergraduate students.

M Gouskova appreciates the book's conversational and accessible style, which is particularly important for undergraduate textbooks. The reviewer finds it quite readable and presents a sophisticated point of view. The book is also praised for providing plenty of material for classroom discussion, which can keep students engaged. Overall, it is seen as a valuable resource for both teaching and learning phonology.

Quick quotes

    The book is a pleasure to read—it is written in a very accessible and conversational style

    It is quite readable, presents a sophisticated point of view

    There is plenty of great fodder for classroom discussion

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