Optimality Theory and L2 speech models (2 hours)

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For this final activity, read either one of the two readings [PDF] below. (You can do both if you want to, but you are only required to do one.) Then continue on to do a reflection.

• Basics_of_OT.pdf: Optimality Theory is a completely different way of doing phonology—it's a different approach than what we discussed in the previous activities. It is also a powerful analysis method for explaining, and predicting, patterns that can happen in language learning, language disorders, etc.
• SLM and PAM.pdf: The Speech Learning Model and Perceptual Assimilation Model are two related models of how second language learners pronounce and perceive the sounds of their second language; both use concepts from phonology to make predictions about what things will cause difficulty for learners.

To finish up, Write a brief reflection about your learning in this module (including your reading about Optimality Theory and/or about the Speech Learning Model and Perceptual Assimilation Model).

When you finish this activity, you are done with the module (assuming all your work on this and the previous tasks has been satisfactory). You can return to the module homepage to review this module, or return to the class homepage to select a different module or assignment to do now.

by Stephen Politzer-Ahles. Last modified on 2021-04-19. CC-BY-4.0.