Introducing Phonology

David Odden's INTRODUCING PHONOLOGY (Cambridge University Press, 2005) is a textbook designed for undergraduates with just a basic linguistics course behind them. After the elementary matters of phonemes and allophones, Odden covers the rigours fo feature theory, phonological typology and naturalness. The final chapter on nonlinear representations makes a case for reconceptualizing data instead of ignoring troublesome facts, thus furthering theory. Though I haven't made an exhaustive survey, Odden's is the best basic textbook of phonology that I have come across. It certain proves friendlier than the entry in the Cambridge Textbooks of Linguistics (red cover) line. He certain seems determined to turn out competent linguists of the future, as he goes through the steps of doing an analysis over and over again. Odden is an Africanist, and the wealth of little-known African languages he has assembled here for example makes this an especially intriguing textbook. However, he also teaches basic principles through English, Russian, Finnish, and many more European languages. The wide-ranging and very challenging exercises further make this an excellent textbook. I've been in linguistics for years now, but I still profit from Odden's book, as going over the exercises once in a while keeps my skills sharp. It merits a look from not just first-year undergraduates. Odden's textbook doesn't go too deep into the theory debate. Optimality Theory is mentioned a few times but never much described. However, he does give some recommendations for further reading after each chapter, so the reader will be able to go on to more specific material.

A perfect book for linguists and an easy to follow book for phonology beginners; Odden makes a great job instructing phonology and realizing it pragmatically. Odden is a great linguist and phonologist A must! book for every linguist!!!

Although this book is rather limited in scope, it provides an excellent introduction into phonological analysis. It does leave aside many topics and issues of contemporary phonology, but the covered topics are explained thoroughly and in detail. The students will acquire the necessary skills to do phonological analysis in any language or language variety. The author provides examples from many world languages. The book is abundant in raw data and contains loads of exercises. It is more of a practical phonology than discussing phonological theories. It is a good prelude for future field linguists. After reading the book you will not grasp a good idea of the differences between phonological schools and theories, but you will get adequate knowledge and skills to do practical analysis. The textbook is a gem for lecturers due to heaps of raw phonological data, examples, solved problems, and exercises. A must have for teachers and for ambitious students who are not going to learn the mere phonological theories to pass the exam and to forget, but to grasp the real essence and fun of phonology. Of course, you will need some supplements to this book in your courses, but you will never regret to have this book in your library.