Axiomatic Method in Phonology

<p>First published in 1967. The problems of theoretical phonology are among the most controversial in linguistics. This monograph is a step towards an adequate logical reconstruction of phonological theories and is mainly concerned with Z. S. Harris’ structuralist theory one of the principal phonological theories of the present day. </p><p>Topics covered in the work include almost all essential problems of theoretical phonology. The author establishes a set of basic concepts which define almost all other concepts of phonology and gives an axiomatic characterisation of these concepts. The notion of a unit-length segment is analysed and defined and a precise formulation of the principles of distribution is given. The author offers a formal analysis of the notion of a phoneme and finally formulates and discusses fundamental hypotheses of phonology. </p>