A tailored course, built for your situation
Mastering Phonological Analysis in African Languages
A structured framework for advancing linguistic research with non-linear phonology models
$199 one-time
24-hour access provisioning
30-day money-back guarantee
Hand-built implementation playbook
12 modules. 12 chapters per module. 144 chapters total.
12 modules, each with 12 chapters (144 chapters total), text-based, plus downloadable templates and a hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.
Brilliant insights trapped in isolated analyses, unable to scale or integrate with modern linguistic frameworks
The situation this course is for
Linguists with deep knowledge of African language phonology often struggle to translate detailed observations into systematic, generalizable models. Without a structured method, even robust findings remain siloed, under-cited, and disconnected from computational linguistics, language technology, or cross-linguistic theory-building. The gap isn't insight, it's implementation.
Who this is for
A researcher or academic specializing in African languages, with published work in phonology, seeking to amplify impact through systematic modeling and broader application
Who this is not for
Linguists focused only on syntax or semantics without interest in phonological theory, or those not aiming to publish, teach, or apply their work beyond a single language description
What you walk away with
- Systematically apply non-linear phonology frameworks beyond single-case studies
- Model phonological patterns using tier-based and constraint-driven methods
- Validate analyses across related dialects and language groups
- Integrate phonological research with computational tools and NLP pipelines
- Position original research for higher-impact publication and collaboration
The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)
Module 1. Foundations of Non-Linear Phonology
Build a working command of autosegmental theory, tier separation, and association lines, with examples from Afro-Asiatic and Nilo-Saharan languages.
12 chapters in this module
- What is non-linear phonology
- Autosegmental theory basics
- Tiers and association lines
- Spreading and delinking rules
- Gemination in African languages
- Vowel harmony mechanisms
- Consonant mutation patterns
- Tone and segment interaction
- Morpheme structure constraints
- Prosodic units overview
- Syllable types in Oromo
- Feature geometry models
Module 2. Homorganic Nasal Assimilation Deep Dive
Analyze the structural conditions triggering nasal assimilation, using Arsi-Bale Afan Oromo as a core case with comparative extensions.
12 chapters in this module
- Defining homorganic assimilation
- Nasal place assimilation rules
- Onset cluster constraints
- Morphophonemic alternations
- Prefix + stem interactions
- Allophonic variation tracking
- Cross-dialect comparison
- Phonetic vs phonological
- Input-output mapping
- Constraint ranking practice
- OT tableaux building
- Data validation techniques
Module 3. Tier-Based Analysis Techniques
Learn to isolate and manipulate phonological tiers for tone, nasality, and place features, enabling clearer analysis of complex interactions.
12 chapters in this module
- Separating melodic tiers
- Tone tier association
- Nasality tier spreading
- Laryngeal feature tracking
- Labiality and rounding
- Velarization and pharyngealization
- Vowel backing and raising
- Consonant place independence
- Feature delinking cases
- Multi-tier interaction
- Constraint interaction
- Parsing ambiguous forms
Module 4. Constraint Formulation and Ranking
Develop testable constraints using Optimality Theory, with templates for ranking and counterexample handling in understudied languages.
12 chapters in this module
- Markedness constraints
- Faithfulness constraints
- Ident constraints by feature
- Constraint conflict examples
- Ranking methodology
- OT tableaux structure
- Viable output selection
- Counterfeeding order
- Counterbleeding cases
- Harmony violations
- Language-specific constraints
- Universal vs language-specific
Module 5. Cross-Linguistic Validation
Extend findings from Arsi-Bale Oromo to related dialects and languages, testing generalizability and identifying boundaries.
12 chapters in this module
- Defining language proximity
- Lexical comparison method
- Phonological correspondence
- Sound change reconstruction
- Dialect continuum analysis
- Borrowing effects
- Contact-induced change
- Typological profiling
- Parameter setting
- Predictive modeling
- Validation checklist
- Error source identification
Module 6. Data Collection and Annotation
Design elicitation protocols, transcribe field data, and annotate for tiered features with consistency and reliability.
12 chapters in this module
- Elicitation question design
- Natural speech collection
- IPA transcription accuracy
- Tiered annotation scheme
- Nasality marking
- Tone diacritics usage
- Syllable boundary marking
- Morpheme segmentation
- Error rate tracking
- Intercoder reliability
- Digital annotation tools
- Data archiving standards
Module 7. Computational Modeling of Phonology
Translate phonological rules into finite-state transducers and other computational representations for integration with NLP tools.
12 chapters in this module
- Finite-state phonology
- Rule-to-FST conversion
- Regular expressions for rules
- Parsing with FSTs
- Python for phonology
- NLTK implementation
- Rule ordering in code
- Input validation scripts
- Output generation
- Error simulation
- Model testing framework
- Integration with corpora
Module 8. Publishing High-Impact Research
Structure papers for top linguistics journals, craft compelling arguments, and respond effectively to peer review.
12 chapters in this module
- Journal selection strategy
- Structuring the argument
- Abstract writing
- Introduction framing
- Literature review focus
- Data presentation
- Analysis clarity
- Theoretical implications
- Reviewer anticipation
- Response letter drafting
- Revision workflow
- Submission checklist
Module 9. Teaching Advanced Phonology
Design graduate-level curricula, create problem sets, and guide students through non-linear analysis with confidence.
12 chapters in this module
- Curriculum design principles
- Syllabus structuring
- Lecture topic sequencing
- Problem set creation
- Worked example design
- Student misconception tracking
- Tutorial facilitation
- Assessment rubrics
- Feedback techniques
- Digital teaching tools
- Course evaluation
- Professional development
Module 10. Collaborative Research Frameworks
Build and manage research partnerships with institutions, field linguists, and computational teams.
12 chapters in this module
- Identifying collaborators
- Proposal co-writing
- Ethics compliance
- Data sharing agreements
- Authorship negotiation
- Project management
- Timeline coordination
- Conflict resolution
- Cross-cultural communication
- Funding application support
- Joint publication strategy
- Credit attribution
Module 11. Integrating Phonology with Morphology
Model interactions between phonological processes and morphological boundaries, affixation, and allomorphy.
12 chapters in this module
- Morpheme structure constraints
- Allomorph selection rules
- Affix phonology interaction
- Stem alternations
- Cliticization effects
- Sandhi phenomena
- Lexical stratification
- Derivational vs inflectional
- Blocking and feeding
- Morphological coalescence
- Prosodic morphology
- Output-optimality interaction
Module 12. Future-Proofing Your Research
Position your work within evolving trends in digital humanities, language preservation, and AI-driven linguistic analysis.
12 chapters in this module
- Digital archiving trends
- Language preservation ethics
- AI and phonology
- Large language model gaps
- Bias in training data
- Endangered language modeling
- Open science practices
- Reproducibility standards
- Grant writing strategy
- Public engagement
- Policy influence
- Long-term impact planning
How this maps to your situation
- Developing a publishable analysis from field data
- Extending a case study into a broader theoretical claim
- Integrating phonological insights with computational tools
- Teaching or mentoring others in advanced phonology
Before vs. after
Before
Working in isolation with deep knowledge but limited reach, struggling to systematize findings or gain broader recognition
After
Producing scalable, citable, and computationally relevant phonological models that position you as a leader in African language linguistics
What's included with your purchase
- 12 modules with 12 chapters each (144 chapters)
- Downloadable templates and worked examples for every module
- Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Delivery and format
- Course and learning environment access provisioned within 24 hours of purchase
- Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
Format: Text-based modules and chapters in the Art of Service learning environment, plus downloadable templates and worked examples for every chapter, plus the hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.
Time investment: Approximately 60, 75 hours total, designed for flexible pacing over 8, 12 weeks.
If nothing changes
Without a structured framework, even the most insightful phonological observations risk remaining isolated, underutilized, and disconnected from the broader linguistic ecosystem, limiting publication potential, collaboration, and long-term impact.
How this compares to the alternatives
Generic phonology textbooks offer broad overviews but lack tailored frameworks for African languages. Workshops are short-lived and rarely include implementation tools. This course provides a comprehensive, field-tested system specifically designed for researchers working on understudied languages with complex phonological behavior.
Frequently asked
Is this course relevant for non-Oromo languages?
Yes. While Arsi-Bale Oromo is used as a primary example, the frameworks apply to any African language with complex phonological processes.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Do I need a linguistics PhD to benefit?
No. The course is designed for advanced researchers, but motivated MA-level scholars and language technologists will gain valuable tools.
$199 one-time. Approximately 60, 75 hours total, designed for flexible pacing over 8, 12 weeks..
Within 24 hours your account in the learning environment is provisioned and the tailored implementation playbook is delivered alongside it.
30-day money-back guarantee·
144 chapters·
Hand-built playbook included·
Account access within 24 hours