Skip to content

Phonology Tools

Technology Domain No module yet
Target competencyIs able to use the tools for doing phonological analysis and is able to consult others in their use.

Why it matters

This competency covers using the current phonology tools to produce a phonology sketch and determine the orthography of a language, and training others to use them.

Progression

Each rung is a level a learner is at; its activities are what carries them to the next one. How to read these levels

Can teach others to use text-based phonology tools

  1. 0No Competency

    Demonstrates basic knowledge of phonological tools

    Carries a learner to 1 — Has Knowledge

  2. 1Has Knowledge

    Can use phonology tools and troubleshoot issues that arise

    Carries a learner to 2 — With Assistance

  3. 2With Assistance

    Can input lexical data into a text-centric phonology tool (e.g., Phonology Assistant or Dekereke).

    Carries a learner to 3 — Independent

  4. 3Independent

    Prepare and teach a phonology tools module as part of a training event

    Carries a learner to 4 — Expert

  5. 4Expert

    Train someone to teach a phonology tool module

    Top of the ladder

Statistical Instrumental Analysis

  1. 0No Competency

    Participate in a phonology training event as a teaching assistant.

    Carries a learner to 1 — Has Knowledge

  2. 1Has Knowledge

    Learn to use a speech analysis tool (such as Speech Analyzer) to identify pitch melodies (tone), frequencies, and length of utterances.

    Carries a learner to 2 — With Assistance

  3. 2With Assistance

    Work with a linguist to learn about the types of frames that are useful for studying certain features. Investigate the methods and statistics used to justify or disprove linguistic theories or develop orthographies.

    Carries a learner to 3 — Independent

  4. 3Independent

    Learn to use and teach instrumental audio analysis tools (such as Praat or Speech Analyzer) to identify and quantify the qualities and parameters of spoken utterances.

    Carries a learner to 4 — Expert

  5. 4Expert

    Assist users with scripting (ex. R) to process and aggregate instrumental analysis data.

    Top of the ladder

Description

Knowledgeable about the current phonology tools.

Further Information

  • Cambridge Journal of PhonologySite · cambridge.orgHome page of the peer-reviewed journal Phonology from Cambridge, for finding academic phonology research.
  • Phonology AssistantSite · software.sil.orgProduct site for Phonology Assistant, which charts sounds from phonetic data and works with FieldWorks, Toolbox and Speech Analyzer.
  • Phonology Assistant 3Site · lingtransoft.infoLingTranSoft page about Phonology Assistant 3, for finding information and materials on the program.
  • Dekereke Tutorials and Help MaterialsGuide · casali.canil.caVideo tutorials for Dekereke covering installation, display settings, data restrictions and sound files, plus a paper on importing and exporting data.
  • Speech Analyzer: a computer program for acoustic analysisSite · software.sil.orgProduct site for Speech Analyzer, SIL's acoustic speech analysis tool, with downloads, documentation and support links.
  • AudacitySite · audacityteam.orgHome page of Audacity, the free audio recording and editing program, with downloads for each operating system and plugins.
  • PraatSite · fon.hum.uva.nlHome page of Praat, software for phonetic analysis and speech synthesis, with downloads for multiple platforms.

More in the resource library.

Descriptor last updated 2026-09-03.