Principles of Generative Phonology is a basic, thorough introduction to phonological theory and practice. It aims to provide a firm foundation in the theory of distinctive features, phonological rules and rule ordering, which is essential to be able to appreciate recent developments and discussions in phonological theory. Chapter 1 is a review of phonetics; chapter 2 discusses contrast and distribution, with emphasis on rules as the mechanism for describing distributions; chapter 3 introduces distinctive features, natural classes, and redundancy; chapter 4 builds on the concept of rules and shows how these can account for alternations; chapter 5 demonstrates the use of rule ordering; chapter 6 discusses abstractness and underlying representations; chapter 7 discusses post-SPE developments, serving as a prelude to more advanced texts. Each chapter includes exercises to guide the student in the application of the principles introduced in that chapter and to encourage thinking about theoretical issues. The text has been classroom tested.

"Generative Phonology" offers an overview of the post-SPE theory of generative phonology and is suitable for linguists not specializing in phonology, who want to keep abreast of the latest developments in the subject. It deals with all the major trends in what has come to be known as "non-linear" phonology, including: particle phonology; dependancy phonology; government and charm phonology. Iggy Roca guides the reader through the developments of the various approaches, justifying their rationale against the background of SPE machinery, and providing the reader with the basic tools necessary to penetrate current problems and debates. This text aims to integrate the modules and proposals of what can seem a fragmentary field, into a cohesive body of living theory.

Generative phonology is a developing field of linguistics, and is producing both rival interpretations and models. This book provides a clear and accessible evaluation of the debate. It provides a detailed overview of the main models, revealing that they are often complimentary rather than contradictory, and how these can be interconnect and be used together to explore the subject.