Bridging the gap between sound and spoken language. An investigation into the resonance between acoustics and early language acquisition

The study of linguistics has been dominated by a graphocentric approach to language, overlooking the fact that spoken language has at its heart a phonocentric beat. This dissertation considers the intricate relationship between sound and spoken language. The discussion centres on whether the connection between these two phenomena can support the construction of a bridge theory. Establishing such a theory is the first step towards the use of a Windows Approach to early language acquisition research. Put simply, a Windows Approach proceeds from the assumption that ‘[…] a phenomenon X is considered a window on a distinct phenomenon Y if by “looking at” X it is possible to “see” something of Y’ (Botha 2006: 132). The study concludes with comments which touch upon the possible views a ‘sound window’ can offer linguists interested in understanding the child’s first experience of the spoken word.