Nikolai Trubetzkoy

A pioneer of modern phonology and structuralism in linguistics. His

contributions to the field have had a lasting impact.
Biography
Birth and Education Academic Career Death

Trubetzkoy was born in He taught at different Trubetzkoy died in 1938 in

Moscow in 1890 and went universities across Europe Austria at the age of 48 due
on to study at the and authored various to pneumonia.
University of Moscow. publications on linguistics.
Contributions to Linguistics
Phonology Mathematical Modeling

Trubetzkoy’s work on phonology rested on the Trubetzkoy is also credited with using
principle of phoneme, which he defined as “a mathematical modeling to understand and
minimal distinctive unit of sound in a categorize language.
language.”
Principles of Phonology

1 Phoneme

A minimal distinctive unit of sound in a language

2 Opposition and Distinctiveness

Phonemes are not arbitrary but are defined through their opposition to other sounds.

3 Phonemic Analysis

Linguistic analysis requires identifying phonic elements in a language and

determining their distinctiveness.
Structuralist Approach
Language as a System Language Universals Synchronic Approach

Trubetzkoy saw language Trubetzkoy believed that Trubetzkoy focused on the

as a system of linguistic structures have grammatical elements of a
interconnected parts that universal characteristics language at a specific point
work together to produce that transcend specific in time without considering
meaning. languages or cultures. historical development.
Legacy
Impact on Russian Linguistics International Phonetic Alphabet

Trubetzkoy's work has had a significant impact

Trubetzkoy's principles on phonology were
on the development of Russian linguistics.
instrumental in the development of the
International Phonetic Alphabet
Other Works and Achievements
1 The Principles of Phonology

A seminal book that still serves as a reference for the study of generative
phonology.

2 The Monumental Work on Semiotics

A posthumously published two-volume treatise that laid the foundation for the
study of signs.