Blevins, Juliette2008-06-172008-06-172007-06-27Blevins, Juliette. 2007. Endangered sound patterns: Three perspectives on theory and description. Language Documentation & Conservation 1(1):1-16.1934-5275http://hdl.handle.net/10125/1721In this essay, I highlight the important role of endangered language documentation and description in the study of sound patterns. Three different perspectives are presented: a long view of phonology, from ancient to modern traditions; an areal and genetic view of sound patterns, and their relation to theory and description; and a practical perspective on the importance of research on endangered sound patterns. All perspectives converge on a common theme: the most lasting and influential contributions to the field are those with seamless boundaries between description and analysis.engendangered sound patternsArticle