Chapter 4 - The sound patterns of language Flashcards
Phonology
The abstract representation of sounds in our minds. To recognize and interpret the meaning of words.
Phoneme
: Each meaning-distinguishing sound in a language. If we change one sound in a word and the word changes meaning, it is distinct phonemes.
Natural class
Phonemes that share features. +- is used, for instance -voice + velar +stop (/k/).
Phones
Different sounds in the mouth.
Allophone
Version of the same phonemes. T in tar is with puff of air, aspiration ([th] while in star without
Complementary distribution
When we have two different pronunciations (allophones) of a sound type (phoneme) each used in different places in a word. Th in beginning, but never after consonant. They never overlap
Minimal pair
Two words that are identical except for a contrast in one phoneme at the same place.
Minimal set
Same as minimal pair but several words.
Phonotactics
Permitted arrangement of sounds. Fsig is not acceptable. But lig could become a new word.
Syllable
Must contain a vowel or vowel-like sound. Basic elements are the onset (C) followed by the rhyme. The Rhyme consists of a vowel (nucleus) plus following consonants (coda).
Open syllable
Onset and a nucleus, but no coda (me, to, no).
Closed syllable
Has a coda (up, cup, hat)
Consonant cluster
When an onset or a coda consists of more than one consonant. (bl in black).
Coarticulation effects
: Occurs when we talk fast and spontaneous. For instance assimilation, elision.
Assimilation
When two sound segments occur in sequence and some aspect of one segment is copied by the other. I have to go, the v becomes voiceless f because t is voiceless. Hafto.
