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Chapter 6: Phonology: The sound patterns of Language

When we individually discuss phonology I will ask about the ‘stuff’ we did in class as
well as about the questions and terminology listed below (There is no need, therefore,
to read the chapter in full, as long as you find the necessary info).

1. How do you understand the term ‘sound system’ or ‘sound pattern’?


2. How do you understand the difference between phonology and phonetics?


3. What is a phoneme?


4. Why [/] is not a phoneme in English?


5. What is the difference between the two types of free variation a) and b)?

a) [i:D´] / [aiD´], [i:k´"nomik] / [ek´"nomik]

b) [botl] / [bo/l], [piti] / [pi|i] / [pi/i]

6. Why nasalized vowels in English never contrast with oral vowels?


7. [N] and [h] are in complementary distribution in English, does it mean they are allophones of one
phoneme?


8. What is the story of -al/-ar in English anecdotal vs. angular?

9. What is the role/function of distinctive features?




Be ready to define and illustrate the following terms:
phoneme, phone, allophone, allomorph, minimal pair, free variation, distinctive feature, complementary
distribution, geminate, phonotactic constraints, assimilation, dissimilation, metathesis, neutralization,
spoonerism, Onset Maximisation, Sonority Hierarchy, Sonority Sequencing, accidental gaps, redundant
features, syllable structure, phonological rule, major class features, matathesis