Phonetically Based Phonology

by Edited by Bruce Hayes , Robert Kirchner , Donca Steriade

• ISBN13: 9780521054614
• ISBN10: 0521054613
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-01-21
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

Phonetically Based Phonology is centred around the hypothesis that phonologies of languages are determined by phonetic principles; that is, phonetic patterns involving ease of articulation and perception are expressed linguistically as grammatical constraints. This book brings together a team of scholars to provide a wide-ranging study of phonetically based phonology. It investigates the role of phonetics in many phonological phenomena - such as assimilation, vowel reduction, vowel harmony, syllable weight, contour line distribution, metathesis, lenition, sonority sequencing, and the Obligatory Contour Principle (OCP) - exploring in particular the phonetic bases of phonological markedness in these key areas. The analyses also illustrate several analytical strategies whereby phonological sound patterns can be related to their phonological underpinnings. Each chapter includes a tutorial discussion of the phonetics on which the phonological discussion is based. Diverse and comprehensive in its coverage, Phonetically Based Phonology will be welcomed by all linguists interested in the relationship between phonetics and phonological theory.

Table of Contents

List of contributors

List of abbreviations

Introduction: the phonetic bases of phonological Markedness

A review of perceptual cues and cue robustness

Place assimilation

The typology of rounding harmony

The evolution of metathesis

The role of contrast-specific and language-specific phonetics in contour tone distribution

Vowel reduction Katherine

Contrast and perceptual distinctiveness

Syllable weight

Consonant lenition

Language processing and segmental OCP effects

Index

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