Historical Phonology & Morphology B

Question 1

B: Phonological ‘reduction’: points

Answer 1

Intro 2
R-deletion 3
rule change 2
NY English 2
PR + lexicalization 2

Question 2

B: Phonological ‘reduction’: intro

Answer 2

• PR = loss / simplification of phonological rules / processes in a lang over time
• English PR manifested through various means; influencing modern English

Question 3

B: Phonological ‘reduction’: R-deletion

Answer 3

• the /r/ sound is omitted in certain phonological environments
• initially increased variability: speakers inconsistently applying the rule
• became obligatory in most varieties of spoken English in England = widespread adoption restructuring of Eng’s phonological system

Question 4

B: Phonological ‘reduction’: rule change

Answer 4

• PR seen in rule change = l-vocalisation
• reflects transformation in pronunciation of consonant /l/, transitioning from dark /l/ to vocalised /l/, altering phonetic realisation of the sound

Question 5

B: Phonological ‘reduction’: NY English

Answer 5

• PR can entail the complete loss of phonological rules = disappearance of their effect
• NYC English = r-realisation has diminished, with vocalised /l/ altering phonetic realisation of the sound

Question 6

B: Phonological ‘reduction’: PR + lexicalization

Answer 6

• English PR sometimes = RL with lexicalization
  = phonological rules + their effects = restructured within the language’s lexicon
• Exemplified in development of French phonemic nasal vowels which underwent successive stages of restructuring + lexicalization leading to changes in phonological representation of nasal vowels