Phonology

Question 1

Define phoneme

Answer 1

An abstract category which represents a group of sounds which share the similar phonetic characteristics. i.e. a phoneme can have more than one pronunciation,

Question 2

Define minimal pair

Answer 2

Two words which differ in only one phoneme (sound), in exactly the same position
e.g. rouge [ʁuʒ] - bouge [buʒ]

Question 3

Define commutation test

Answer 3

Allows us to identify minimal pairs.
Substitution of one sound for the other (in the same position in a word) to see if it changes the meaning of the word.
If meaning changes = 2 phonemes.
Applies to sound, not spelling.

Question 4

Define allophone

Answer 4

Variants of a phoneme i.e. pronunciations.

Question 5

Can you find minimal pairs for allophones? Why?

Answer 5

No, because they are not contrastive (don’t change the meaning of the word).
Allophones are either in free variation or complementary distribution.

Question 6

Where are allophones found?

Answer 6

In free variation or complementary distribution.

Question 7

Define free variation

Answer 7

When two/more sounds occur in the same contexts & substituting one for the other does not change the meaning of the word.

Question 8

Give an example of free variation

Answer 8

E.g. French [r] (trill) vs. [ʁ] (standard) - [ruʒ] [ʁuʒ] both mean red.

Question 9

Define complementary distribution

Answer 9

When two/more sounds are never found in the same phonological contexts.

Question 10

Give an example of complementary distribution

Answer 10

E.g. Affrication in Canadian French.
[t] (stop) vs. [ts] (affricate) // [d] vs. [dz].
The affricates are only pronounced before front high vowels [i] & [y].
In all other contexts, stops are pronounced.

Question 11

Are phonemes written between [ ] or / /

Answer 11

/ /

Question 12

Are allophones written between [ ] or / /

Answer 12

[ ]