Phontactics

Question 1

Define Phonotactics

Answer 1

Phonotactics are the set of allowed arrangements or sequences of speech sounds in a given language

This is the area of phonology concerned with the analysis and description of the permitted sound sequences in a language

Question 2

Describe Syllables in a Phonetic context

Explain Onset and Rhyme

Answer 2

Syllables are composed of the Onset and Rhyme, rather than just thinking about the consonants and vowels

Onset: all consonants (single or in clusters) that precede a vowel (split, coke, face); some syllables have no onset if no initial consonant exists (eat, I, afraid)

Rhyme: is made up of a nucleus and a coda

Nucleus: (apart of rhyme) usually a vowel or syllabic consonant (a consonant that assumes the role of a vowel); must consider how it sounds

Coda: consonants that follow the nucleus, may be either single consonants or consonant clusters; may not be present (bongo)

Question 3

Explain the difference between Open and Closed syllables

What must we consider when we determine which type of syllable we are working with?

Answer 3

Open Syllables: end with a vowel phoneme and no coda (maybe)

Closed Syllables: end with a coda/consonant phoneme (“had”, and both syllables in “contain”)

When we determine which type of syllable we are working with REMEMBER to consider the phonemic makeup of the syllable and NOT its spelling

Question 4

How are phonotactic rules significant in transcription?

Answer 4

Order of consonant and vowel phonemes in words that are language specific-these rules dictates permissable syllable structure, consonant clusters, etc, within a language

CV (two), CVCV (baby), CCVCC (sticks), VC (at), CVC (cat), CCCVC (strips)

Question 5

Describe the significance of Word Stress in phonetics.

Why is pitch rise important?

What is a Multisyllabic word?

Answer 5

Syllables are produced with different levels of effort

A Stressed syllable is longer in duration, higher in pitch, and greater in intensity (louder)

The pitch rise is particularly important in alerting listeners to the stressed syllable in word

We recognize words not only by phonemes, but by particular stress patterns associated with them (CONfuse vs. conFUSE)

Multisyllabic words will always have one syllable that receives primary stress or greatest emphasis (SISter, courAgeous)

Stress also helps to distinguish between words that are spelled the same, but vary in part of speech or word class (CONtract (nount) vs conTRACT (verb))