Distribution of phonemes. Phonemic oppositions.

Each phoneme manifests itself in a certain pattern of distribution – all the positions or combinations in which it occurs. There are three types of distribution:

1) free variation is the simplest distribution of a single phoneme, pronounced differently (ex. initial [k] pronounced with different degrees of aspiration).

2) complementary distribution – when one phoneme manifests itself in the form of different allophones, which occur in different positions and never occur in the same phonetic context. It explains why allophones of the same phoneme can’t differentiate meaning (ex. try, stable, twice etc.).

3. contrastive distribution – when allophones of different phonemes occur in the same phonetic context (ex. pit – bit – sit – kit – wit).

Contrastive distribution is the basis for phonological, or distinctive oppositions. The opposition of phonemes in the same phonetic environment differentiates the meaning of morphemes and words (ex. try – dry). A phoneme can only perform its distinctive function if it is opposed to another phoneme or zero phoneme in the same position. The phonemes of a language form a system of oppositions. According to the number of distinctive articulatory features, underlying the opposition, the latter can be single, double and triple (or multiple).

If members of the opposition differ in one feature the opposition is single. Ex. pen – Ben ([p] – [b] common features – occlusive, labial, differentiating features – voiced/voiceless).

If members of the opposition differ in two features the opposition is double. Ex. pen – den ([p] – [d] common feature – occlusive, differentiating features – labial/lingual, voiceless/voiced).

If members of the opposition differ in three features the opposition is triple. Ex. pen – then ([p] – [ð] differentiating features – occlusive/constrictive, labial/dental, voiceless/voiced).

<== попередня сторінка	\|	наступна сторінка ==>
Relevant and irrelevant features of allophones. The invariant.	\|	Allophones and phones.

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