Lingusitics 103A Final

What is assimilation, and why might it be a common alternation in the world’s languages?

Assimilation is when a sound changes to sound more similar to the other sounds in the environment. This is common as it makes talking easier for speakers since it means there’s less movement required within the vocal tract.

What is alpha notation, and why is it used? Give an example of a kind of phonological process that would be described using alpha notation.

Alpha notation is a symbol for a positive or negative status of a feature that is shared across two sounds. However, this positive or negative status is unknown, but it’s certain they’re the same. For example, [+consl]—> [avoice]/ __ [+cons avoice]

Alternations in data will either be allophonic or neutralizing. What is the difference between the two? How can you tell which your data shows?

Allophonic alternations focus on swapping out allophones in an environment like p and p^h, while neutralization switches out separate phonemes such as [s] and [z]. This results in constrastive distribution. You would have to look for contexts outside the data to determine whether it is neutralization or allophonic alternation.

What is feeding? What is counterfeeding? How can you tell if your derivation has either property?

Feeding occurs when a prior rule creates the environment for the following rule to apply.

Counterfeeding occurs when an a later rule would’ve created the environment for the first rule to apply if it came first, but since the later rule occurs later the first rule doesnt apply.

Why are counter feeding and counter bleeding considered opaque rules?

Counter feeding and counter bleeding as considered opaque since they are less apparent than transparent ordering. Because the placement destroys the possibility for one rule to apply, one can’t see this relationship as clearly