📝 Concise Exam Q&A – Phonological Theories

Linear Theories

Q1. What is a distinctive feature?

A1. A binary property (+/–) that distinguishes phonemes (e.g., [+voice] vs. [–voice]). Clinically: reveals error patterns.

Linear Theories

Q2. Difference between phonological and phonetic representation?

A2. Phonological = abstract, underlying form.
Phonetic = actual spoken output.

Linear Theories

Q3. Define naturalness vs. markedness.

A3. Natural = simple, common (e.g., voiceless stops).
Marked = complex, rare (e.g., affricates).

Linear Theories

Q4. Why is natural phonology useful clinically?

A4. Explains typical phonological processes in children; helps distinguish immature vs. atypical patterns.

Nonlinear Theories

Q5. Linear vs. nonlinear theories?

A5. Linear = equal focus on segments.
Nonlinear = hierarchy, stress, suprasegmentals.

Nonlinear Theories

Q6. What is the peak of a syllable?

A6. The vowel/syllabic consonant nucleus; required in every syllable.

Nonlinear Theories

Q7. How does metrical phonology help in therapy?

A7. Identifies errors in stress/syllable structure (e.g., weak syllable deletion).

Nonlinear Theories

Q8. What are GEN and EVAL in Optimality Theory?

A8. GEN = generates possible outputs.
EVAL = selects best output using ranked constraints.

Nonlinear Theories

Q9. Clinical use of Optimality Theory?

A9. Restructure child’s constraint hierarchy to match adult speech; one shift can fix multiple errors.

Phonemes vs. Allophones

Q10. Define phoneme with example.

A10. Meaning-contrastive unit. Ex: /t/ vs. /d/ → “ten” vs. “den.”

Phonemes vs. Allophones

Q11. Define allophone with example.

A11. Non-contrastive variant. Ex: [pʰ] in “pat” vs. [p] in “tap.”

Phonemes vs. Allophones

Q12. Why must SLPs distinguish phonemes from allophones?

A12. Prevents mislabeling normal variation as a disorder.

Clinical Applications

Q13. Child substitutes [t] for [k], [d] for [g]. Which theory applies?

A13. Distinctive features — error in place of articulation.

Clinical Applications

Q14. Child says “nana” for “banana.” Which theory applies?

A14. Metrical phonology — weak syllable deletion.

Clinical Applications

Q15. Child drops final consonants. OT interpretation?

A15. No-Coda outranks Include-Coda. Therapy shifts ranking.