Is ʔ an Element? Towards a Non-segmental Phonology

Main author: Jensen, Sean
Format: Monographs and Working Papers           
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id eprints-12725
recordtype eprints
institution SOAS, University of London
collection SOAS Research Online
language English
language_search English
description This paper argues that the element calculus of Government Phonology is overburdened. In particular it shows that the simple act of supposing extra elements to explain consonantal phenomena leads to far reaching and undesirable empirical consequences. An alternative approach is proposed which leaves the elemental inventory containing only those elements attested in both nuclei and non-nuclei. The phonetic impression of consonantism is attributed to the direct interpretation of supra-skeletal structure. Some typical textbook problems involving consonant ‘mutations’ are explored in light of this simple shift of perspective, with attractive solutions. The metatheoretical benefits of this approach are highlighted and particular areas of existing supra-skeletal theory are singled out as likely to require ‘tweaking’.
format Monographs and Working Papers
author Jensen, Sean
author_facet Jensen, Sean
authorStr Jensen, Sean
author_letter Jensen, Sean
title Is ʔ an Element? Towards a Non-segmental Phonology
publisher In "SOAS Working Papers in Linguistics and Phonetics". Vol 4, pp 71-78
publishDate 1994
url https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/12725/