The constraints on sequences of segments are called phonotactic con -straints or phonotactics of a language. Word phonotactics in English are based on syllable phonotactics. This means that only clusters which can begin a syllable can begin a word and that a possible cluster at the end of a syllable can end a word. In multisyllabic words, the clusters consist of syllable final and syllable initial sequences. A word like instruct can be divided into well-formed syllables /In $ strΛkt/, because the word final and initial syllables consist of possible constraints in English.
The arrangement of different phonemes is restricted. Some sequences are possible but have no meaning; some are not possible words in the English language. Nonsense words are possible words, respectively possible sequences of sounds of a particular language. They can be seen as accidental gaps in the vocabulary. The word Crike [krajk] obeys the phonological rules of the English language, but does not have any meaning. This phenomenon must be distinguished from non-words. Their sequences have no meaning either, but their sequences are not possible words of a language (For example bkli). If a form is not allowed by the phonotactics of a language there is said to be a systematic gap in the vocabulary.
(Fromkin, Victoria. Rodman, Robert. An Introduction to Language. 6th edition. Hardcourt Brace College Publishers. United States of America. 1998)
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Syllable constructions
- Phonetic constraints at the beginning of an English word or syllable
- Phonetic constraints at the end of an English word or syllable
- Phonological rules – The function of phonological rules
- Feature changing rules
- Assimilation rules
- Coalescence rules
- Dissimilation rules
- Feature addition rule
- Segment Addition and Deletion rules
- Consonant and vowel epenthesis
- Schwa rule
- Alveolar flap rule
- Feature changing rules
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This seminar explores the phonetic constraints that govern the sounds and sound combinations in the English language. It delves into the phonotactics of English, examining how these constraints shape the structure of syllables and words.
- Syllable structure and its impact on word formation
- Phonetic constraints at the beginning and end of words and syllables
- The role of phonological rules in shaping sound patterns
- The distinction between permissible and non-permissible sound sequences
- The influence of phonological constraints on language acquisition and dialectal variation
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of phonotactics, explaining that the constraints on sound sequences in a language are based on syllable structure. It defines nonsense words and non-words and highlights how phonotactics can create systematic gaps in the vocabulary.
- Syllable constructions: This chapter examines the maximum number of consonants allowed at the beginning and end of syllables. It distinguishes between open and closed syllables and identifies the "most natural" syllable structure in English, which is CV.
- Phonetic constraints at the beginning of an English word or syllable: This chapter outlines the rules governing the arrangement of consonants at the beginning of words and syllables, including the maximum number of consonants allowed and the permissible order of sounds. It also explores the influence of dialectal variation on consonant sequences.
- Phonetic constraints at the end of an English word or syllable: This chapter discusses the restrictions on consonant combinations at the end of words and syllables, focusing on the role of obstruents in final position.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Phonotactics, syllable structure, phonetic constraints, phonological rules, nonsense words, non-words, open syllables, closed syllables, consonant clusters, obstruents, dialectal variation, language acquisition.
- Quote paper
- Nicole Hahn (Author), 2004, Phonetics Constrains in the English language, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/61347
