Hi!
Let us guess the meaning of these
following words based on how they are
used in these sentences. Choose the
correct letter that contains the correct
meaning to each highlighted word.
1. Attention everyone! Here are the rules that we will follow for
today’s game.
a. The set of explicit or understood set of regulations or principles
governing a conduct within a particular activity/sphere.
b. Control or dominion of a country or group of people.
c. An order made by the judge of court with reference to a particular case.
2. These time constraints make it impossible to do anything all at
once.
d. A limitation or restriction.
e. A stiffness of manner and inhibitions in relations with people.
f. A adjective that describes restriction.
3. These consonant clusters are seen in the most basic
English words.
a. A group of consonants pronounced in immediate succession.
b. A group of stars or galaxies forming a relatively close association.
c. A group of atoms of the same element.
Great job for guessing
them right! Now, let’s
discuss!
Let’s Recap
What can you infer about
these photos and how they
are connected to
Linguistics?
Phonotactics – a
discourse
Report made by: Nicole Jimenez
What is Phonotactics?
- Phonotactics refers to the rules governing the permissible
combination of phonemes (sounds) in a language.
- In Phonology, Phonotactics refers to the rules, restraints,
and constraints governing the permissible
combinations of sounds in a language. These rules
determine the allowed sequences of phonemes and their
placement within the syllable structures and words,
contributing to the uniqueness of language.
Did you know?
Phonotactic rules of a language are often
unconscious to its speakers. This means that
native speakers intuitively follow these rules
without being explicitly aware of them.
Functions and Aspects of
Phonotactics in English
By the way, we actually like that all of you can contribute ideas to a more meaningful discourse. Wag mahiya
Syllable Structure
In English, the canonical syllable structure is the CVC
(Consonant-vowel-Consonant)
Phonotactic rules dictate which consonant and vowel
combinations are allowed.
Prevent Ambiguity
Phonotactic Constraints help avoid confusion and
maintain clear word boundaries, ensuring that speech
is not misinterpreted by listeners. This is particularly
crucial in English, since this language has many
homophones.
Foreign Word Adaptation
Phonotactic rules influence the way loanwords are
adapted into English, as native speakers tend to
modify unfamiliar sound sequences to match those
found in their own language.
Examples:
Japanese – SUSHI English – SUSHI
Hungarian – PAPRIKA English - PAPRIKA
Speech Errors
Phonotactic constraints can influence the types of
errors that occur during speech production as
speakers accidentally produce illegal sound sequences.
Language Learning
Phonotactic rules can pose challenges for learners of
English as Second Language, as they may struggle to
adjust to the unique combinations of sounds and
constraints in English. However, awareness of
phonotactics principles can help learners develop
accurate pronunciation and frequency.
Phonotactic Restraints
vs. Phonotactic
Constraints
Any contribution of ideas are highly encouraged
Phonotactic Constraints
These are specific rules within a language that prevent certain
combinations or sequences of sounds. They help maintain
distinct word boundaries and reduce ambiguity. Phonotactic
constraints are considered absolute and define what is allowed
within a language.
Example: The absence of /ŋ/ at the beginning of syllables in
English.
The presence of /s/+stop consonant clusters at initial positions,
like in “spoon” or “stop”.
Phonotactic Restraints
These prefer to the preferences and tendencies in a language
regarding sound sequences. Rather than being viewed as
absolute rules, restraints are guidelines that provide insight
into a language’s patterns and inclinations in terms of sound
distribution.
Example: The preference for sequences of stop consonant +
liquid consonant in English, such as ‘pl’ in “play” or ‘gl’ in
“globe”.
The tendency to avoid complex consonant clusters at the
beginning of syllables.
Common Phonotactic
Rules in English
Hi there? You okay?
By the way…
Phonotactics comprises a wide range of rules and restrictions
that govern how sounds are combines in any given language.
When it comes to the English Language, there are several rules
that come into play, delineating permissible sound sequences
and syllable structures.
Here are some key phonotactic rules in English…
Onset Clusters
These are consonant clusters that occur at the beginning
of a syllable. Certain combinations are allowed in
English, such as ‘pr’ in “prey” and ‘tr’ in “tree”. However,
there are others that are not permitted like ‘tl’ or ‘zb’.
Coda Clusters
These are consonant sequences found at the end of the
syllable. Some familiar coda clusters include ‘st’ in “lust” or ‘ft’ in
“loft”. As with onset clusters, certain combinations are not
allowed like “bd” or “gt”.
The SSP
SSP means Sonority Sequencing Principle. This states that the sounds
within a syllable should follow a specific sonority hierarchy; lower sonority
sounds at the edges and higher sonority sounds in the middle. In English,
this results in specific constraints on consonant and vowel combinations.
Vowel Quality Restrictions
English has certain rules regarding the use of vowels in specific
positions. For example, unstressed syllables often contain a
‘schwa’ vowel /ə/, like in ‘sofa’ and ‘photograph’.
Constraint on Consonant Gemination
In English, there are restrictions on the doubling the consonant
within word. Gemination – meaning the doubling of consonants,
occurs intervocalically (between vowels) and is often present in
morphologically complex words.
This are limited to either of the following; Word Boundaries and
Morpheme Boundaries.
Word Boundaries – calm man; this site
Morpheme Boundaries – dinner; misspell
Let’s trickle our brains a
little….
The pictures you saw is the IPA (International Phonetic
Alphabet). Now, I have the IPA equivalents of these
basic words.
I want you guys to read these words based on the IPA
symbols… Game?!
1. /kən/
2. /ɛdʒ/
3. /strɒŋ/
4. /rʌn/
5. /kæt/
6. /breIk/
IPA’s Purpose
The IPA is a notation system that represent each unique speech
sound, or phoneme.
These enable linguists and learners to analyze phonotactic
patterns in individual words and across the language.
In English, it consists of 44 phonemes, including 24 consonants
and 20 vowel sounds.
Why is Phonotactics
Important?
Anyone can raise their ideas before going on to the topic
In the field of Linguistics, Phonotactics is a crucial area of
study. As it enables researchers to investigate sound
patterns and constraints that shape all languages. The
analysis of phonotactic rules can reveal insights into a
language’s structure, historical development, and
relationships with other languages.
There are various linguistic theories that can help explain
the nature of phonotactic restrictions and the ways in
which they impact language perception and production.
These theories deal with the different aspects of
phonotactics, all aiming to provide a more comprehensive
understanding of rules and constraints.
Theory 1: Generative
Phonology
This theory posits that phonological processes
and constraints can be defined with algebraic
rules and formal systems. It explains how
phonotactic patterns emerge from interactions
between universal principles and language-
specific rules.
Theory 2: Optimality Theory
This framework assumes that phonological
forms result from interaction of competing
constraints that differ in their ranking across
languages. By analyzing phonotactic patterns
in this way, linguists can gain insight into
language variation and changes.
Theory 3: Articulatory Phonology
This theory focuses on the relationship
between articulatory gestures and the
resulting speech sounds. It processes that
phonotactic constraints may arise from the
limitations of the human vocal tract and the
physiological difficulties in producing certain
combinations of sounds.
Any Questions?
Min’na Arigatō
Gozaimasu!
Have a great night and take care
