Modification of phonemes

Cards (21)

  • Phonemes
    The distinct sounds in a language
  • Phonemes change when spoken in sentences
  • These changes make speech easier and more efficient
  • These modifications happen not only between words but also within words and morphemes (the smallest meaningful units)
  • Main types of sound changes
    • Assimilation
    • Accommodation
    • Vowel reduction
    • Elision
  • Assimilation
    A consonant changes due to a neighboring consonant
  • Regressive Assimilation
    The first sound is affected by the one that follows
  • Progressive Assimilation
    The first sound affects the one that follows
  • Types of Assimilation
    • Obligatory Assimilation
    • Non-obligatory Assimilation
  • Obligatory Assimilation
    Happens in all speech styles and must be learned when mastering a language
  • Non-obligatory Assimilation
    Occurs in casual, rapid speech and varies based on speaking rate and style
  • Degrees of Assimilation
    • Partial Assimilation
    • Complete Assimilation
  • Partial Assimilation
    Only some features of the phoneme are affected
  • Complete Assimilation
    All features of the phoneme are affected
  • Examples of Assimilation
    • Place of Articulation Changes
    • Manner of Articulation Changes
    • Voicing Changes
    • Degree of Noise Changes
  • Accommodation
    Consonants change due to neighboring vowels and vice versa
  • Vowel Reduction
    Vowels become weaker (shorter or less distinct) in unstressed positions
  • Elision
    Complete loss of sounds, both vowels and consonants
  • Elision Examples
    • Loss of [h] in pronouns and auxiliary verbs (e.g., "he" becomes 'e)
    • Loss of [l] when preceded by [ɔː] (e.g., "already")
    • Loss of sounds in consonant clusters (e.g., "next day")
  • Linking [r]
    Pronounced when a word ending in [r] is followed by a vowel
  • Intrusive [r]
    Inserted even where no [r] is in the spelling